"One of the most difficult passages of scripture to believe, accept, and live"

Romans 8:28

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called according to His purpose"

 

How can we at times face Hell here on earth and still know that GOD is in control and some how in some way it is working for GOOD?  We first must KNOW, what GOOD is, and then out of our LOVE for God KNOW once again it will work together for GOOD...let us pray

 

 

I.  "And we KNOW"

1. Paul is presenting his case on the basics of "we"
2. other witnesses and participants in Gods grace will verify what he is saying is the TRUTH

II.  "for those who love GOD"

1. obey His commandments
2. strive to grow in godliness and holiness
3. not that we are perfect, but that we are growing closer to the one that is:)

III.  "ALL THINGS"

1. GOOD and BAD
1. ALL things, whatever you can think of, the extremely good and the extremely bad...ALL THINGS
1. *Can a man or woman get better or grow closer to God through their afflictions?

IV.  "work together"

1. Think of a watch with all of its pieces, big small, some turning this way, others turning that way, almost as if they are fighting against themselves...think about it the randomness of the pieces apart from the whole...think

V.  "for good"

1. What is "GOOD"?  from Pauls argument and standpoint
2. Temporal good, ie things...no
3. Spiritual good
4. Eternal good
5.  Points 3 and 4 speak of Gods character, the ULTIMATE and only TRUE "GOOD"

VI.  "for those who are called(invited)"

1. How do you know that you are called?
2. My question would be, "who has NOT been called?"  didn't Jesus die for everyone?!
3. Many are called, but those that choose are few
4. God called you first, and out of His calling by grace, you have access to His love, to return to Him

VII.  "according to His purpose"

1. His perspective of your eternal salvation
2. His plan  reconciling you back to Him
3. His passion, point and purpose of Jesus dying for you and I, everyone

Closing
1 Since you are called of God , and I hope that you have chosen
2 Now that you LOVE Him and are growing closer to Him by hearing, walking by faith, saved by grace
3  You now, RIGHT NOW can and should know that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD, FOR THOSE that LOVE HIM.

I pray tonight whatever you struggles or troubles that you can receive this word from the Lord and although you may not fully understand the WHY, you can KNOW that it will work for the GOOD.  AMEN