8:36
Paul quotes from Ps 44:22, a psalm which recounts all sorts of troubles. Sometimes we seem to think that if only we had enough faith we would not have any troubles, and if we did encounter troubles they would not bother us. That is not the picture that the Bible paints. The Bible deals with real people, and through Christ we overcome troubles.
8:37
It is not just a matter of surviving, of getting through. In all these things we are more than conquerors. With Christ we overcome, we can do useful things in all circumstances. We can be a blessing to others in all circumstances, we can declare the goodness of God in all circumstances.
8:38,39
Paul finishes the chapter (though, of course, it wasn’t a chapter for him, just a section of the letter) by declaring his absolute confidence in the Lord. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ. Under the Law one’s confidence would in our ability to fulfil the Law. Paul has shown this to be a very dodgy foundation on which to build. Our confidence is entirely in God’s love for us, and this is demonstrated and ministered to us through Jesus Christ. It is built upon what Christ has done.
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