ROMANS ROAD DEVOTIONAL | Day 17 - All Things Work Together for Good
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Romans 8:28 is one of the most abused scriptures in the Bible. Too often it is used as a catchall or a cliche, something for which God’s word was never intended. God is certainly merciful towards us, but if I write a bad check and pass it on nothing good will come of it! As a matter-of-fact, it could result in a criminal prosecution. This is not the proper application of Romans 8:28.
This text was not intended to cover our mistakes. This text, and all of God’s word, was given to encourage and teach us. The main focus of the text is not “all things work together for good” but “those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” and “be conformed to the image of His Son.”
God’s purpose is the foundation of your purpose. God is deeply concerned about the circumstances of your life, but He frames your life in the larger context of His purpose. First you are predestined, which means that before you were born God had a plan for you. Second, you are called, which means He gives you the opportunity to follow Him through Christ. Third, you are justified which means He makes you righteous through the redemptive gift of the Lord Jesus Christ. Fourth, you are glorified meaning that you enter into the purposes for which you were born.
Reflection Question: What are the two qualifications to fulfill the promise of having “all things work together for good?”
Key insight I gained today:
Today’s action item based on insight:
