"All Things"
“ALL THINGS” WORK TOGETHER
The question you might have at this time is, “What does it mean by ‘all things’?” I can understand that every good thing that happens to me is from God. It is proof that God is personally working for my good. However, surely, not every evil or tragic situation is working for my good. I mean, I cannot see anything good whatsoever coming out of many atrocities on earth.”
Although it is true that the use of the word “all” throughout the Bible can be used as a broad expression meaning “most” or “the majority” or a large crowd, it seems apparent in this case that Paul actually means “all” as in everything. By studying the specific context of the passage, since Paul is specifically discussing “suffering” in this world, it could possibly also mean more narrowly “all suffering.” So, in either view, “all things” unquestionably includes (if not expressly pinpoints) all of our suffering.
Therefore, the verse means all of our trials, tribulations, problems, difficulties, troubles, misfortune, challenges, and times of distress actually end up serving as partners or helpers (remember our definition of “work together”) to contribute to our good fortune.
Clarke’s Commentary puts it this way,
“All these things work together; while they are working, God's providence is working, his Spirit is working, and they are working together with him. And whatever troubles, or afflictions, or persecutions may arise, God presses them into their service; and they make a part of the general working, and are caused to contribute to the general good of the person who now loves God, and who is working by faith and love under the influence and operation of the Holy Ghost.”
In other words, God takes any affliction (He does not “cause” but “uses”) and is able to utilize the suffering for our benefit. I like the way Clarke puts it, “God presses them into His service.” The Greek word for “work together” is in the present tense. Suffering does not help us only in the future, but is working NOW for our good. The old adage, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” would apply here. Nuclear fission can annihilate entire regions or be utilized (harnessed) to bring energy to cities. The same strong wind can blow away our trash cans at the same time it is filling the sails of a boat and turning huge wind turbines.
I also believe this “partner” in labor called suffering is not only utilized by God but must be exploited by us as Christians as well. Although this is an entirely separate sermon, we must learn how to take tribulation and make good use of it. Heavy weights can gradually wear us down, or we can take advantage of them to strengthen us as we push back (example of a weight).
PURPOSE/CALLED
Again, the Greek order of the verse ends with “to those according to purpose are called.” The word “purpose” literally means “to set up a display” for viewing. God will carefully “arrange,” if you will, our lives behind the scenes to show forth an ordered display if we will allow Him. As if to clarify the recipients of this marvelous promise, Paul finishes the verse with this. It is a promise for those following God’s calling and purpose for their lives. Oh, God’s Word is wonderful.
“ALL THINGS” WORK TOGETHER
The question you might have at this time is, “What does it mean by ‘all things’?” I can understand that every good thing that happens to me is from God. It is proof that God is personally working for my good. However, surely, not every evil or tragic situation is working for my good. I mean, I cannot see anything good whatsoever coming out of many atrocities on earth.”
Although it is true that the use of the word “all” throughout the Bible can be used as a broad expression meaning “most” or “the majority” or a large crowd, it seems apparent in this case that Paul actually means “all” as in everything. By studying the specific context of the passage, since Paul is specifically discussing “suffering” in this world, it could possibly also mean more narrowly “all suffering.” So, in either view, “all things” unquestionably includes (if not expressly pinpoints) all of our suffering.
Therefore, the verse means all of our trials, tribulations, problems, difficulties, troubles, misfortune, challenges, and times of distress actually end up serving as partners or helpers (remember our definition of “work together”) to contribute to our good fortune.
Clarke’s Commentary puts it this way,
“All these things work together; while they are working, God's providence is working, his Spirit is working, and they are working together with him. And whatever troubles, or afflictions, or persecutions may arise, God presses them into their service; and they make a part of the general working, and are caused to contribute to the general good of the person who now loves God, and who is working by faith and love under the influence and operation of the Holy Ghost.”
In other words, God takes any affliction (He does not “cause” but “uses”) and is able to utilize the suffering for our benefit. I like the way Clarke puts it, “God presses them into His service.” The Greek word for “work together” is in the present tense. Suffering does not help us only in the future, but is working NOW for our good. The old adage, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” would apply here. Nuclear fission can annihilate entire regions or be utilized (harnessed) to bring energy to cities. The same strong wind can blow away our trash cans at the same time it is filling the sails of a boat and turning huge wind turbines.
I also believe this “partner” in labor called suffering is not only utilized by God but must be exploited by us as Christians as well. Although this is an entirely separate sermon, we must learn how to take tribulation and make good use of it. Heavy weights can gradually wear us down, or we can take advantage of them to strengthen us as we push back (example of a weight).
PURPOSE/CALLED
Again, the Greek order of the verse ends with “to those according to purpose are called.” The word “purpose” literally means “to set up a display” for viewing. God will carefully “arrange,” if you will, our lives behind the scenes to show forth an ordered display if we will allow Him. As if to clarify the recipients of this marvelous promise, Paul finishes the verse with this. It is a promise for those following God’s calling and purpose for their lives. Oh, God’s Word is wonderful.