5. How did Paul describe his relationship with God? Acts 27:23.
NOTE: ‘The apostle says: “From henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” The marks of the Lord Jesus are His characteristics and the life of Jesus is His name. As men place their names on their property, in order that others may be warned not to interfere with it, so God does with His possession. This is our confidence. The Lord’s slave is a free man, and whoever can say of the Lord, “whose I am, and whom I serve,” can also say to all who have any designs against his liberty, “Hands off, for I belong to the Lord Jesus!” By the life of the Lamb, we successfully resist the devil, and cause him to flee from us. It is a glorious thing to be the property of the Lord; let us allow Him to stamp His image and superscription more distinctly upon us.’ E. J. Waggoner: Present Truth, May 9, 1901.
6. Can we be sure that God will be with us, no matter what may happen to us? Romans 8:35, 38-39.
NOTE: ‘How precious in time of need is the assurance of union with Jesus! We can say. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation?” No, for this makes us feel that Christ alone is our refuge, and we flee to Him for shelter. “Or distress?” No, for He is our consolation. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort: who comforteth us in all our tribulation.” 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4. “Or persecution?” No; “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10. “Or famine?” No, for we have God’s promise, “In famine He shall redeem thee from death.” Job 5:20. “In the days of famine they shall be satisfied.” Psalm 37:19. In fleeing unto Jesus we shall be fully satisfied. “Or nakedness?” Hear the voice of Jesus saying, “Buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.” Revelation 3:18. “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment.” Revelation 3:5. “Or peril?” No; Paul knew by experience what it was to be in peril. “In perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren.” 2 Corinthians 11:26. “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee.” 2 Corinthians 12:9. “Or sword?” The sword cannot kill the soul, for the life is hid with Christ in God. Well may we ask with Paul, “Who shall separate us from the love of God?” And answer, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38, 39.’ Our High Calling, page 320.