“It’s All Good”

(Romans 8:28-39)

Series: Romans – United in the Gospel [on screen]

Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD

First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida

May 29, 2022

Introductory Comments:

Romans chapter 8 is incredible! Listen to some of the beautiful passages that arise from this chapter of Scripture:

Romans 8:1 – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. [on screen]

Romans 8:15 – For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” [on screen]

Romans 8:18 – For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. [on screen]

Now, Paul continues on with this amazing chapter and he once again starts off strong when it comes to the passage that we’re looking at today. 

So, let’s look at Romans 8:28-39, but before we do, let’s pray together and ask God to speak to us. 

(prayer)

Did you know that the godly life is a good life, church? When we belong to God and He is in us, life is good. However, not only is life in the here and now good . . . life in the future is good as well. 

So, let’s talk about life in Jesus being good. Today’s sermon is entitled, “It’s All Good.” [on screen]

So, first, let’s recognize the fact that we have a  . . .

I. Good future (28-30) [on screen]

The future of those who belong to Jesus looks very good.Listen to what Paul says in verses 28-30:

28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.

As we look at these verses, I’m sure verse 28 is known to many of us, and it is a wonderful verse. However, we must be sure to clarify a couple of things about verse 28. 

First of all, notice that Paul says, “ . . . all things work together for the good.” Paul does not say, “all things are good.”

Second, notice that Paul clarifies who the all things working for good applies to: to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. 

So, God doesn’t say that everything will be good for everybody. Paul says specifically what will happen (all things will work together for good) and who it will happen to (those who love God).

What Paul is telling us is that if you are a follower of God, you have a good future ahead of you. All the evil, all the suffering, all the heartaches and headaches, all the misrepresentations, all the persecution, all the sin that was committed against you, will work together for your good! 

That is why Paul says in verse 18 that the sufferings of this world do not compare with the future glory that awaits us. It will be good! It’s all good!

When you have to wait in a very slow and very long line at the fast-food restaurant, remind yourself that it’s all good! When you have false accusations leveled against you, remind yourself that it’s all good! When you are ripped off by someone, remind yourself that it’s all good. When your friends and family abandon you, remind yourself that it’s all good. When your children or grandchildren reject your love and care, remind yourself that it’s all good! When you or your family suffer health challenges, remind yourself that it’s all good! When you lose your job or you can’t pay your bills, remind yourself that it’s all good! 

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

Listen, God has been planning good in your life and in your future since before you ever existed on this earth! How incredible is that?

This miraculous reality is explained to us a bit by Paul in ver