Finding Hope and Joy in Life's Trials
Summary
In life, we often encounter situations that seem chaotic and overwhelming, but as believers, we hold onto the promise that God is working all things for our good. This is the essence of Romans 8:28-30, which assures us that God is actively involved in our lives, orchestrating events for our ultimate benefit. Even when life appears to be going well, we must remember that challenges are inevitable. Jesus himself promised that we would face troubles in this world. However, these trials are not without purpose. They are opportunities for God to mold us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.
The first promise we can cling to is that God works the bad out for our good. This is not a superficial assurance that everything happens for a reason, but a profound truth that God is intimately involved in our lives, turning even the most difficult circumstances into something beneficial for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This promise is not for everyone, but for those who are in a relationship with God, who love Him and are committed to His purpose.
The second promise is that God is conforming us to the image of His Son. This is the specific good that God is working toward in our lives. It's not about temporary comfort or material gain, but about becoming more like Jesus. This transformation is God's ultimate goal for us, and it is a process that continues throughout our lives.
The third promise is that the best is yet to come. God has predestined, called, justified, and glorified us. This progression assures us that God is in control and that our future is secure in Him. We may not fully understand how God's sovereignty and our free will coexist, but we can trust that God is working all things together for our good.
In the midst of trials, we can experience joy because we know that God is at work. Our emotions do not have to be tied to our circumstances. Instead, we can have hope and joy because we know that God is shaping us into the image of Christ. This perspective allows us to see our trials in light of eternity, knowing that the pain we experience now will one day be a distant memory.
Key Takeaways:
- God works all things for the good of those who love Him. This promise is not a cliché but a profound truth that God is actively involved in our lives, turning even the most difficult circumstances into something beneficial. [34:10]
- Our ultimate good is to be conformed to the image of Jesus. This transformation is God's goal for us, and it is a process that continues throughout our lives. It's not about temporary comfort but about becoming more like Christ. [43:23]
- The best is yet to come. God has predestined, called, justified, and glorified us. This progression assures us that God is in control and that our future is secure in Him. [51:16]
- In trials, we can experience joy because we know that God is at work. Our emotions do not have to be tied to our circumstances. Instead, we can have hope and joy because we know that God is shaping us into the image of Christ. [49:34]
- God's promises are for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This relationship with God is foundational to experiencing the hope and joy that come from knowing He is working all things for our good. [58:22]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction to Romans 8
[02:30] - The Reality of Life's Challenges
[05:15] - God's Promise in Romans 8:28
[08:00] - Understanding God's Goodness
[12:00] - The Purpose of Trials
[15:45] - The Transformation into Christ's Image
[20:30] - The Assurance of God's Sovereignty
[25:00] - Experiencing Joy in Trials
[30:00] - The Eternal Perspective
[35:00] - The Role of Free Will and Predestination
[40:00] - The Hope of Glorification
[45:00] - Personal Testimonies of Faith
[50:00] - Encouragement to Hold On
[55:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:28-30
Observation Questions:
1. According to Romans 8:28, who benefits from God's promise to work all things for good? What are the conditions mentioned? [34:10]
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between the phrase "everything happens for a reason" and the promise in Romans 8:28? [35:31]
3. What is the specific "good" that God is working toward in our lives, as mentioned in Romans 8:29? [43:23]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of being conformed to the image of Jesus using the story of Michelangelo? [49:34]
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for God to be "actively and intimately involved" in our lives, as described in the sermon? How does this understanding affect a believer's perspective on trials? [34:10]
2. The sermon mentions that God's promise is not for everyone but for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. How does this exclusivity impact the way believers view their relationship with God? [35:31]
3. How does the sermon explain the tension between God's sovereignty and human free will? What analogy is used to describe this relationship? [46:39]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers can experience joy in trials? How does this perspective differ from the world's view of suffering? [49:34]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent trial you faced. How did you see God working in that situation, and how did it shape your faith? [34:10]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being in a relationship with God to experience His promises. What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God this week? [35:31]
3. Consider a current challenge in your life. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for God to conform you to the image of Jesus? [43:23]
4. The sermon uses the analogy of Michelangelo sculpting David to describe God's work in our lives. What "rough edges" do you feel God is chipping away in your life right now? [49:34]
5. How can you cultivate joy in the midst of trials, knowing that God is working all things for your good? What practical steps can you take to focus on this truth daily? [49:34]
6. The sermon mentions the promise of future glorification. How does this assurance of a secure future in God influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [51:16]
7. Think of someone in your life who is going through a difficult time. How can you support them in a way that reflects the hope and promises of God discussed in the sermon? [58:22]
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Active Involvement in Our Lives
In the midst of life's chaos and overwhelming situations, believers can find solace in the profound truth that God is actively involved in their lives. This involvement is not a passive observation but an active orchestration of events for the ultimate benefit of those who love Him. The promise that God works all things for good is not a superficial assurance but a deep-seated truth that even the most difficult circumstances can be turned into something beneficial. This promise is specifically for those who are in a relationship with God, who love Him, and are committed to His purpose. [34:10]
Isaiah 64:4 (ESV): "From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him."
Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you actively trust that God is working through this for your good today?
Day 2: Transformation into Christ’s Image
The ultimate good that God is working toward in the lives of believers is their transformation into the image of Jesus Christ. This transformation is not about temporary comfort or material gain but about becoming more like Jesus. It is a lifelong process that continues throughout a believer's life, shaping them to reflect Christ's character. This transformation is God's ultimate goal for His followers, and it requires a willingness to embrace the process, even when it is challenging. [43:23]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to become more like Jesus. What practical steps can you take today to align yourself with this transformation?
