Text: Romans 8: 28
Intro:
Sometimes life seems to run right over us. Just don't always know
what is coming. But regardless of what we face or find ourselves in,
God has promised that it would be for our good and His glory. Do
not know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.
Regardless of our plight, position or problem, He knows what He is doing.
I. HE IS WORKING TO DEVELOP US (VS 28)
A) We can be Certain of His Promise
("and we know")
We sometimes say: "I just don't see how". This
verse does not say
"and we see". Sometimes we say, "I just don't feel it". This verse
does not say "and we feel". It says, "And we know". Knowledge will
always surpass feelings and sight!
B) We can be Certain of His Program
("work together")
means "cooperating or contributing toward a common
goal or end"
we sometimes fail to see the big picture. If we are saved, we are all
children of God. We may disagree doctrinally with someone, but that
person is not our enemy. So we must agree to disagree and go on for
good toward the common goal, and God will get the glory.
II. HE IS WILLING TO DELIVER US (VS 28)
A) Through the Disappointments that are
faced ("for good")
My pastor told me when I was called to preach, "You
need a head
as hard as a goat, and a heart as big as an elephant". Sure was
true. The Christian is full of bumps, bruises and battles. It is not
"tip toeing through the tulips" as the health and wealth boys say.
And the more we stand for, the more we are stomped at. In it all
though, God will bring it together for our good.
B) To the Appointments that are formed
("all things")
God works through His providence to accomplish all
things in our
lives. That is why we should work from His promises to accomplish
all things for God. Promises based on Providence based on Fore-
knowledge. He knows, because He is already there.
My father's way may twist and turn, My heart may
throb and ache
But in my soul I'm glad I know, He maketh no mistake
For by and by the mist will lift, and plain it all He'll make
Through all the way, tho dark may be, He made not one mistake
III. HE IS WATCHING TO DIRECT US (vs 28 "who are the called according to His
purpose")
A) By Transformation This is available to "them that love God, to
them that are the called"
This group is by membership only. Non-members cannot claim the
promise. The word "called" means "a summons being issued".
A summons by a court is to testify. You can't testify of that which
you have no knowledge or experience.
B) By Conformation Transformation is God's part through salvation.
Then comes our
part through separation and service. We are to be conformed to
the image of His dear Son".
Conclusion: Through
death, despair, doubt and depression
Through sorrow, sickness, stress and strain
Through trouble, tribulation and trials
HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HAND