Posted: 11/15/05
Explore the Bible Series for Nov. 27
Circumstances can’t defeat God’s purposes
• Romans 8:28-39
By Trey Turner
Canyon Creek Baptist Church, Temple
A particular circumstance tests the application of this lesson on God’s providential care.
I baptized the same morning Kyle Lake was tragically killed doing the same. University Baptist Church in Waco saw their pastor electrocuted while serving the Lord among the congregation he loved.
I have ministered to families in grief, performed funerals and heard news of tragic circumstances before, but this scenario disturbs me because baptism in a church should be safe. It challenges previously assumed “safe-places” with a reminder that safety is not surety.
What can the believer hope for in God’s provision? Can he or she expect safety? Comfort? Protection from death or illness? What do these circumstances mean for that believer’s faith?
God’s work: No worries (Romans 8:28-30)
Grief makes people feel so alone. Quoting Romans 8:28 can seem like a mean lecture from well-meaning people who have not experienced this grief. They say, “Trust God; it will all work out.”
The Apostle Paul talked about how the Spirit of God helps people when they do not know what to pray (v. 26). Here he begins by saying what believers do know: “We know that God works” in circumstances. Even when people do not know how God can redeem bad circumstances, he works in them because God works “in all things.” By themselves, “things” cannot and do not work themselves out. The belief that “all things work together” must be understood instead to mean, “God works in all things.”
Paul’s conviction, “we know,” is the Christian’s hope—the firm belief that God works all circumstances toward a good end. Specifically, God is bringing the believer through even bad circumstances to a God-honoring end—his or her completed end as a sanctified disciple of Jesus Christ.
Paul says the thought should not linger which says, “God cannot use this incident.” Instead, affirming, “God will see me through and I will be more than I am now.”
God’s love: No doubts (Romans 8:31-32)
Read the “if” statement as the grammar suggests saying, “Since God is for us,” what can keep the believer down? Since at great effort, God has worked to bring the believer redemption, why would one think he would stop short of that goal? He or she is encouraged to have a steadfast hope. In difficult circumstances, do not doubt God’s love.
Christ’s work: No charges (Romans 8:33-34)
Since the believer does not doubt God’s goodness, nor does he doubt God’s love, should the believer have reason to doubt the power of Christ’s work? There is no one who can bring a condemning word which will stick because Jesus Christ is the one who reaches. God’s love is for everyone … the believer’s goodness cannot be brought into question. Jesus accomplishes the Christian’s justification completely as he or she responds to God’s work in Christ.
Since the Christian responds to God’s choosing, the Christian’s salvation means charges that the believer does not belong to God or is not faithful to God cannot be brought. Jesus himself is serving as his or her advocate to accomplish continuing sanctification. Jesus’ work on the believer is ongoing and will be finished
Christ’s love: No separation (Romans 8:35-39)
Therefore, what circumstance can take the Christian out of God’s purposes? Nothing. Paul’s own experiences are such that he and his companions stare death in the face and still see God complete his goals of redemption. They celebrate God’s mercy even as they are redeeming others. Paul’s list of those things which are most likely to paralyze a believer’s courage add up to nothing, for he says, “I am convinced” these forces and distances cannot separate the Christian from God’s ongoing, active redemption.
It is with humility that I approach the great loss of University Baptist and especially that grief of the Lake family. One trembles under such pressure, yet Paul affirms the magnificent activity of God from the midst. Fellow believers, pray Christ’s joy as you see his mercy and fellowship through these difficult times. May the wonder of his strength overwhelm you and keep you close to him. Finally, may his ministry to you serve as fuel for God’s glory as you minister to others.
Discussion questions
• What fears do Christians have today?
• What fears keep believers from obedience?
• What fears keep believers from ministry?
• From these verses, how would you encourage people to overcome their fears and find courage to be faithful despite them?
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