Why does Romans 8:28 only work if God is sovereign over all the evil that happens? For today, we come to this epic verse in Romans. The people we come in contact with. Romans 5:8. We realize that relationships are more important than things. But this denies or greatly minimizes the reality of suffering and evil. Romans 8:28 in all English translations. A. They are the ones for whom God is working all things together for good. Metastatic breast cancer. Marriages have suffered. Ephesians 1:11 speaks of God as the one who works all things - thats the same term - according to the counsel of His will. Again, were talking all things. God is able to blend And wont He also carry you through today? . Doing good. The storm picks up. When the music stops, the child holding the bean bag will recite the verse. The drunk driver who killed your loved ones cant frustrate Gods purpose for their lives or your life. That He is good. God works all things for good is a conditional promise. Is it primarily a feeling? I want this verse - really my favorite in all of Scripture - to guide us as we move ahead together. Were talking every detail. Here in chapter 8, he encourages us not to turn from our hope - even in the face of suffering - until God's redemption is made complete. We wait in the sure hope of the day our bodies will be resurrected and we will share in God's glory (Romans 8:24-25). In control. Hes got your hand in His kind, firm grip. "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Some time this week bake a cake! ), there would have been tremendous social pressure to keep you from turning against your family by believing in Christ. We cant neglect those two important clauses that let us know who these promises apply to. The disciples are in a boat. Read Romans 8:31-39 . first and final teacher on all subjects. Say: It looks like we're all too short. Before you didnt care about the Bible, but now you treasure it as Gods very word. (Nothing.)7. AIM:To teach the children that when they put their faith in Christ he can help them and give them the power to overcome any trials, problems or disasters that they may face. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers or affiliate partnerships. Romans 8:28, Bible Verse Wall Art, Christian Gift, Scripture Print, Encouragement Minimalist Typography Wall Decor, Black and White SusanFernArt (5,594) $5.60 $7.00 (20% off) Romans 8:28 Embroidery Design We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him 3 sizes 5x7 8x6 9x7 AProverbs31Wife (4,343) $3.95 Sometimes we are not able to comprehend how much God loves us because of the inner critic that tells us we . That's where Christian object lesson take-alongs come in! Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. But maybe youre thinking, But, what about free will? Hes in control of it all. For we are given the choice to lay down our own wills, our own ideas about how life should be, our goals and ambitions, anything that we might hold up higher than God himself, and to follow Him, or to take up our arms and barricade ourselves against Gods kingdom. Some say Hes good but not powerful. Make a list of the top ten worst experiences in your life and the top ten best. In particular, theyre for our good. The bottom line is: Paul doesnt say, and we feel, or, and we hope, in the sense of uncertainty, but rather, and we know. Why can we know that God is working all things together for our good? Of course, if we call to God for help, he will come (Romans 10:13). Our, New American Standard Bible Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. During trials the devil tempts us to doubt Gods love for us. The sinful mate who left you for another woman didnt ruin Gods plan for your life. The meaning and purpose of Romans 8:28. Contact And that first day on the job. Rather, we should focus on the more important truth that God is bigger than all our tragedies, all our losses and our failures. Through this summer - and into the fall - well be talking much about what God could be teaching us. This is the story of redemption and restoration. Memorize Romans 8:28. God is not blind to the suffering that people experience, and neither was the apostle Paul when he wrote this verse. The wind has blown many overboard. Continue this activity until all the children have had a chance to say the verse. Even if they may not feel like thats what they are. The second discipleship lesson is that the power to live a Spirit-led life is available to us. Friend, dont lean into your doubt. Our circumstances might cause us to think otherwise. Child of God, trust this promise is true. They signed up for success, not suffering. The Middle School Exchange. Your group might enjoy listening for the words, POP, POPPED, POPCORN and clapping their hands one time for each time they hear the word. 28. Maybe a toy or a picture to give to someone. We spell God, G-O-D. Now, let's play "1 - 2 - 3 Spell G-O-D". Thats not the Christian faith at all. Time: 45 minutes. Weve seen how this works out, for example, for Adam and Eve, for Israel during their period of exile: When we ignore Gods call, we run into rough patches. You can also found this lesson written for kids and youth - HERE. 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. "The inviolable love of Christ (8:31-39). So it is essential for your spiritual survival that you know and apply what the Bible teaches about trials. Hes over all things. The NASB reads, And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Due to a textual variant, the ESV translates it slightly differently and, I think, more accurately: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. But either way the sense is the same. As Psalm 73:25-26 puts it, Whom have I in heaven but You? He deepens our faith in ways that we never would have learned, except for the trial. What is the good that all things are working together for? In Acts 4:27-28 we read the prayer of the early church when they faced persecution: For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. The wicked men were responsible for their sin, but their sin fulfilled rather than thwarted Gods plan. The all things of verse 28 refer back to the sufferings mentioned earlier in the chapter. This Christian object lesson uses the basic ingredients of a cake to illustrate how both good and bad can come together to make something great! Is it safe to entrust ourselves entirely to the God of grace? Because He has an eternal purpose that includes our salvation and He will accomplish that purpose. And that He is with us in it all. Romans 8:28 is a beautiful promise: "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and Welcome to Creative Bible Study! Now dont misunderstand me. This verse lovingly shouts to us that God is in control. And so, what is the kingdom of heaven? It insensitively says to those who are suffering: Dont worry, be happy, your loss isnt really so bad. But the verse isnt saying that. It feels so good to be back in here this morning, doesnt it? But even in those sufferings God works for the good of those who are continuing to love him. They all have purpose though. Lewis. THE FREE BIBLE LESSONS CENTER. Translate . Approach His love. 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. We dont have to be afraid anymore. 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, . Romans 8:28. International Children's Bible. And so, we should not take Romans 8:28 and use it to try to console ourselves, or others, that any trials or tragedies will ultimately result in success, that God will turn things around, or that even failures and losses are somehow good.. It is in this way that I think that Romans 8:28 reminds us that all things will be worked out for our good. 2 Romans 8:28 is a beautiful promise: "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His good purpose." Depending on their ages, you can discuss more in detail how God has used some negative or tough times in your own life to bring about good. Again: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.. spirit that we are children of God" (Romans 8:16) and "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness" (Romans 8:26). 2. And - I never do this - but Im going to have you recite it with me, as we go through. There is this touching episode in C.S. Bottom Line: NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. No matter how ridiculous so-called Christians have acted in these days, Hes among His true children. YOUTH GROUP LESSON ON GOD'S LOVE. We have to remember that for our good does not necessarily mean for our pleasure or for our comfort and security. Third, lean in. To any of this. 1. Hes holding on to you. Fun Science Object Lesson for Valentine's Day! Sunday School Lessons. Come to safety. disclosure is provided in accordance with the, Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR 255.5: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising, Hi! The death of a loved one is hard. That wouldnt be much comfort! For our good. Romans 8:26-39 Romans 9:1-5 Romans 10:5-15 Romans 10:8b-13 Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 Romans 12:1-8 . Romans 8:28 is a beautiful promise: "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His good purpose." Remembering God is at work even during the hard times when we may not sense His presence helps us persevere. Now I dont have time to really get into how God can be sovereign over evil. If youre His child, Hes not going to let you fall out of the boat. First, what do we see? Right? We call out to Him - but only because He first called out to us. 4 Not much. He reached down into the depths of our brokenness and began the restoration process. Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? This can be tough to grasp now, but we can hope in the truth of itrefer kids to Romans 8. (Because He sent Jesus to die for our sins.)4. Romans 8:28 , Acts 3:1-10 Key Ingredients 1 Corinthians 12:27 , Romans 8:28-29 Stone Soup Romans 8:28-29 The Light of the World John 1:6-8 I'll Be Back! As Charles Wesley put it, our will is fast bound in sin and natures night., But this invokes the question, If God is absolutely sovereign and our will is not totally free, then are we puppets or robots? "Our website may contain At first, this seems a little bit counter-intuitive. Children's ministry resources that provide everything you need for a great Sunday school experience in the classroom or at home. But it cant take our chief treasure. In All Things God Works! But in His gracious providence, God will work these terrible things together for our good as we submit to Him and trust in Him. All Rights Reserved. And we know Though we do not always know particularly what to pray for as we ought, yet this we know, that all things Namely, that occur in the course of divine providence, such as worldly losses or gains, poverty or riches, reproach or commendation, contempt or honour, pain or ease, sickness or health, and the ten thousand changes of life; work together Strongly and . 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Sitting at Gods right hand, interceding for us.)6. And what we see in this story is that each character has shaped him or herself into a creature that is either at home in heaven or not. Thegood that comes out of all things ultimately is the fruit that produces a heavenly creature, a creature who is in harmony with God and at home in heaven, who finds joy in following Gods lead and submitting their own wills to that of their Creator. Hes in control even over bad things that happen. Then have them each follow these instructions to make a craft to remind them to keep Jesus first in their hearts. Romans 8:29 says that God wants us to be "conformed to the image of his Son.". tastylike a yummy cake! He uses them to show us His grace and love in ways that we otherwise would not have known. Me getting dumped by a girl at Mizzou and moving abruptly down to Springfield. One last time: All things work for good for His kids. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org, Lessons & resources to help us connect God's Word with our everyday lives. Rather, God providentially works all things together for good for His people according to His purpose. We have no idea where its taking us or why. Hasnt He also orchestrated everything in your life? So much there! Romans 8:28. Today, as we kick things back off again, I want to point you to a familiar passage of Scripture, a promise I think many of you know. What a marvelous salvation! God works all things for good for His kids. Read Romans 8:1, 31-39 (Gods love is forever. Why Are We Supposed to Give Thanks in All Circumstances. Hear me carefully: Yes, in the sense that our sins cannot thwart Gods ultimate purpose of being glorified in our salvation and sanctification. But, we should never sin with the thought, God will work it together for good for me. As Davids sin with Bathsheba shows, sin always results in terrible consequences for us and for others. No one has perfectly free will. It is the growth of faith, hope, and love. Some ingredients of a cake don't taste very good alone either, but they can serve a good and important purpose. Paul says, And we know that all things work for good for His kids. Commentary on Romans 8:10-17. Yes, He works all things according to His will. He used torture and death to bring about new life. 3:11. We can trust Him; He is faithful. We look around at the process of death, dying and know that this is not the way God planned it to be. They wake Him up. You could try to read it like everything we go through is going to feel good. Where the wind can toss you about. Romans 8:18-30 In-Context. If we cannot make sense of our suffering at the moment we go through it (or even for some time after), then we can at least rest assured that we are in good company in our confusion. Romans 8:28 is a funny little passage that promises that all things work together for our good. He desires our good. God works all things together for our comfort. Me getting a job at a church where I often couldnt see Gods hand. John 1:6-8, 19-28 - Advent 3 (Yr B) John 1:29-42 John 1:43-51 John 2:1-11 John 2:13-22 - Lent 3 (Yr B) . But the pandemics not over. 1. He has predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son, and nothing can thwart His sovereign will. Although at times our love for God may need reviving (Rev. But if we stubbornly refuse the help, then what more can be done? Login So Pauls point to me and you is this. 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. He commands the winds and waves to chill. In the oldest book of the Bible, after all his suffering, Job replies to the Lord (42:2), I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. In Isaiah 14:24, with regard to the eventual downfall of Israels enemy, Assyria, the prophet states, The Lord of hosts has sworn saying, Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand., Later, regarding Gods purpose to raise up Cyrus to free Israel from captivity, Isaiah (46:10-11) cites the Lord as saying, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure; calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of My purpose from a far country. This reminds me of a truth that I learnedwhenI became a parent: when my kids call for help, I will come to help them. Again, thats what we see in verses 29-30. Work for good. Children Church. It is the