Day 3: Assurance of a Secure Future
Believers can find hope in the promise that the best is yet to come. God has predestined, called, justified, and glorified His followers, assuring them that He is in control and that their future is secure in Him. This progression of God's work in their lives provides a sense of security and hope, even when the present circumstances are difficult to understand. Trusting in God's sovereignty allows believers to rest in the assurance that their future is held in His hands. [51:16]
Ephesians 1:11 (ESV): "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will."
Reflection: Reflect on a future concern or fear you have. How can you surrender this to God, trusting in His control and the secure future He promises?
Day 4: Joy in Trials
In the midst of trials, believers can experience joy because they know that God is at work. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the knowledge that God is shaping them into the image of Christ. By viewing trials through the lens of eternity, believers can find hope and joy, knowing that the pain they experience now will one day be a distant memory. This perspective allows them to rise above their circumstances and find joy in the process of becoming more like Jesus. [49:34]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Consider a current trial you are facing. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for growth and joy in your spiritual journey?
Day 5: The Foundation of Relationship with God
God's promises are for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This relationship with God is foundational to experiencing the hope and joy that come from knowing He is working all things for their good. It is through this relationship that believers can fully embrace the promises of God and find peace in His sovereignty. Cultivating a deep and abiding relationship with God is essential for experiencing the fullness of His promises in their lives. [58:22]
John 15:5 (ESV): "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with God. What is one specific way you can deepen this relationship today to better experience His promises in your life?
Quotes
"what do you see sometimes in life we look at things and it just seems like it's a big mess you're looking at it and you're thinking I know there's something there it's supposed to be good other people are seeing it but I'm just not getting it right now and then everything flips and life is like that life is like that for Christians where we see something and all we see is something ugly but we're holding on that God's not done yet we're holding on that God's gonna make it good and make it right" [00:29:28]
"if God gives you long enough you will face trouble sickness the death of a loved one deep sorrowful hurts and you'll need somebody to walk through them and this is the verse that offers you help and if you're in that place right now if you're going through something hard I hope you cling to every word in this verse today we're gonna be in Romans chapter 8 verses 28 through 30 Romans 28 through 30 so last week Tyler talked about how creation groans for Jesus's return how the resurrection offers us hope and today we're gonna elaborate on that hope so we're gonna be reading in Romans chapter 8 beginning in verse 28 I want to invite you to stand as we read God's Word together" [00:30:58]
"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 for those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters and those he predestined he also called those he called he also justified those he justified he also glorified may God bless the reading of his word you may be seated from" [00:32:10]
"these three verses we're gonna look at three promises we can hold on to verse 28 says 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 the first promise we see is this is that God works the bad out for your good hold on to that promise God works the bad out for your good let's break this down he says and we know" [00:32:38]
"Just like we know gravity pulls us down. Just like we know the stars hang in the sky. Just like we know grass is green. We know that God works all things out for our good. For those who love him who have been called according to his purpose." [00:33:13]
"The God who made the heavens and the earth. The one who spoke things into existence. The one who said let there be light. Is actively and intimately involved in your life right now." [00:33:51]
"God didn't save you so that you could kick up your feet and take life easy. He didn't save you so that you could just sulk in your sorrows. He didn't save you so that you could just sit at home alone. God saved you for a purpose." [00:36:00]
"to what your true purpose really is now I want to be careful with this verse it can come across as trite I would be cautious about quoting this verse to someone who's in the middle of deep suffering because it can feel like you're writing off their pain that you're not truly suffering with them but at the same time I wouldn't lose sight of this promise I would continue to offer this promise to someone who's suffering not to be insensitive but to help them to remind them to to help carry their burden to sit in their suffering with them and tell them to wait because we will see God's promise come to fruition but I want to show you what this verse does if we believe it because it unlocks some incredible power behind it it unlocks so many other verses in scripture that tell us we can have joy and suffer the world will never tell you you can have joy and suffering the world isn't wired that way it doesn't make sense to science but Romans 8 28 unlocks these verses Romans 5 3 not only so but we also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance James 1 verse 2 consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds first Peter 4 verse 13 but rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed Colossians 1 verse 24 now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you Hebrews 10 verse 24 you suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property my wallet because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions do you see what these verses are saying they tell us that our emotions don't have to be tied to our experiences the world says that your emotions must be tied to your experiences that when things go well you feel good when things go poorly you feel bad but Romans 8 28 says you can experience a trial and still experience joy let me illustrate this for you I want you to picture two knobs like oven knobs one knob is trials and the other knob is sadness and picture these knobs connected by a belt so that whenever you experience the trials when the trials knob turns the sadness turns with it that's the way that the world sees the relationship between trials and sadness but what Romans 8 28 does is it takes the belt off it breaks the connection and it says that in trials there is a joy that believers can have that comes from a future hope that you can experience joy because of what God promises you because you know that something better is coming that's the promise of this verse that whenever you're in trials you can experience joy because you know that God is working that trial out for good you know it you know it with certainty I've seen this many times over the years I remember when I found out that my grandfather was diagnosed with colon cancer and it was a complete shock it came out of nowhere he was in his 70s it came out of nowhere I don't know." [00:36:45]
"but he was literally the healthiest guy I ever knew. He had never been in the hospital in his life and he wasn't given long." [00:40:23]
"God has started something in you that he is going to carry out. The good that Romans 8, 28 speaks of, it's not about some temporary comfort." [00:42:53]
"Promise number two, the specific good that God is working out in your life is his end goal for you. And that is to conform you to the image of his son Jesus for all eternity." [00:43:13]
"God doesn't always change your circumstance. He promises to change you in your circumstance. Let's pray." [00:51:18]
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