These thoughts were originally expressed in the Kingdom Village Group on Facebook:
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
=== A Few Key Points
1. All things can be read very expansively, as in all things means everything with no exceptions. In the context of the passage, however, I think it is important to note that the writer (Holy Spirit through Paul) is specifically making reference to the things which we suffer when he says all things.
2. The description of who are the beneficiaries of this verse is "those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." I believe it is important for us to note that this group includes at a minimum every child of God whether his time on Earth is past, present, or future. The reason this is important lies in this. What is good for the whole Family of God might well not be pleasant for individual members.
1. All things can be read very expansively, as in all things means everything with no exceptions. In the context of the passage, however, I think it is important to note that the writer (Holy Spirit through Paul) is specifically making reference to the things which we suffer when he says all things.
2. The description of who are the beneficiaries of this verse is "those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." I believe it is important for us to note that this group includes at a minimum every child of God whether his time on Earth is past, present, or future. The reason this is important lies in this. What is good for the whole Family of God might well not be pleasant for individual members.
Consider by analogy a Company of soldiers assigned to capture and take control of a particular hill. When the Company Commander reports to Headquarters "Mission Accomplished" he may also be reporting 4 men killed in action and 7 men wounded. Now the battle for the hill was horrific for those men killed and wounded and for their families back home. Nevertheless, the victory was good for those in the Army and in the Nation -- a victory was won. In the same manner, throughout the history of the Church, we see some of our brothers and sisters have made the ultimate sacrifice for their faith and for the work of the Father. It truly did not look pleasant to them at the time. But, for "those" in the whole family of God, their suffering and sacrifices are being worked toward good.
3. Finally, I think it is important to note that it is God who is doing the work. Some manuscripts and translations contain the generic and passive "are being worked" rather than the more forceful "God works". In either version, however, we know that it is God who is sovereign over every detail and working.
3. Finally, I think it is important to note that it is God who is doing the work. Some manuscripts and translations contain the generic and passive "are being worked" rather than the more forceful "God works". In either version, however, we know that it is God who is sovereign over every detail and working.
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