God is working in all things!

Series: Romans
Speaker: Tim Perkins
Date: Oct 29, 2023
Scripture: Romans 8:28-30
Title: God is working in all things!

(Romans 8:28–30 NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

(Romans 8:18–27 NIV) I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.

5 myths Christians believe about suffering

Myth 1: If we live , we can suffering

• our present sufferings (Romans 8:18)

• creation was subjected to frustration (Romans 8:20)

• liberated from its bondage to decay (Romans 8:21)

• whole creation has been groaning (Romans 8:22)

• we ourselves… groan inwardly (Romans 8:23)

(John 16:33 NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Myth 2: My pain doesn’t because, comparatively, it’s not that

Myth 3: Suffering always points to some we need to

(Psalm 119:67 ESV) Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.

Myth 4: We will always be able to find the linings behind our clouds

(Romans 8:18 NIV) I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

(Roman 8:24-25 NIV) For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

My life is but a weaving

Between my God and me.

I cannot choose the colors

He weaveth steadily.

Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow;

And I in foolish pride

Forget He sees the upper

And I the underside.

~ Corrie Ten Boom

#1. God is using to make me more like (vs. 28–29)

(Romans 8:28-29 NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son…

#2. My story ends with the of my (vs. 22–23)

(Romans 8:22–23 NIV) We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves… groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 

Joni Eareckson Tada, “When I get to heaven I am going to push my wheelchair to the throne of Jesus. Notice I’ll be walking. I am going to thank Him for every character-refining work He did in me and through me because of this wheelchair. And then I’m going to ask Jesus to send this wheelchair straight to Hell, because itwas only needed/relevant because of the wreckage of sin.”

#3. In the meantime, the perfectly for me (vs. 26)

(Romans 8:26-27 NIV) In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.

#4. What God , He’s going to (vv. 29–30)

(Romans 8:29–30 NIV) For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

C.S. Lewis Don’t come to Christianity because it’s comforting. Don’t come to Christianity because it’s encouraging. Don’t come to Christianity because it’s relevant. Don’t come to Christianity because it’s exciting. Come to Christianity because it’s true.