God's Sovereign Goodness: Trusting His Purpose in All
Summary
In Romans 8:28, we find a profound truth that speaks to the heart of every believer: "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." This passage offers both a description of a true Christian and a declaration of their blessedness. A true Christian is marked by two distinct characteristics: they love God and are called according to His purpose. This love for God is not superficial or merely emotional; it is a deep, abiding love that manifests in obedience, worship, and a desire for communion with Him. It is a love that recognizes God as Father, King, and the ultimate portion of one's life.
The love of God in a believer's heart is not self-generated but is the result of God's sovereign grace. It is God who calls individuals to Himself, and this calling is both universal and particular. While all are invited to come to Christ, it is the effectual call of God's grace that draws His chosen ones irresistibly to Him. This doctrine of election, though often contested, is a cornerstone of biblical teaching, affirming that God, in His sovereignty, chooses whom He will save.
The promise that all things work together for good is not a blanket assurance for all humanity but is specifically for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. This good is not necessarily material or temporal but is primarily spiritual and eternal. It is about growing in grace, being conformed to the image of Christ, and ultimately being brought to eternal glory. Even the trials and tribulations of life, which may seem contrary to our good, are used by God to refine and perfect us.
In the tapestry of life, every thread, whether bright or dark, is woven together by God to create a masterpiece that reflects His glory and our ultimate good. This truth calls us to trust in God's providence, even when we cannot see the full picture. It challenges us to view our circumstances through the lens of faith, knowing that God's purposes are always good and perfect.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Mark of a True Christian: A true Christian is identified by their love for God, which is a result of God's grace working in their hearts. This love is not mere lip service but is demonstrated through obedience and a desire for communion with God. It is a love that sees God as Father, King, and the ultimate portion of life. [02:11]
2. The Doctrine of Election: The calling of God is both universal and particular. While all are invited to come to Christ, it is the effectual call of God's grace that draws His chosen ones irresistibly to Him. This doctrine of election underscores God's sovereignty and His right to choose whom He will save. [06:05]
3. All Things Work Together for Good: The promise that all things work together for good is specifically for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. This good is primarily spiritual and eternal, focusing on growth in grace and conformity to Christ. [25:12]
4. The Present Tense of God's Work: God's providence is active in the present moment, working all things for the believer's good. This requires faith to trust in God's unseen hand, especially during trials and tribulations. [32:32]
5. The Testimony of the Saints: The lives of believers, past and present, testify to the truth that God works all things for good. This collective witness encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness and His perfect plan for our lives. [39:31]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Romans 8:28
- [00:30] - Description of a True Christian
- [01:02] - The Love of God in Believers
- [02:11] - The Spirit of Adoption
- [03:02] - The Future Inheritance
- [03:57] - The Called According to His Purpose
- [05:15] - The Universal and Effectual Call
- [06:05] - The Doctrine of Election
- [12:32] - God's Sovereign Choice
- [13:00] - The Present Work of God
- [16:23] - The Purpose of All Things
- [25:12] - Understanding 'Good'
- [32:32] - Faith in the Present Tense
- [39:31] - The Testimony of the Saints
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Romans 8:28
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 8:28, who are the people for whom all things work together for good? How are they described in the sermon? [00:30]
2. What are the two distinct characteristics of a true Christian as mentioned in the sermon? [00:30]
3. How does the sermon describe the nature of God's call to individuals? [05:15]
4. What does the sermon say about the nature of the "good" that all things work together for? [25:12]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon explain the relationship between God's sovereignty and the doctrine of election? [06:05]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that trials and tribulations contribute to a believer's spiritual growth? [21:32]
3. How does the sermon interpret the present tense of God's work in the lives of believers? [32:32]
4. What role does faith play in understanding and trusting that all things work together for good, according to the sermon? [34:11]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: How have you seen God work things together for your good, even when it was not immediately apparent? [21:32]
2. The sermon emphasizes a deep, abiding love for God. What are some practical ways you can cultivate this kind of love in your daily life? [02:11]
