We Are Champions – Family Devotion – February 26, 2021

Romans 8:31-39

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:31-32,37

We Are Champions

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sometimes there are people who are so great at sports that their teams feel like they will never lose. Lakers fans think, “We have LeBron James now. We’ll win every championship.” In the past, Chicago fans used to think the same about Michael Jordan. Some football fans have thought, “We have Tom Brady… We have Aaron Rodgers; how can we lose?” And U.S. Olympic fans have good reason to believe, “We have Simone Biles. We will win every gymnastics gold medal.”

While it is true that some athletes are so great that they help their teams win a lot, no athlete is perfect. Sometimes they miss shots, throw interceptions, or fall off the balance beam. As great as they are, sometimes they lose and leave their fans disappointed.

Thanks be to God that Jesus is nothing like those worldly athletes. Jesus’ record is perfect! He never failed to defeat a single temptation from Satan. He won the ultimate and eternal championship when he crushed Satan at the cross. Jesus is Victor, Champion, and King of all! We will never ever be disappointed with Jesus on our side!

The apostle Paul reminds us of this with beautiful words today from Romans 8. Paul asks, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” In other words, if God is on our side, who can possibly defeat us and keep us out of heaven? You know the answer: No one! With God on our side, we can be confident and trust that we will win the victory of eternal life!

This is such comforting news! No matter what happens at school; no matter what disaster might happen like an earthquake, tornado, or hurricane; no matter what sickness or disease someone gets; nothing can separate us from God’s love. That’s right—not one person, not one problem, not Satan, and not even death itself can ever separate us from the love of God we have in Christ Jesus. We are conquerors! We are champions! We are winners forever in Jesus! Praise the Lord!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, you showed us your power over all things at your cross and your empty tomb. You also showed us your great love and forgiveness. Give us confidence and courage knowing that nothing will ever separate us from your power and love. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• How has Jesus shown to us that he has power over all things?
• How has Jesus shown to us that he loves us so much?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What things in this world do you think make people the most afraid?
• Explain why not even death can separate us from God’s love.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How does Satan use bad things in our lives to try and lead us away from God?
• What are ways that we can grow more confident in our trust in God’s love?

Hymn: CW 200:1,4 – A Mighty Fortress is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God, A trusty shield and weapon;
He helps us free from ev’ry need That has us now o’ertaken.
The old evil foe Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might Are his dread arms in fight;
On earth is not his equal.

The Word they still shall let remain, Nor any thanks have for it;
He’s by our side upon the plain With his good gifts and Spirit.
And do what they will—Hate, steal, hurt, or kill—
Though all may be gone, Our victory is won;
The kingdom’s ours forever!