We Know!

“We Know!”

Genesis 50:15-21

Romans 8:28-30

There are few verses in Scripture more cherished, more quoted, or more misunderstood than Romans 8:28. I personally turn to this verse a lot, and I’ve used it many, many times in sermons - stressing the point of God’s provision and omnipotence over all things.

Romans 8:28 has brought comfort to countless believers. But it’s far more than simple encouragement, or a vague promise of good vibes. It’s a bold declaration of divine sovereignty, a foundation for Christian assurance, and a call to live by faith in the middle of life’s hardest moments.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

“And we know…” NOT ...“we think,” NOT ...“we hope,” NOT ...“we feel” - but we know.

Life is often filled with uncertainty, anxiety, and instability. And acknowledging that, Paul says there’s something that followers of Christ can absolutely be certain of: God is at work in every detail of your life.

This is not just something we hope might be true. Paul says: “We know.” It is settled, certain, grounded in the character and promises of God, as revealed in His Word.

It’s NOT blind optimism... nor is it emotional wishfulness. It’s Biblical assurance... an assurance that flows from the truth that God is in control, not just in theory, but in reality - because God’s authorative WORD says so!

The Westminster Confession of Faith (Shorter Catechism Q. 11:) reminds us, “God’s works of providence are His most holy, wise, and powerful... preserving and governing all His creatures and all their actions.”

Every single thing in the universe is upheld and governed by His hand - including the joys and sorrows of our lives.

So when Paul says, “we know,” he’s calling you and me, to rest in the God who never loses or relinquishes control. He never acts without purpose, and never abandons us to our own strength.

Of course, when Paul says, “we know” he’s talking about something specific: “We know that in ALL THINGS, God works for the good...”

This is, without doubt, the most shocking part of the verse. Paul doesn’t say some things, or the good things, or even most things. He says, “all things.”

All... means all, everything!

+ The promotion you were blessed with & the job you lost.

+ The years of health and well-ness you’ve experienced & the sickness you didn’t expect.

+ The people who’ve known and loved & the grief you continue to carry.

+ The relationships that have blossomed... and the relationship that fell apart.

All things... means all things! Even the sins and failures of your past. Of course, God does not cause sin! BUT... He can sovereignly overrule it and use it for His glory and your good: that’s the power of God’s Spirit working in and through you!

Remember Joseph? Sold by his brothers into slavery, falsely accused, thrown into prison. And yet at the end of Genesis he says: “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” (Gen. 50:20)

Two intentions—man’s for evil, God’s for good. But God’s purpose prevailed.

The Greek word used here, translated “work together” (Greek: synergei), is where we get our English word “synergy.” It means God is actively orchestrating every detail of your life. Not reacting to events—but sovereignly ordaining them, and moving the various pieces of our lives into place, to His greater good and glory.

But notice this carefully: Paul does not say that all things are good. Some things are evil. Some things are deeply painful. But even those, in God’s providence, get woven into the fabric of our salvation.

Of course, it may help us to understand what Paul meant by “good”?

Not comfort. Not ease. Not success. But the ultimate good: conformity to Christ and the eternal glory of God.

Just look at verse 29: “For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…” God’s ultimate good, according to God’s Word, is conformity to Christ and His eternal glory.

That’s the “good” God is working toward in your life, and mine. He’s intent on making you and me more like Christ, and bringing us home to Him forever.

And who are the recipients of God’s goodness?

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

The promise is not for everyone. It’s specifically for:

Those who love God - those who are called according to His purpose.

These are not two separate groups, but one and the same people.

Loving God does not come naturally for most. Romans 3 says no one even seeks God. But God, in His mercy, changes our hearts through regeneration. Our love for Him is the fruit of His love for us. 1 John 4:19, “We love because He first loved us.”

“Who are called according to His purpose”

This is not the general call of the gospel that goes out to all. This is the effectual call—the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit drawing the elect into union with Christ. The call of Christ is effectual (it has a saving effect on your life) when you receive it. Receiving, or accepting Christ’s offer of eternal life is the defining mark of the elect. If you’ve received Christ as your Lord you are among the elect!

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

We all struggle at times: weighed down with questions and fears. We don’t always see the good in the moment we’re walking through the fire. But know this... You may not see the good yet—but it’s coming. He promises it.

If you’ve received Christ, and you’ve grown to love God... He has called you, and established you as HIS. And that means, this promise is for you!

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Amen.