Subject – “ARE YOU SERVING YOUR PURPOSE”
Text – Romans 8:28 (read vv. 28-30)
“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.” Romans 8:28 -30 (KJV)
“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. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” Romans 8:28 -30 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION –
I believe that this is one of the most quoted verses in the New Testament. I also believe that this is also one of the most misunderstood verses. A lot of Believers love to quote this verse when things or circumstances seem to be going wrong or weird in their life. Many Believers believe that since they have claimed to be saved, this means that no matter what is going on in their life, the Lord is going to work it all out for their good. This is not what this verse is saying (expound).
When we take a good look at this verse, this can be looked at as one of those promises (or assurances) that comes with conditions. We see at least FOUR (4) conditions in this verse that comes with this promise. As we look into our text for today, let us think on this subject:
“ARE YOU SERVING YOUR PURPOSE?”
POINTS –
- “In all things God works for the good . . .” (v. 28) – This does not mean that whatever circumstances or situations Believers find themselves in that the Lord is going to make it into something good (expound). How do we know this to be true? Let us read a little further.
- “To them that love God . . .” (v. 28) – Do not take this statement likely. Remember what Jesus said to Peter (John 21: 15-17). Also remember what Jesus says in John 14:15: “If you love me, keep my commands.” Unlike many of us who seem to casually tell people that we love them, and then show no proof that they do, simply saying that we love the Lord is not enough. The Lord requires His followers to prove their love by being obedient to Him. The Lord has given His followers a good number of commands that He expects them to follow (expound).
- “To them who are the called . . .” (v. 28) – This puts in mind of John 17:
6 “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.”
Whether Jesus is referring to His disciples then or now, all the Believers need to understand that they were called well before they were in thee mother’s womb.
- “According to his purpose.” (v. 28) – True Believers; those whom the Lord have called, have ministries to fulfill. Every Believer has a role to fill in helping to fulfill the “Great Commission (expound).
CONCLUSION –
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1 (NIV)
As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you are part of the body of Christ, and every part has a purpose; the question still remains . . .
“ARE YOU SERVING YOUR PURPOSE?”