HOW GOD WORKS ALL THINGS OUT FOR THE GOOD

Romans 8:28-39

There is a reality that when understood and experienced — is a major life changer. It is a source of joy and strength like nothing else!!

It has to do with the reality and promise of Romans 8:28 that says,“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

There are two main points …

#1 In Christ you’re secure in God’s love Relationally, Provisionally, Redemptively and Eternally (Relationally = He’ll never leave you nor forsake you; Provisionally = He will provide the grace you need in whatever situation you are in; Redemptively = In short, He will take lemons and make lemonade; Eternally = His love is forever!)

#2 In Christ God is active in our midst and in ultimate control with His Sovereign hand working all things out for the good.

** Am I responsible for the decisions I make? Yes

** Do my choices have consequences? Yes

** Should I make the best decisions I can possible make? Yes

** Does God have a will for my life? Yes!

** What is His will? It primarily has to do with the person you are!

John MacArthur writes, “You see, the will of God is not primarily a place. The will of God is not first of all for you to go there or work there. The will of God concerns you as a person. If you are the right you, you can follow your desires and you will fulfill God’s will. Again, if you are the right you, if you’re becoming the person God wants you to be you can follow your desires and you will fulfill God’s will”

***** What you can do is trust that God is working out all things not despite your choices but through them!

Remember how God took care of Joseph!

At the end of Joseph’s life he said, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good …” (Gen 50:20)

What good?

#1 God would use Joseph to save hundreds of thousands of lives under his leadership/ administration in providing food for the known world.

#2 In addition, God provided refuge and safe harbor to Israel during the SEVEN year famine/ tribulation under his leadership in Egypt.

#3 Future generations would be blessed! The Sovereign hand of God has a long reach into future generations.

#4 During this time the tribes of Israel were taking refuge in Egypt from a growing Pagan culture back in the land of Canaan. God protected them from the compromise in Canaan.

#5 The Sovereign Hand of God was shaping Joseph into a man of God: like Christ!

When you stand on Romans 8:28, here’s what you’re doing: you’re trusting #1 In Christ and the security of His love relationally, provisionally, redemptively and eternally. #2 In Christ God is active in our midst and in ultimate control with His Sovereign hand working all things out for the good.

**When you say, “I am trusting in the sovereign hand of God” you are saying, “I am going to stand on God’s promises!”

** When you say, “I am trusting in the sovereign hand of God” you are saying, that “the Father’s chief aim is growing me to be more like Jesus.”

** When you say, “I am trusting in the sovereign hand of God” you are saying, “that although I don’t understand, I stand on what I do know, and that it just may be that God will use the challenges today to impact generations to come.”