Part 8 Life in the Spirit Romans 8 Bible Engagement

This Bible engagement is for anyone who is reading it. If you are saved-it’s for you. If you have not accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior—you need to get saved; and it’s for you. It is written with eternity in mind, not just today. Please see Part 1 Introduction/Prayer/Foundation

Romans 8:28 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. KJV

Romans 8:28: Five (5) different translations

We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. They are the people God called, because that was his plan. ICB

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. NIV

We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. They are the people he called, because that was his plan. NCV

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. AMP    

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. AMPC

Romans 8:27-28— And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. ESV. And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes [before God] on behalf of God’s people in accordance with God’s will. And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.

Called: His Plan and Purpose

Romans 8:28 is a Scripture that is quoted often when people are going through very difficult times. When you are in the midst of a tumultuous time in your life, you can’t imagine how this misfortune or tragedy could possibly work for your good. When your business and financial security is disrupted you can’t imagine how will it ultimately work out for good. When you are in an unexpected life or death emergency health crisis, the thought of how will it work out for good is uncomfortable to put it mildly. There are situations and circumstances that can be hard and you can’t understand how the pieces are going to fit in a way that work together for  good. It’s not for you to figure it out. Our job is to Trust God and obey. Proverbs 3:5-6. His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither his ways our ways (Isaiah).

We trust the Lord and do our job. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 2 Cor. 5

The Lord has been dealing with me a “lot” about purpose; His purpose. When you are called to a particular purpose or whatever purpose God has called you to. We all have a God purpose. You have to know that our steps are ordered by God and there is a process. You can call yourself running from the process and end up running smack dab into God’s purpose for you (smack dab means right into). When you accept Jesus as Lord of your life and say Yes to His will-you are going to encounter God’s purpose. The Holy Spirit will lead you and work it all together for the good.

Romans 8:28 is used frequently, but it does not apply to everyone and should not be thrown around casually. God’s word is our powerful evangelism tool and as Believers we should use it as such. For example, saying “It’s gone work out for your good”, to people who clearly and openly reject Jesus and mock the faith. Imagine the impact of saying what the Bible actually says and not a watered down people pleasing version of the Word. Consider the impact we would have on people if we would learn to, let the Word speak for itself.

This is a personal challenge and conviction about purpose. Love is what draws people. Most times we want to show empathy and let people know that we care. We want to take the gentle non-condemning approach because we all need that; people need comfort, compassion and love. However, people also need truth that we need to obey God and those leaders He has placed over us. The truth that there are consequences for disobedience.

Disciples

Looking for love in all the wrong places; when Love is looking for you to rise to the occasion. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34,35).

Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. When we stand on the Word, God will work it all together for the good. But we must be committed to God’s purpose; no matter what. God’s purpose for us individually and collectively as the Body of Christ. We can’t be afraid to speak the truth or to share our faith but even if we are; do it anyway.  

As we are led by Holy Spirit in our interactions we have to yield and speak up. We need a healthy balance to be effective in our purpose and assignment. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter. Who better to teach us how to show empathy and truth, than the Spirit of Truth and the Comforter. It’s a team effort. The family of God. The redeemed of the Lord.

We all have an important role to play in developing the team. I pray that when the opportunity knocks in our daily lives, that we will take the time to seize the moment to say, in love, what God says. I pray that we  have the courage to push down resistance and hesitation. I pray that we have boldness to release the Word of God out of our mouths; even if we are the odd ball in the room. We are supposed to be different because God did not call us to conform. I pray that we become strong bold witnesses for Christ in spite of opposition, in the name of Jesus.

I’m describing us, living our life in the power of Holy Spirit in order to fulfill God’s purpose. I am guilty of not taking advantage of opportunities when Holy Spirit presents it. And we (the saints) know that all things (everything) work (accomplishes) together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Since the Lord is leveling His people up,-reviving us for harvest. I believe Holy Spirit is also bringing us levels of revelation of the Word. God has more for His people. God-Holy Spirit is a wonderful Teacher and can show us more of Himself in ways we have never experienced. God wants all of His soldiers out in the field prepared for battle; equipped with understanding Christ in us is our hope. Holy Spirit will give us the right words, the right moves at the right timing. We point people to Jesus.

Team Jesus Search and Rescue Mission

And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Rev. 19:10. The battle is real the Bible is under attack, our testimony is under attack, our faith in God is under attack and we can’t take the battle lightly. We all have a job to do; a purpose and a calling to fulfill. We also have a choice; we can commit to the task at hand or throw in the towel. Of course we pray, to remain committed but we also must develop a plan and implement it. If you are in a war, you can pray all day long and prayer will definitely help you but you also must trust your prayers effectiveness, use what you got and fight back.

You can’t just stand there while the enemy is punching you in the head—drop kicking you and beating you down with Tai Quan Dao. Where are your weapons?

You respond pointing to the Bible, while being stumped and punched “Here -my weapons are in here”. You have been trained to use it, mostly in comfortable settings with like-minded people. But you really haven’t practiced using your weapons in hostile environments. You know all about your weapons in theory but now you are in the heat of battle.