wiping away of all tears. the good and the bad experiences in our lives together for our good and for His good purpose. It includes big catastrophestornadoes, tsunamis, wars, plane crashes, and terrible accidents. Now this is the simplest outline I may ever use. Child of God, rest in these truths. Scripture: Romans 9-11. It is especially in times of suffering that Satan, whom Peter describes as a roaring lion, seeks to devour you (1 Pet. But, what does that mean? Well get back into Galatians next week. But it will help us all to weather suffering better if we understand this verse before the storm hits. All Rights Reserved. He is Creator and Hes King. Includes cross references, questions, verse by verse commentary, outline, and applications on Romans chapter 8. First, look back. And we know that all things work together for good. Permission is given for non-profit use of the information from this web page provided it is accompanied by the citation: Used by permission of Susan Smart www.CreativeBibleStudy.com Here were on this boat, cruising through life. I am incredible because God created me in His image! Romans 8: 28-39 LESSON: SA IN O 'S LOV August 7, 2016 INTRODUCTION: 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Share this message of forever love with someone you know this week. [This is the story of my children, and it is the story of Israel. Because of that accident, she has had a powerful ministry with disabled people. statements and make sure they do profess Jesus Christ as God's Son and Thats what God is doing. But I wouldnt have met her without a lot of things falling into place. We shouldnt call them good or pretend that theyre good. It has to.. mixed and blended along with the good into a beautiful UNIT 5: Service (3 weeks) Session 11. Yes, bad things happen to everyone; no one is immune. The good news is God is able to use these for good as we trust Him; He can give them purpose. Amy being baptized at that church and us crossing paths. There is no comfort in the view that God is not sovereign over the terrible things that happen to us. Select another exciting Bible based children's Sunday school lesson from Kids Sunday School Place. That the persons in whose behalf all things work for good are they who love God, and, consequently, who live in the spirit of obedience. And these are tough days. Look back. The waves have torn many a ship in two. "Romans 8:28 says, '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." "The Scripture says that God will works in 'some' things for our good, right?" (The kids should answer, 'NO!') "Oh, it says, God works in just the fortunate things, right?" (The kids should answer, 'NO!') And so, says the heart, God might be for other people, but I've done too much wrong. And my faith has been shaken. Reject lies that our identity and self-worth depend on anything other than God's love for us. He died for us, has forgiven us. This means that. God gave everyone free will, didnt He? Hear me: Hes not just in control of all things. 2. Whats promised? Cancel anytime. All things includes the good things that God gives us, but it also includes the sufferings of this present time (8:18), as well as tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, and sword (8:35). She has a PhD in religious studies from McMaster University and knows everything there is to know about the doctrine of the atonement in the writings of C.S. Everything. It comes to fleshly men and speaks to them as fleshly men. How else does He show us His love? We need to be reminded not only that God loves us, but also that because He gave His Son for us, we now love Him. Paul only refers to our love for God in three other places (1 Cor. Some think that it teaches a Pollyanna positive outlook on life, that everything will turn out for our happiness in this life. Remember. Even the tough things - like what weve experienced this year - theyre for our good. Although we have to live time out as though we are walking on a line, God sees the whole thing. We cant just pretend it doesnt exist. (By taking care of us, supplying our needs on a daily basis.)5. The hard things, right? Well be without sin. Get around brothers and sisters who can remind you of this promise. The end of Romans 8 is a reminder that this is a remarkable story, but the story has an author and a story-teller. Lets pray. Whats His point? So they fell away when the trials hit. As you ponder those troubling thoughts, and as your heart moves to dark places, remember back to how youve seen God work in your past. Their father Jacob favored Joseph, which caused his brothers to hate him. Why do we love Him? For His kids. Romans 8:28 is one of the most familiar verses on this subject. Or youre no doubt going to fall in. But, for today, wheres God taking us? Couldnt these people mess up Gods plan by their free will?, I dont like the term free will, because its misleading. I recently taught a Sunday school class on the Book of Romans, so I wanted to make my handouts available to use. Places we travel to. The fact remains that there are some really crummy things in the world and in our lives, and many of