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. I. WHO ARE THE GOOD? "Them that love God." What love? 1. That type which God has predestined. "His purpose." 2. That type to which God has called His creatures. How has He "called" them? By the revelation of His moral loveliness as revealed in nature, in conscience, in Christ. This love is — (1) Paramount. Love as a passing subsidiary emotion is not religious love. (2) Practical. Love that goes off in words or occasional acts is not religious love. It must be a ruling, practical force. (3) Permanent. It must be in everything and for ever. II. WHAT IS THE GOOD FOR THEM? It is good from all things. What good? 1. There is nothing good that does not promote moral goodness in the soul. Wealth, social position, power, health itself, are not only worthless but pernicious if they accomplish not this. 2. Whatever promotes moral goodness in the soul is good. Personal suffering, personal bereavement, social losses, etc., when they do this, are good. "Tribulation worketh patience," etc. "Our light afflictions." There is a glorious optimism in the history of the good. Conclusion: This subject — 1. Corrects a popular error: that religion is to a man's disadvantage in this world. No such thing. Pauperism with piety is infinitely better than a princedom with ungodliness. 2. This subject affords comfort to afflicted saints. The good can turn all to good. (D. Thomas,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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