3. How can you remind yourself of God's sovereignty and purpose during times of trial or uncertainty? [32:32]
4. The sermon discusses the importance of viewing circumstances through the lens of faith. What are some specific situations in your life where you need to apply this perspective? [34:11]
5. Consider the doctrine of election as presented in the sermon. How does this understanding affect your view of God's grace and your relationship with Him? [06:05]
6. How can you support and encourage others in your community who may be struggling to see how their current circumstances are working for their good? [39:31]
7. The sermon mentions the testimony of the saints as a source of encouragement. Who in your life serves as a testimony of God's faithfulness, and how can you learn from their experiences? [39:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Love Rooted in Grace
A true Christian's love for God is not self-generated but is a result of God's sovereign grace working in their hearts. This love is deep and abiding, manifesting in obedience, worship, and a desire for communion with God. It is a love that sees God as Father, King, and the ultimate portion of one's life. This love is not mere lip service but is demonstrated through actions and a heart aligned with God's will. The believer's love for God is a response to His love for them, a love that was first shown through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This love transforms the believer's life, leading them to live in a way that honors God and reflects His character. [02:11]
1 John 4:19-21 (ESV): "We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can demonstrate your love for God through an act of obedience or service today. How can this act reflect your deep, abiding love for Him?
Day 2: The Sovereign Call
The doctrine of election highlights God's sovereignty in choosing whom He will save. While the invitation to come to Christ is universal, it is the effectual call of God's grace that draws His chosen ones irresistibly to Him. This calling is both a privilege and a responsibility, as those who are called are set apart for God's purposes. Understanding this doctrine can be challenging, but it underscores the depth of God's love and His desire for a relationship with His people. It is a reminder that salvation is not based on human effort but on God's grace and mercy. This truth should lead believers to humility and gratitude, recognizing that their salvation is a gift from God. [06:05]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: Reflect on the idea of being chosen by God. How does this understanding of God's sovereign call impact your view of your identity and purpose in life?
Day 3: Spiritual Goodness in All Things
The promise that all things work together for good is specifically for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. This good is not necessarily material or temporal but is primarily spiritual and eternal. It involves growing in grace, being conformed to the image of Christ, and ultimately being brought to eternal glory. Even the trials and tribulations of life, which may seem contrary to our good, are used by God to refine and perfect us. This perspective challenges believers to trust in God's providence, even when they cannot see the full picture, and to view their circumstances through the lens of faith. [25:12]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: Consider a current challenge or trial in your life. How can you view this situation as an opportunity for spiritual growth and trust in God's eternal purposes?
Day 4: Trusting in Present Providence
God's providence is active in the present moment, working all things for the believer's good. This requires faith to trust in God's unseen hand, especially during trials and tribulations. Believers are called to live in the present tense of God's work, recognizing that He is actively involved in their lives and orchestrating events for their ultimate good. This trust in God's providence is not passive but involves actively seeking His will and aligning one's life with His purposes. It is a call to live with confidence and hope, knowing that God is faithful and His plans are perfect. [32:32]
Psalm 37:23-24 (ESV): "The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God's present work more fully? How can you actively seek His guidance and align your actions with His will today?
Day 5: The Witness of the Faithful
The lives of believers, past and present, testify to the truth that God works all things for good. This collective witness encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and His perfect plan for their lives. The testimony of the saints serves as a reminder of God's enduring love and His ability to bring good out of every situation. By reflecting on the stories of those who have gone before, believers can find strength and encouragement to persevere in their own faith journey. This testimony is not just a historical record but a living witness to the power of God's grace and the hope of eternal glory. [39:31]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: Think of a believer whose life has inspired you. How can their testimony encourage you to trust in God's faithfulness and pursue His purposes in your own life today?
