Finished Work of The Cross - Romans 8 (Part 3)"
This is the 7th message in the “Finished Work of the Cross” series (Part 3 on Romans 8:17b–30). It teaches that Jesus’ death and resurrection completed everything needed for salvation and spiritual life. Three core truths emerge: (1) believers will be glorified with Christ in new bodies at His return; (2) Christ always hears our prayers, with the Spirit interceding even when we lack words; (3) God is conforming every believer into Christ’s image through life’s trials and revelations. Prayer—especially listening prayer to discern God’s will—is highlighted as essential; praying God’s revealed will back to Him guarantees a “yes” answer in His timing. The message ends with a review of 22 prior Finished-Work truths and an invitation to the next in-person/Zoom service.
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### Key Points (Bullet List)
#### Context & Foundation
- Finished Work of the Cross = all spiritual blessings flowing from Jesus’ death, resurrection, and our faith in Him (John 19:30; John 1:29).
- 22 prior truths reviewed (e.g., forever in grace, co-crucified/resurrected, dead to sin/law, Spirit-led, etc.).
- Prayer appears ~320× in Scripture; 6 personal types (supplication, intercession, adoration, thanksgiving, confession, listening) + corporate prayer for church advancement.
- 3 possible answers to prayer: ** 1. Yes 2. No 3. Wait
- Pray “without ceasing” and “in the Spirit” (1 Thess 5:17; Eph 6:18); fleshly prayers usually unanswered, Spirit-led prayers always answered (1 John 5:14–15).
#### How to Know & Pray God’s Will
- Listening Prayer → God reveals His will (inner inkling, Scripture, picture, confirmation).
- Believer prays it back to God.
- God answers in His way/timing.
- Listening prayer is rarely taught but critical (1 Cor 2).
#### Three New Truths from Romans 8:17b–30
| # | Truth | Scripture | Core Idea |
| --- | ----- | --------- | --------- |
| 1 | We Will be Glorified with Christ | Rom 8:17b, 23–25 | Already glorified spiritually at salvation; physically at rapture—new bodies, no sickness/death. Present suffering incomparable to future glory. Wait patiently & confidently. |
| 2 | Christ Always Hears our Prayers | Rom 8:26–27 | Spirit intercedes with “groanings too deep for words” when we don’t know how to pray. Praying God’s revealed will = guaranteed answer. Not praying His will delays/hinders His plan (not changes it). |
| 3 | We Are Being Conformed into the Image of Christ | Rom 8:28–30 | God works all things for good (conformity to Christ) for those who love Him. Two paths: (a) tearing down flesh via trials; (b) building up via revelation. Lifelong process; degree varies per believer. |
#### Practical Takeaways
- Ask: “What has God revealed to you about the Finished Work lately?”
- Testify how hard circumstances later revealed God’s good (conformity).
- Praying according to God’s will advances His plan; neglecting it hinders it.
