Not going to lie. The entire book of Romans was something I relished going through during the COVID-19 outbreak. In the season of the lockdown, the words in Romans were a source of great comfort and strength. And honestly, I nearly forgot how awesome this book was — I hadn’t touched Romans in a couple years at least!

However, when it comes to Romans, one of the most popular and yet controversial verses comes in the form of Romans 8:28. In just a single verse, there is so much truth and depth. And while it might shock you that I would dedicate an entire Bible Study to one single verse, you will soon begin to see why!

There are definitely going to be topics within this Bible study that are considered ‘hard’ topics. But above all else, the purpose of this Bible Study isn’t to cause division between us but to try to unite together as we journey together trying to discover God’s truths and the meaning that was already intended in the scriptures!

So let’s dive deep into this in-depth Romans 8:28 devotion together!

Simply click the image below to download this beautifully designed Romans 8:28 In-Depth Devotion! I know you want to!

Sneak Peek of the FREEBIE

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.

Romans 8:28

Part One: Does God Always Work for the Good of Us?

Before we begin friend, have a careful think about if you believe that God really works for the good of those who love Him when you hear stories of Christians being persecuted and dying for the sake of His name. After all, how can things like that possibly be good?

One of the most popular verses that often gets spun in the wrong way is Romans 8:28. It is often used to preach a prosperity gospel where Christians begin expecting that they will live out a perfect life with wealth and health. So sometimes those who feed into this version of the gospel are left hurt, sad and confused when disaster strikes them as they wonder why bad things happened if God worked for the good of those who love Him. 

But one of the most important facts is that God is so sovereign that all things that do happen to Christians — including trials, tribulations and persecution will work together for the good of those who love God. The hope that we hold onto isn’t that peril and distress that we face aren’t meant to simply go away, but that God will make every painful situation and circumstance into an instrument of His mercy to do us good.

“You meant it for evil,” Joseph had told his brothers who sold him into slavery, “but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20) So when we think about the hardships that happen to those who love Jesus, we can rest assured knowing that in ALL things, God will mean it for good! And that is the hope that we can hold onto.

When we begin living our lives in the midst of this promise and the hope that it provides us with, our life becames unshakeable. This is because the unwavering structure of Romans 8:28 promises us that no matter what comes our way, we can live with confidence and boldness that we can live with true stability and freedom!

No longer can the storms of life blow us away or cause the world around us to break down because we can gladly live knowing that the God who knows all things to always work for our good — even in the midst of the pain and hurt!

How truly powerful is it to know that even when things don’t go the way we expect it to and even when things are attacking us left and right that we can continue living with confidence that out of the pain and the darkness will come something good!

Click the image below to download the FULL, beautifully designed Romans 8:28 In-Depth Devotion!

Part Two: What Does it Mean to Be ‘Called’ By God?

There is something a little controversial about the second half of this verse. There are many people who debate over what it truly means to be ‘called’ by the Lord. The idea of predestination and election is a deeply sensitive topic and I don’t believe in teaching about anything that I do not have authority over yet. But one thing I would love to do is to discuss with you various pieces of scripture that could help you to understand what it really means to be ‘called’ by God.

But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. — 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Here in 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 it shows that there is a difference between those who hear the Lord’s message and those who have actually been called. Not everyone who hears the gospel have been called. But those who have been called, both Jews and Gentiles will be called from unbelief to faith. No longer will they consider Christ as a stumbling block, but will regard Him as the power of God and the wisdom of God.

And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. — Romans 8:30

One thing that is so important is to understand that we did not choose the Lord first. It isn’t because we were smarter or better than the unbelievers around us that caused us to choose the Lord.  Instead, it is important to give glory to the Lord where it is due. And it is only through His calling that we are given the chance to freely choose Him and go from being faithless to being faithful.

Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” — Romans 9:10-12

What I find so powerful here is the fact that before Esau or Jacob were even born, God already had a plan. And His plan had nothing to do with the works that Esau or Jacob did (after all, they weren’t even born yet!) and it wasn’t because of their ancestors (as they shared the same father and mother!) Instead, His call had all to do with His purpose.

One powerful thing about the concept of predestination and election can be summed up by John Piper of Desiring God. It was written to point out the fact that the reason why we embrace unconditional election is because it is a powerful incentive in our evangelism to help unbelievers, who are great sinners and to cause despair…

When you offer Christ freely to all unbelievers, suppose one says, “I have sinned too terribly. God could never choose to save me.” But when you “believe in the Lord Jesus, you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Responding to the call of the Lord is how you begin to “confirm your calling and election” (2 Peter 1:10). If you will embrace the Savior, you will confirm that you are elect, and you will be saved. — John Piper

There may never be a clear cut answer to how we can understand the truths behind predestination and free will, because it is impossible to fit the entirety of the logic of God to our own human logic. But, I hope these resources do help you to get one step closer to understanding the concept of what being ‘called’ by God really means!

Before You Go..

If you liked what you’ve read so far and you want to FULL in-depth Romans 8:28 Devotion and the associated Bible study questions, simply click on the image below! I will send the beautifully designed Bible study straight to your inbox!

Hey! Here Are Other Resources…

—> You might also like this Bible Study: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 In-Depth Bible Study

—> You might also like this Bible Study: Psalm 23 In-Depth Bible Study

—> You might also like this Prayer: Prayer for Hope and Faith in the Midst of the Unknown

—> You might also like this blog post: 10 Signs of a Lukewarm Christian| Jesus Didn’t Die for You to be Ashamed of Him

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Before You Go…

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Drop a comment below and let me know — how do you relate the biblical principles of Romans 8:28 to your life and how did you find the Romans 8:28 devotion today? Let’s start a discussion!

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