SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE (1)

“WE KNOW that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” – Romans 8:28

We’ll label as SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE those precise truths Believers in Christ are expected and required to know: “WE KNOW that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom.8:28). Many people quote this verse, omitting this vital phrase, “We know...”! That WE KNOW – not just “we hope” – is of utmost importance. The Truth we KNOW is what makes us free (Jh.8:32). Romans 8:28 infers that no matter the circumstances, God ensures that all things work together for good, “to those who love” Him, and “to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Do we really know this?

This is not a guarantee of a trouble-free or painless life. It also does not justify suffering, but rather affirms that God works all things together for the good of His own! It is a conditional promise that calls us to reorient ourselves and life perspectives. God is at work in every aspect of our lives, and we should align ourselves with His purpose to experience His blessings. Our love for God is proven through obedience to His Word (Jh.14:15,21,23). God can use any situation, including suffering, for our good and that of others. This perspective is not limited to the temporal but extends to the eternal. God's ultimate purpose is to conform us to the image of His Son!

Read in context, Paul opened the passage by declaring that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the coming glory (v.18). Next, we see the mind-boggling truths that even creation longs for the day Christ returns to redeem all things (vv.19-23). Verse 26 then assures that God’s Spirit intercedes for us. To “intercede” means to close the gap between heaven and earth (Mt.6:10). As believers, God’s Spirit helps us in our weakness. Romans 8:28 does not say that God causes people to suffer or that He considers suffering in and of itself good. This is not a verse to throw at someone in the throes of grief or insensitively recite to broken souls who simply need our presence, prayers, support, and practical help. What we know is that suffering can be redemptive for a Believer because of God’s availability in it.

A promise is only as good as the person who made it. So, “for good” doesn’t necessarily mean “for pleasure, comfort or security.” It means: for our fulfilment and His Glory (Jam.1: 2-4). God can use what’s not good, for good! He can use tragedy for His Story of Triumph; and from ashes produce beauty. God is not a compartment of our lives. He is all-encompassing, and works in every circumstance. Knowing these brings Comfort, Peace and Trust! Ultimately, the good God’s working in our lives is to conform us to be more like His Son (v.29).