Text: Romans 8:28-31: "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. (vs29) For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren, (vs30) Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. (vs31) What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Premise
The Pulpit Commentary Vol.18 , Pages 225-226 , a comment on Romans 8:28 “The purpose which may be detected in all things is a good purpose. A moral aim is discoverable throughout the universe, and emphatically in human life. All things work together, not indeed for the promotion of pleasure, but for moral good--- the highest and worthiest of all aims. This conviction is the key to many difficulties by which observant and reflecting minds have been distressed. This moral purpose is secured so far as spiritual beings voluntarily conform to God’s will. As a matter of fact, the order of things does not actually secure the good of all beings; many will not receive the benefits which nature and life are intended to convey. But Christians who love God, and who respond to his call in Christ’s gospel, do really reap advantages to which others are strangers. These are the obedient, who are attentive to the Divine summons and accomplish the Divine purpose. For these all circumstances are ordained and overruled, that they may minister to the true well-being of God’s people.
The Christian may learn to avoid murmuring, when he remembers that even untoward circumstances are intended to work out his highest good. Such a conviction casts a new light upon daily experiences; and what otherwise might be regarded as annoyances, calling forth resentment, are now looked upon as ministrations of Divine love and mercy. The Christian may seek to profit by all God’s providential dealings. It is the spirit in which these are received which determines whether or not they shall be means of blessing; and the proper spirit is one of submission and teachableness. The Christian will cherish the expectation that the day will come when, looking back upon the path by which he has been led, and the discipline through which he has passed, he shall be able gratefully to acknowledge that God “ hath done all things well” .”
The Christian may learn to avoid murmuring, when he remembers that even untoward circumstances are intended to work out his highest good.
Providence may be defined as "that continued exercise of the Divine energy whereby the creator preserves all his creatures, is operative in all that comes to pass in the world, and directs all things to their appointed end. Creation is the calling into existence of that which did not exist before, while providence continues or causes to continue what has already been called into existence."
Exposition
Point 1--- No Doubt The Greatest Aspect Of God's Providence In Things Concerning Mankind Is In His Relation To Redemption.--- St. John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.(vs17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
Point 2--- The Purpose of God's Divine Providence Is For Our Eternal Salvation Thru Deliverance From Ourselves And The World Around Us.
1. I Will--- Bring you out--- Gal. 1:3-5 “Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, (vs4) Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (vs5) To whom be glory forever and ever. A’men.”
2. I Will--- Rid you of bondage--- St. John 8:31-32&36 “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed: (vs32) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (vs36) If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
3. I Will--- Redeem you--- Titus 2:13-14 “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (vs14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works.”
4. I Will ---Take you to me for a people--- Lev.20:26 “And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.”
1 Peter 2:9-10 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: (vs10) Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”
5. I Will--- Be to you a God--- 2 Cor. 6:16-18 “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God: as God hath said,(Lev.26:12) I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.(vs17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate , saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,( Ref. Isa.52:11) (vs18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”( Ref.2 Sam.7:14).
6. I Will--- Bring you into my Father’s House--- St. John 14:2-3 “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (vs3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
7. I will ---Give you an Inheritance with your Salvation--- 1 Peter 1:3-9 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (vs4) To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, (vs5) Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (vs6) Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: (vs7) That the trial of your faith, being much more precious that of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (vs8) Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (vs9) Receiving the end of faith, even the salvation of your souls.”