All Things Work Together for Good
Three Comforts for Suffering Christians
Aaron Lee | May 10, 2024 | UNIKOI | Romans 8:28-30
Introduction
How can suffering Christians find comfort? Last week we learned that the Holy Spirit prays for believers.The Holy Spirit actively prays for Christians according to the will of God. He is the Person behind our perseverance. But if the Holy Spirit is praying for us, and the Holy Spirit is God – why does it seem like our lives don’t go exactly as we planned? Why do Christians still suffer?
There once was a man in the Bible named Joseph. His brothers sold him into slavery. He was taken to Egypt, falsely accused, and put into prison. Why did Joseph have to suffer this way? Our sermon today will share three comforts for suffering Christians.
Context
The context of our passage is suffering. Romans 8:18 says: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Paul presents our suffering now and our future glory. Paul is saying he knows you experience suffering in this world. Persecution or sickness definitely fall into what we would consider suffering. I think the truth in this passage is actually broad enough to cover any type of trials, difficulties, and challenges you face in this life. We are weak in our struggle against sin. We are weak when we find it hard to worship God. Paul says that the sufferings and our experience of weakness now are nothing – they’re not even worth comparing – to the glory we will have. But he writes to encourage us and give us hope. And he writes to comfort suffering Christians.
1. God’s Sovereign Wisdom
The first comfort for suffering Christians is God’s sovereign wisdom.
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. 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. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Romans 8:28-30)
God is arranging, orchestrating, weaving together all things in your life for your ultimate good and for his ultimate glory. The things don’t work by themselves - God is always behind the scenes. Your definition of good might not be the same as God’s definition of good. For instance, you might not think it’s good that you failed a test or didn’t get into the college you wanted to. You might not think it’s good that you didn’t make the team or you didn’t win the game. But God might have other reasons for not giving you what you think is good. As God’s children, we are to trust in his providence – his always good, always sovereign will for our lives. This is God’s wisdom on display.
So, will you trust in God’s sovereign wisdom? Over the past several years, I was asked to take on multiple roles in the hospital. These weren’t really part of my job description, but I took them on anyway. I later found out that my position was being eliminated. But because of the extra roles I had already taken on, I was allowed to transfer to this new position without any hassle. This is a picture of what it looks like to trust God’s sovereign wisdom.
2. God’s Sanctifying Will
The second comfort for suffering Christians is God’s sanctifying will.
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. 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. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Romans 8:28-30)
The previous verse mentioned God’s purpose – or his will – and that purpose is made explicit in this next section. This is what God wants. God’s purpose is to conform his elect into the image of his Son. This means God’s purpose is to make our lives look like Christ’s. This does not mean that we are going to be perfect. As God’s children, we are being sanctified – being made holy and set apart for God, shaped into the image of his Son.
So, will you trust in God’s sanctifying will? A lot of us look for easy ways to get gains in our lives. We wish that there was one exercise that would help us lose weight or gain muscle. On the spiritual side, we’re looking for that one retreat or that one praise night that will spark a revival. The truth is that God’s sanctifying will is a lot more mundane. The daily disciplines of Bible reading, prayer, and normal Sunday worship will go a long way. If you want to be better prepared so that trials actually shape and sanctify you, I would suggest prayer and the word, as well as praise and worship. With prayer and the word, you are praying to God and seeking his will in the Bible. With praise and worship, you are meeting with God’s people to praise and tell of what God is doing, even in your hardships, and engaging in corporate worship with the church.
3. God’s Saving Work
The third comfort for suffering Christians is God’s saving work.
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. 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. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Romans 8:28-30)
Predestination is often a hot topic. In our passage today, it helps us understand the Gospel even better as giving us assurance in God’s saving work by grace alone. There is absolutely nothing you can do to earn your salvation. Christ alone does the work of salvation.
So, will you trust in God’s saving work? This is the Gospel. The Bible says that without Christ, you are under God’s wrath. Our sin separates and alienates us from God. Admit you are a sinner, believe that Jesus the Son of God died on the cross for your sins, and confess him as the resurrected King and Lord over your life. Follow him on this Earth and you will follow him up into Heaven.
Big Idea
Suffering Christians can find comfort in God’s sovereign wisdom, sanctifying will, and saving work.
Conclusion
How can suffering Christians find comfort? Suffering Christians can find comfort in God’s sovereign wisdom, sanctifying will, and saving work. The Holy Spirit does pray for Christians, and his prayers are always answered – we must have confidence that God’s ways are always good.
It might have been hard for Joseph to see what God was doing in his life. But I think he was holding on to hope. Look at what he said, when he finally saw his brothers again, forgave them, and ended up actually saving all of Egypt and his family:
20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. (Genesis 50:20)
Discussion Questions
In what areas or sufferings in your life have you struggled to see God’s goodness? What is holding you back from trusting him?
How have you seen God sanctify you in suffering? How can you better prepare or help others to persevere through trials?
In what ways have you tried to earn your salvation? How can you better rest and depend on the grace of Christ in suffering?