them cant be explained away or given a silver lining. Bad things like that. Some say that the doctrine of Gods sovereign election is just divisive, impractical theology that we should avoid, because it upsets people. Consider the certainty of the promise ("we know"). We get to slow down our lives (though this doesnt seem to apply to those of us with kids still at home). After speaking of God as the almighty Creator, who spoke the universe into existence, the psalmist adds (Ps. It is the transformation of ordinary selves into heavenly creatures who are in harmony with God, who submit their wills to that of the King of all kings. International Children's Bible (ICB) Bible Book List. Observe, At the second coming of Christ there will be a manifestation of the children of God. John 14: 26,28 Runners Matthew 28:3-8 No Greater Love John 15:13 , Romans 5:8 , Romans 3:10-12 , Isaiah 64:6 , Ecclesiastes 7:20 , Ezekiel 18:20 Paid In Full Matthew 20:28 , Romans 6:23 Back to that boat. Think of some "untasty", tough times you or others may have experienced. You can still thank God for his faithfulness and trust that he will see you through. Note: Handouts are available for the chapters I taught in class. Sometimes well-meaning Christians recite Romans 8:28 to a person in the throes of grief, trying to help or comfort. are unable to peruse them completely. I had long abandoned such ventures. What gets quoted most often is, "God works all things for good.". Romans 8 in context It is not a verse for universal optimism. Romans 9. International Children's Bible (ICB) The Holy Bible, International Children's Bible . Grace in the soul is its new nature; the soul is alive to God, and has begun its holy happiness which shall endure for ever. He knows His Fathers in control. Like a young friend of mine telling me that just the other day she smashed (accidentally) into a wall. Human success, physical appearances and other transient pursuits will not bring fulfilment. (If the adults are really tall, have them reach while on their knees.) This lesson teaches kids the wonderful truth that when they put their faith in Jesus they are born again by the Spirit and adopted as children into God's family! 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with . Suffering is temporary. Rather, we use the word to describe something that lasts a long time according to our own opinions. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org This is one of the most wonderful promises in the Bible for the child of God. And for most of the time, it doesnt feel like smooth sailing at all. Hes declared us righteous. 12 Therefore, then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh- 13 for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the practices of the flesh, you will live. Christians are those who love God., But lest we misunderstand things, we have the second clause. And again, His goal isnt that we always feel good, but that we look like His Son. Printed lyrics to love songs; Printed copies of Romans 8:38-39 (one for each student) Heart cut outs; Tape; Black sharpies; OPENING GAME - LOVE, DON'T LAUGH Thats His promise. Romans 8:28 says this: "We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love Him according to His purposes" Let's play a fun game to help us learn that God will always work for the good in our life when we love God. Lean into your faith. But we dont need to infer this by logic; the Bible often affirms that God has a purpose that cant be thwarted. Can such su, fering be according to Gods will? In response, Paul a, [Christian Literature Crusade], p. 237), Not one link in the chain of actual Redemption is of our for, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. But they are all little parts of your story. To entrust ourselves to the free grace of God in Jesus can feel like falling backwards into the arms of a friend who may or may not be there, and may or may not catch us even if he is. It is HIS divine will that young people come to faith in Jesus Christ and find salvation through the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit to bring them to faith. 2. 14 For as many are led . Hes in control of it all. This is what God can do in our lives as we trust Him. Most of us know someone whos died. Thats all the things. How do we tell others about Gods forever love? In that role, he was able to save his extended family during a long famine. In many ways our world will never be the same. And in verse 28, we see this rock - to which we can anchor our boat. He also mentioned Joni Eareckson Tada, who was paralyzed from the neck down in a diving accident at age 17. On the surface, this piece seems mightily unfair. Even the most delicious cake is a mixture of ingredients that taste horrible by themselves. But our God is more powerful than all the forces of evil and all the rotten things that happen in our lives. Ive thought so many times over this past year, Why Lord? Ive shouted to the heavens, I just dont understand. Ive wondered why God would will that this virus wreak this kind of havoc on our world.
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