“God works for the good...” (Billy Russell, 5/31/20)

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                                      “God works for the good...”

 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  (Rom. 8:28, NIV)

 

On Pentecost Sunday, we do well to remind ourselves of God’s on-going work in our lives by His Spirit even in these days. Many believers hold this verse as their favorite promise passage because of the comfort and hope it brings.

 

What this verse does not teach: 1) We know all things.

                                                       2) All things are good.

                                                       3) This promise is for all people.

What this verse does teach:

     An Affirmation- “and we know...” (perfect: point in the past action

           continuing into the very present, onward). Our faith teaches a

           certainty of the knowledge of salvation and it’s impact on our lives.

                   

     A Promise- “...that in all things God works for the good...”

           Divine initiative as source of a confident hope. (J.Dunn)

           “The work of a loving God on behalf of His people.” (Dr. Corley)

           God directing (&/or allowing) life’s events to serve His purposes.

           We can have confidence in God’s sovereign oversight/intervention.

 

     A Relationship- “...of those who love him,” (“ the God lovers” -M. Bird)

                                “who have been called according to his purpose.”

           Note our personal response of God’s out-working: we love Him!

           “Coercive love is not love.” (-Dunn); “vital on-going love” (Mounce)

 

How do we live today within the comfort and hope of these truths?

   1) We live by faith - knowing our faith in God is secure, and not in vain.

             We live like God can be trusted “in all things...for the good....”

 

   2) We live in the light of the promise of God’s beneficial work on our

             behalf- despite the circumstances of our lives- He can make it

             “turn out for the best” (G. Osborne; e.g., Joseph in Gen. 50:20).

 

   3) We love the Lord for all the good He has already done for us in Christ

             (cf. 8:29-30)! We respond & give the Lord our love and allegiance.