And we know that God causes all things to work together for good
William MacDonald teaches that despite life's hardships, God sovereignly orchestrates all things for the ultimate good of conforming believers into the image of Christ.
In this insightful sermon, William MacDonald explores the profound truth of Romans 8:28, emphasizing God's sovereign control over all circumstances for the benefit of His people. He encourages believers to trust God's character and promises even in the darkest trials. Using vivid illustrations and biblical exposition, MacDonald highlights the ultimate purpose of life's challenges: to conform believers into the likeness of Christ. This message offers hope and assurance to those facing difficulties, reminding them of God's loving and wise providence.
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“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 NASB)
This is one of those verses that perplex us most when the going is roughest. As long as the wind blows gently, we have no trouble saying, “Lord, I believe.” But when the storms of life arise, we say, “Help Thou my unbelief.”
And yet we know the verse is true. God does work all things together for good. We know it because the Bible says it. Faith appropriates it, even when we cannot see or understand.
We know it is true because of the character of God. If He is a God of infinite love, of infinite wisdom and of infinite power, then it follows that He is planning and working for our highest good.
We know it is true because of the experience of God’s people. In Choice Gleanings the story is told of an only survivor of a wreck who was thrown on an uninhabited island. He managed to build himself a hut, in which he placed all that he saved from the wreck. He prayed to God for deliverance and anxiously scanned the horizon each day to hail any passing ship. One day he was horrified to find his hut in flames; all he had went up in smoke. But that which seemed the worst was in reality the best. “We saw your smoke signal,” said the captain of the ship that came to his rescue. Let us remember that if our lives are in God’s hands, “All things work together for good.”
Admittedly there are times when faith falters, when the burden seems unbearable and the darkness unendurable. We ask in our extremity, “What good can possibly come out of this?” There is an answer. The good that God is working out is found in the next verse (Romans 8:29)—that we should be “conformed to the image of His Son.” It is as the sculptor’s chisel wastes away the marble that the image of the man appears. And it is as the blows of life chip away all that is unworthy in us that we become changed into His blessed likeness. So if you cannot find any other good in the crises of life, remember this one—conformity to Christ.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to Romans 8:28
- The challenge of believing in hard times
- Faith's role in appropriating God's promises
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II
- The character of God as the basis for trust
- God's infinite love, wisdom, and power
- God's plan for our highest good
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III
- Illustration of the shipwreck survivor
- How apparent loss can lead to deliverance
- Trusting God's unseen providence
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IV
- The ultimate good: conformity to Christ
- Life's trials as the sculptor's chisel
- Encouragement to persevere in faith
Key Quotes
“And yet we know the verse is true. God does work all things together for good.” — William MacDonald
“If He is a God of infinite love, of infinite wisdom and of infinite power, then it follows that He is planning and working for our highest good.” — William MacDonald
“It is as the sculptor’s chisel wastes away the marble that the image of the man appears.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Trust God's sovereign plan even when circumstances seem difficult or confusing.
- View life's hardships as opportunities for spiritual growth and Christlikeness.
- Hold firmly to God's promises by faith, especially during times of trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Romans 8:28 mean?
It means that God sovereignly works through all circumstances for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
How can we trust God during difficult times?
We trust God by remembering His character of infinite love, wisdom, and power, and by faith appropriating His promises even when we don't understand.
What is the 'good' that God works out?
The ultimate good is that believers are conformed to the image of Christ, growing in holiness through life's challenges.
Why do bad things happen to believers?
Bad things happen as part of God's refining process to shape believers into Christlikeness and to fulfill His divine purpose.
How can we apply this teaching in daily life?
By trusting God in trials, seeking to grow spiritually, and remembering that God is working all things for our eternal good.