Misconception Series -
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Common Misinterpretation:
All things will work out for our prosperity. God wants our lives to go smoothly.
What is Wrong?
We start to question God when things don’t go the way we want. We start to wonder why we as Christians suffer, even though God says things will work out for our good. During season of hurt and losing things precious to us, we feel that God is not on our side.
Context of Romans 8:28–29:
In verse 29, Paul defines for us what it means to be ‘for good’.
“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.”
— Romans 28:9 (ESV)
It means to be conformed to the image of his son. This is the process that we call sanctification. After salvation, the Holy Spirit works in our lives to change our desires and actions to be like that of Christ, until one day, when we are fully glorified in Him.
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
— 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
Why did Paul bring up sanctification?
When we look at the ealrier verses, these verses are actually in the context of suffering. Earlier in Romans 8, Paul compares present suffering to future glory.
These verses were meant to be an encouragement to the Roman Christians, who Paul had just called to live in the spirit. Paul wanted to make it clear to them that even in their difficult situations, God was still in control. God was still actively changing them to become more like Christ each day
For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
— Romans 8:13 (ESV)“ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
— Romans 8:18 (ESV)
This is why exegesis is important! Rather than looking at this verse in isolation, we can understand it from its context. If we were to read Romans 8 from the top, here’s how Paul’s thought process would flow:
- Walk in the spirit (v11–13)
- Suffering with Christ (v16–18)
- All things work for good (v28–30)
The christians were called to live for Christ and not themselves, this meant that they would suffer. Yet in the face of these sufferings, v28–30 would encourage the christians, “Stand strong in the faith! Continue to obey! Because all things are working for your sanctification”
As Christians who are still in the flesh, living in a fallen world, we are going to suffer and struggle. These things -albeit very real and painful- are not to torment us but are all ‘working out for good’. They are making us more and more like Christ.
“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.”
“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”
— Romans 7:18–29, 24 (ESV)
How can we apply this?
Rather than believing in an empty lie (misconception) of a care-free, problem free life, this verse gives us strength to pull through difficult situations because we know our God is in control. Rather than questioning the hardships of our lives and wondering whether God is good, this verse gives us comfort in a God who is working all things together for good. God is not unaware of your struggle. All things, even our bad circumstances, work together for good.
Maybe we won’t have the nicest clothes, maybe we won’t have the biggest friend group or maybe even the most members in our care group. But for those of us who love God, we can trust that in everything we are becoming more and more like our saviour Jesus Christ. That is our greatest honour and utmost reason to rejoice!
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