Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. for good to them that love God: — I. THE EXPLANATION OF THE TEXT. 1. The nature of the privilege. (1) The extent — "All things," as limited by the context, which speaketh of the afflictions of the saints. (a) All manner of trials for righteousness' sake. Stripes are painful to flesh, but occasion greater joy to the soul (Acts 16.). Spoiling of goods stirreth up serious reflections on a more enduring substance (Hebrews 10:34). So banishment; every place is alike near to heaven, and the whole earth is the Lord's (Revelation 1:9). Death doth but hasten our glory (2 Corinthians 5:1). (b) Ordinary afflictions. Many times we are best when we are weakest, and the pains of the body invigorate the inward man (2 Corinthians 4:16). In heaven you shall have everlasting ease. (c) Though prosperity be not formally expressed in this place, yet it is virtually included. For God keepeth off, or bringeth on the cross as it worketh for our good (Song of Solomon 4:6). It is a threatening to them that do not love God that their prosperity tendeth to their hurt (Psalm 69:22). The sanctifying of their prosperity is included in a Christian's charter (1 Corinthians 3:21-23). (2) The manner of bringing it about — "They work together." Take anything single and apart, and it seemeth to be against us. We cannot understand God's providence till He hath done His work; He is an impatient spectator that cannot tarry till the last act, wherein all errors are reconciled (John 13:6, 7). God knoweth what He is a-doing with you, when you know not (Jeremiah 29:11). When we apprehend nothing but ruin, God may be designing to us the choicest mercies (Psalm 31:22). (3) The end and issue — "For good."(a) Sometimes to good temporal, or our better preservation during our service (Genesis 50:20). Many of us, whose hearts are set upon some worldly thing, have cause to say we had suffered more if we had suffered less. In the story of Joseph there is a notable scheme of Providence. (b) Spiritual good. So all affliction is made up and recompensed to the soul; it afflicts the body, but bettereth the heart (Psalm 119:71). We lose nothing but our rust by scouring. (c) Eternal good. Heaven will make us complete amends for all that we suffer here (2 Corinthians 4:17). 2. The certainty of this — "We know." Not by an uncertain and fallible conjecture, but upon sure grounds. What are they? (1) The promise of God, by which He hath secured the salvation of His people, notwithstanding their troubles (Hebrews 6:17, 18). (2) The experiences of the saints, who have found it so (Psalm 119:67; Philippians 1:19). (3) From the nature of the thing. Two considerations enforce it — (a) All things are at God's disposal, and force to serve Him. (b) His special care over His people (Isaiah 49:15; Zechariah 2:8; 1 Corinthians 10:13). II. A MORE GENERAL STATE OF THE CASE. 1. This good is not to be determined by our fancies and conceits, but by the wisdom of God; for God knoweth what is better for us than we do for ourselves. Should the shepherd or the sheep choose his pastures? the child be governed by his own fancy or the father's discretion? the sick man by his own appetite or the physician's skill? It is necessary sometimes that God should displease His people for their advantage (John 16:6, 7). Peter said, "Master, it is good for us to be here"; but little thought what work God had to do by him elsewhere. 2. Good is to be determined by its respect to the chief good or true happiness which consists not in outward comforts, but our acceptance with God; other things are but appendages to our felicity (Matthew 6:33). 3. This good is not always the good of the body, or of outward prosperity; and therefore our condition is not to be determined by the interest of the flesh, but the welfare of our soul. 4. It is not good presently enjoyed and felt, but waited for; and therefore our condition must not be determined by sense, but faith (Hebrews 12:11). 5. A particular good must give way to a general good, and our personal benefit to the glory of God and the advancement of Christ's kingdom (Philippians 1:24). 6. In bringing about this good we must not be idle spectators, but assist under God. 7. If it be true of particular persons, it is much more true of the Church; all is for good (Psalm 76:10). (T. Manton, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. |
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