Quotes
We have here the description of a true Christian and a declaration of that Christian's blessedness. We have him first very succinctly but very fully described in these words them that love God them who are the called according to his purpose. These two expressions are the great distinguishing marks whereby we are able to separate the precious from the vile by discovering to us who are the children of God. [00:22:50]
True Believers love God as their father they have the spirit of adoption whereby they cry Abba Father they love him as their King they are willing to obey him to walk in his commands is their Delight no path is so soft to their feet as the path of God's precepts the the way of obedience thereunto they love God also as their portion for in him they live and move and have their being God is their all without him they have nothing but possessing him however little they may have of outward good they feel that they are rich to all the intents of bliss. [00:128:28]
The Apostle says that those who love God are the called according to his purpose by which he means to say two things first that all who love God love him because he called them to love him he called them Mark you all men are called by the ministry by the word by daily Providence to love God there is a common call always given to men to come to Christ the great Bell of the Gospel Rings a universal welcome to every living soul that breathes. [00:296:33]
There must be super added the special call the call which man cannot resist the call of efficacious Grace working in us to Will and to do of God's good pleasure now all them that love God love him because they have had a special irresistible Supernatural call ask them whether they would have loved God if left to themselves and to a man whatever their doctrines they will confess Grace taught my soul to pray Grace made my eyes overflow it is Grace that kept me to this day and will not let me go. [00:354:56]
The doctrine of election is a stone upon which If any man fall he shall suffer loss but if it fall upon him it shall grind him to powder not all the sophisms of the Learned nor all the lurain of the cunning will ever be able to sweep the doctrine of election out of Holy Scripture let any man hear and judge hearken ye to this passage in the n9th of Romans for the children being not yet born neither having done any good or evil that the purpose of God according to election might stand not of works but of him that calleth. [00:441:31]
We know that all things work together for good to them that love God to them who are the called according to his purpose now my hearers before I proceed to enter into the text let the question go round do I love God have I any reason to believe that I have been called according to his purpose have I been born again from above has the spirit operated in my heart in a manner to which flesh and blood can never attain have I pass from Death unto Life by the quickening agency of the Holy Ghost. [00:771:52]
Looking upon the world with the mere eye of sense and reason we say yes all things work but they work contrary to one another there are opposite currents the wind bloweth to the north and to the South the world's bark it is true is always tossed with waves but these waves toss her first to the right and then to the left they do not steadily bear her onward to her desired Haven it is true the world is always active but it is with the activity of of the battlefield wherein hosts encounter hosts and the weaker are overcome. [00:1141:26]
The Christian understands the word good in another sense by good he understands spiritual good ah saith he I do not call Gold good but I call Faith good I do not think it always for my good to increase in Treasure but I know it is good to grow in Grace I do not know that it is for my good that I should be respectable and walk in good Society but I know that it is for my good that I should walk humbly with my God. [00:1593:45]
The highest good a Christian has here is good spiritual and we may add the text also means good ET Eternal lasting good all things work together for a Christian's lasting good they all work to bring him to Paradise all work to bring him to the savior's feet so he bringeth them to their desired Haven said the psalmist by storm and Tempest flood and hurricane All the Troubles of a Christian do but wash him nearer Heaven the rough winds do but hurry his passage across the The Straits of this life to the port of Eternal peace. [00:1760:05]
I find it extremely easy to believe that all things have worked together for my good I can look back at the past and wonder it all the way whereby the Lord hath led me if ever there lived a man who has reason to be grateful to Almighty God I think I am that man I can see black storms that have lowered over my head and torrents of opposition that have run across my path but I can thank God for every incident that ever occurred to me from my cradle up to now. [00:1961:50]
The pinch of Faith always lies in the present tense I can can always believe the past and always believe the future but the present the present the present that is what staggers faith now please to notice that my text is in the present tense all things work at this very instant and second of time however troubled downcast depressed and despairing the Christian may be all things are working now for his good good and though like Jonah he is brought to the bottom of the mountains and he thinks the Earth with her bars is about him forever. [00:2031:48]
The Apostle lifts his hand to where the white robed hosts are praising God forever these says he pass through Great Tribulation and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb ask them and with United breath they reply we know that all things work together for good to them that love God Abraham Isaac Jacob David Daniel all the mighty ones that have gone before tell out the tale of their history write their autobiography and they say we it is proven to a demonstration in our own lives. [00:2330:10]
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