Romans 8:28 - God's Work for Our Good

Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Message: All things in the in-between work together for good

Time: This book was probably written between 56 and 57 B.C. Paul was in Greece, probably Corinth when he wrote. It was sent to Gentile believers, but also believers with a strong Jewish element.

What the Lord is Saying:

I really struggle in life at things that get over-used. I've always struggled with songs that get overplayed. There are times when those songs are great. I rarely like the sports teams that everyone seems to like, all the time. I struggle at times with which people use verses over and over for any and every circumstance. This is one of those verses that I tend to be somewhat cautious in using. I formerly used it all the times. But, I often notice how often it is used now by people when they are praying and I just wonder if it is really meant to be used for any and all circumstances.

In looking at what Paul is speaking about in Romans 8, he really seems to be focusing on our future position in Christ and a focus on the future based upon our current circumstances. He wants me to see that I have been adopted into the family of God and so I'm a part of God's family. And he wants me to see that though I live in a world often with a message of futility I have assurance of the future and the hope of my future position with God for all eternity.

In the past two verses, Paul began to show me that Roman Christians had a weakness in praying. And so Paul lets them know that because they have the indwelling of the Spirit that the Spirit will carry them through their prayers and speak to them in ways that are hard to verbalize. So, the Spirit is there with them. And then he reminds them also that the Father is praying for them and praying in accordance with the purposes of the Holy Spirit.

God works it all out
And then in verse 28 is really a continued thought from verse 27 that says, "He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is." We know that God has taken care of our salvation. And he is guiding us and strengthening us with His Spirit in our sanctification. So, if we are resting on God as our anchor through all of this then verse 28 doesn't seem unusual at all. God will work it all out for our good. He will work all things will work together for good.

I think the danger sometimes is that we as humans are decided what are the "all things" and then we are also defining what is meant by "good." I think I need to be careful taking two bad things and then praying this verse and thinking those two bad things will result in 1 good thing.

In addition, this is a promise for those in Christ. It is for those who have the indwelling of the Spirit.

Promise: I don't want to take away from this verse because it has a wonderful promise that every circumstance of life, every success or failure work together for our final good. From Tabletalk, June 2014, "Nothing can thwart the Lord's intent to benefit His people. 

This prayer was read in church last Sunday. I love what it says and how it ends. We begin each day in joy, in hope, and in deep gladness.  

At the dawn

By Walter Brueggemann
Our first glimpse of reality this day -- everyday -- is your fidelity.
We are dazzled by the ways you remain constant among us,
        in season, out of season,
        for better, for worse,
        in sickness and in health.
You are there in watchfulness as we fall asleep;
You are there in alertness when we awaken ... and we are glad.
    Before the day ends, we will have occasion
            to flag your absence in indifference...
            but not now, not at the dawn.
    Before the day ends, we will think more than once
            that we need a better deal from you...
            but not now, not at the dawn.
    Before the day ends, we will look away from you and
            relish our own fidelity and our virtue in mercy...
            but not now, not at the dawn.
Now, at the dawn, our eyes are fixed on you in gladness.
    We ask only that your faithfulness
            permeate every troubled place we are able to name,
            that your mercy
            move against the hurts to make new,
            that your steadfastness
            hold firmly what is too fragile on its own.
And we begin the day in joy, in hope, and in deep gladness. Amen.