Sermon on Romans 8:28 | Sermon by Father.Mungamuri Devadasu

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

Explanation:

This verse contains the phrase "we know," indicating that it was written by someone who had personally experienced its truth. First-hand experience is greater than merely hearing, reading, or imagining.

• Hearing about something brings joy.
• Reading about it brings another kind of joy.
• Imagining it brings yet another level of joy.
• But personally knowing and experiencing it brings the greatest joy of all.

Every Christian is meant to experience this deep, personal assurance. However, there is a significant difference between the teachings of the apostles and those of modern Christians and preachers. The apostles declared, "We proclaim what we have seen." But today, many Christians cannot say the same, as their understanding often lacks personal experience.

Many Christians today have not seen Christ in person. However, some have experienced His presence deeply and can testify to it. But can unbelievers who once saw Jesus in the streets of Jerusalem ever be equal to the apostles? Seeing alone does not guarantee faith or understanding.

Sadhu Sundar Singh shared his personal experience as follows:

*"In my early days of prayer, I knew very well that the Lord Jesus had entered my heart. He has never left me, not even for a single moment. Even in the most difficult times of suffering, I know for certain that He is truly within me. This is not just imagination, nor is it merely faith—it is an experience.

When I was in the depths of despair, when I walked through darkness, when I suffered greatly, when I had no hope of rising again, when there was no wind—when even breathing became difficult—still, I knew He was within me. Even when I cried out, 'My God, why have You forsaken me?' I realized He was still in my heart."

Dearly Beloved, What a profound experience this is! It is an experience that every one of us should have.

Who are those who love God?

Those who love God are the ones who obey His commandments. While God loves all of His creation, there is a distinction between all whom He has created and those who follow His will. The latter are the ones who prepare themselves to receive His special grace. Only they can truly recognize and experience God's favour, while others cannot.

Those who love God are chosen and set apart. Their relationship with God is mutual—they love Him, and He loves them. Scripture makes it clear that merely saying, “I love God,” is not enough. If a person does not fulfil God's will, he is deceiving himself.

Jesus Himself said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of My Father.” This is a profound truth.

What is God’s Purpose?

1. To bring about good.
2. To fulfil all things according to His will.

God’s divine plan ensures that everything works together in perfect harmony, and that harmony ultimately results in good.

Understanding God’s Purpose in Difficult Situations

When we enter into God’s presence, His plans become clear. Often, when something happens against our desires, a believer may question, "Why did this happen?" But God's response is, "Right now, this may seem harmful to you, but in the future, it will bring good."

Example: Joseph

Joseph’s brothers intended evil against him, but God turned it for good. If Joseph had never gone to Egypt, where would his brothers have found food during the famine?

This verse contains two powerful words:

1. Good – God's ultimate plan is always for our benefit.
2. All things – Nothing is excluded; everything works together under His purpose.

If "all things" truly means everything, then all prayers will be fulfilled for those who seek His presence. This truth serves as a strong pillar of faith.

But what if good does not seem to come immediately, or not everything seems to be fulfilled? Should we stop seeking God’s presence?

• When obstacles arise, do not step back.
• When sleepiness distracts you, stay firm.
• When your mind wanders, refocus on God.

Keep seeking His presence, because in Him, there is good, and all things come together for His glory. Amen!

Does God call everyone? Yes, He calls all, but not everyone responds. Imagine a master calling ten people to work in his field, but only four shows up. Who does he appoint? Only those who are willing. He assigns tasks to them, listens to their requests, and fulfils their needs. If someone refuses to work, what is the use of calling them? What is the benefit of appointing them? Likewise, an evangelist must remain committed to the work God has called them to do. When He asks, be ready to give. Therefore, go forth into His presence—Amen.

Some may wonder—what if things don’t come together? What if prayers aren’t answered? The answer remains the same throughout life: Good! Good! Only Good! Everything must come to pass, but there is one condition—if a person does not love God and has not been called by Him, then the promise does not apply to them. However, this verse does not say that things will fail, that evil will prevail, or that everything might not come together. Instead, it declares one absolute truth: Only Good! This is the true blessing of faith. Amen!