Homiletic Review 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. All things, whether in nature, providence, or grace, work together for good to God's people. I. THE PERSONS. 1. Those who love God. By those who hate God, even blessings are turned into a curse. 2. "Who are the called according to His purpose." II. THE OBJECT. 1. To purify from sin (Malachi 3:3). 2. To promote growth in grace. 3. To prepare for heaven. III. THE MEANS. 1. Afflictions. 2. Chastisements (Hebrews 12:6). Job was chastised in love and elevated in character to a height he had never otherwise attained. 3. Persecutions. These drive the soul nearer to God. They show who are the genuine professors. Joseph was persecuted, but great good was accomplished thereby (Genesis 50:20). 4. Special providences. These are the turning-points in our lives. How wonderful that I am here rather than elsewhere! There is all the world to choose from; and yet Peoria is my home both by invitation and selection. Paul, on his journey from Iconium to Troas, was minded to labour in the regions of Bithynia, but "the Spirit suffered" him not, for He had other work for him to do in the greater centres of the world's civilisation (Acts 16:7). IV. THE TIME. 1. This is present. God's children do not have to wait for the blessing. Loving God, all things are received from His hand as means to an end; and enjoying His love, afflictions are tempered, and blessings are not misapplied. Many misquote this text and read it in the future, as if it were only "will work together. " 2. The future (2 Corinthians 4:17). V. ENCOURAGEMENTS. 1. To courage (Hebrews 12:13). 2. To faith (2 Corinthians 4:18). 3. To hope (Hebrews 6:18-20). 4. To love (Romans 8:35-39).It is the love of God (both His love to us and our love to Him) that changes all things, whether good or untoward, into blessings. Oh, the bountiful alchemy of love! (Homiletic Review.) 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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