ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD Jimmy Young And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). While this passage can be a great comfort; it can also cause some puzzling questions. How can the untimely and tragic death of a loved one be something good? How is that troubles can be something for which we can gain good? The answer to these questions are found when a close study is made of our text. ALL THINGS In the context, all things refer to trials, tribulations, and persecutions mankind will have to bear (Romans 8:25-29). What we need to keep clear in our minds, is that, when trouble comes to us it is not the working of God (James 1:12-13). WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD Paul did not say that all things work for good. It is hard to find the good in single acts or in a series of acts. There are many things whose consequences are just as bad as they can be. What Paul did say is that all things work together for good, or in other words, all things work out for the best. Trials, tribulations, hardships and persecutions will come our way, but when it is all said and done, something good will come out of it (cf. James 1:2-4). What Christians have to keep in mind is the timetable is of God and not of man (2 Peter 3:4-9). Be assured the good will come even if it isn’t seen in this life time (2 Corinthians 4:14-5:1). TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD All things are not going to work for good for all people. Not all the bad things that happen to all folks are going to have a good outcome. Simply being persecuted or mistreated is not a guarantee of good things to come. The promise of Romans is conditional. The condition for all things to work together for good is to love God. If we truly love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength — we will love Him so much that we will never hesitate to obey Him (1 John 5:30). Do not expect all things to work together for good if you do not truly and completely love God! TO THEM WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE Let’s take a close look at this statement. According to whose purpose? Of course it would be God’s purpose. Called according to God’s intent and plan — it is according to the reason for God’s actions. You may be thinking, What is God’s purpose? Well, it is to save man from the penalty of his sinful actions (cf. Luke 19:10; John 17:4). The calling is according to God’s purpose. Many are called but few are chosen. People are called by the gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). God foreordained the way and the means of man’s calling, faith, and obedience. The called are the ones who obey the gospel call, they are followers of Jesus Christ, thus they are New Testament Christians. If we love/obey God, all things will work together for good!
Posted on: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 18:30:34 +0000
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