We need more hands-on experience with our weapons so we will be better prepared. We’re good on applying it from a theoretical perspective in a comfortable setting surrounded by people who think like us, love and support us. You can only get hands-on experience by doing the job. Practice makes perfect. We don’t want to just barely do our job. Our work is too important. What is our motivation for this particular job or line of work?

What if we are sent out to do our job, on a rescue mission; search and rescue. I’m telling you this is striking a nerve and hitting home for me, as well. Jesus sent them out two by two; team approach. The goal of your rescue mission is to bring them in. And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled Luke 14:23. Rescue Mission: Fill the House!

Romans 8:28 is dealing with the will of God, what we are called to do as people who love God. It’s dealing with individual and collective purpose according to God’s plan. It’s dealing with the providence of God, His power and ability to work it all out for good. Romans chapter 8 study/engagement is about living our life in submission to Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit makes the job easy for us; all we have to do is yield, follow, and obey. Holy Spirit is leading us into purpose and victory according to the will of God.

In the beginning of this, Part 8- I was instructed to leave space for a page near the end titled ‘Performance Review’.

Now, you know when you remain committed to a job any length of time, you are subject to a review of your performance. And you do know that your advancement and increase may be connected to your personal performance.

You are generally informed about future performance reviews upon joining the team. So that you can keep track of your goals and grow. You can assess yourself and make gradual improvements if necessary.  

Team Jesus! Let’s go

• Our Job Training: Theory and Field Team Jesus

Now the classroom/theory preparation for the job may be neatly laid out for us in Outline format with five bullet points or an easy to memorize acronym for prayer like ACTS: This is important and we need to master all of it. There will be no time for learning when you are out in the field; active duty.

Pray:

Adoration

Confession

Thanksgiving              

Supplication

• Our Job Manual Team Jesus

Timothy 2:15- Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. ESV     

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. KJV       

Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. AMP

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

• Our Great Commission Team Jesus

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” NIV

Jesus said to his followers, “Go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone. Mark 16:15 NIV

• Our Job Descriptions Team Jesus
• Ephesians 4: 7-13   But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: KJV
• Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. 1 Cor. 12: 4-11.
• Gifts of grace. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12: 6-8 ESV
• Love in Action- Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,[g] serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.[h] Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Rom 12:9-21 ESV

Romans 8:28 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. NIV

Romans 8:28 Scripture References:

• Ephesians 1:11- In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, ESV
• Ephesians 3:11- This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord ESV

          Ephesians 3:10-21

                   So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

Prayer for Spiritual Strength

                   For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

                   Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

• 2 Timothy 1:9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began ESV

Emphasis- 2 Tim. 1:3-14–I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do.

But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

Notes Romans 8:28 (Life Application Study Bible)

•God works out all things not just isolated incidents for our good

•This does not mean that everything that happens to us is good

•Evil is prevalent in our fallen world, but God is able to turn it around for our long range good.

•Note that God is not working to make us happy, but to fulfill his purpose

•Note also that this promise is not for everyone. It can be claimed only by those who love God and are fitting into God’s plans.

•Those who are called are those the Holy Spirit convinces and enables to receive Christ. Such people have a new perspective, a new mind-set on life.

•They trust in God, not in life’s treasures, they look to their security in heaven not on earth.

•They learn to accept not to resent, pain and persecution because they know God is with them.

Just Some personal thoughts:

Are you doing your job?

What are your personal goals?

Do your goals align with the team goals?

Are you accomplishing what you are supposed to?

How is your attendance and punctuality, are you showing up on time or are you often missing in action?

Are you accountable to the team?

Are you consistent?

How is your attitude about your position and about the team?

Do you have any challenges?

What are your weaknesses?

What are your strengths?

Would the other soldiers describe you as a ‘team player’?

How would you describe your level of commitment to the team goals?

How do you respond when you disagree with the team leaders directions for the team?

It’s Gone Be Alright: Sit in His Presence

PERFORMANCE REVIEW: How would you feel if God-Holy Spirit called you into His office for a Performance Review?

Your performance review is based on your call according to His plan and purpose as a disciple of Christ. The review is not to make you feel bad or to come down hard on you. The review is for you to Reflect. Honest reflection! A time in His Presence to Rest and think things over.

(This is for our personal reflection and prayer)

• Your Responsibilities as a disciple?
• How is your prayer life?
• Tell me about your faith?
• Do you love people?
• Let your light so shine…see your good Works and glorify the father. How bright is your light? Is it still bright or is it dimming, needing to be changed?
• Servant-do you serve others in any capacity?
• Great Commission—Are you going into all the churches and share the gospel message or into all the world?
• Fruit of the Spirit-How is your fruit? Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
• Witness-Are you a witness? For Jesus?
• Do you have a personal testimony about your relationship?
• How have you personally impacted the Team (Kingdom) in your role?
• Can you share your areas of personal growth?
• How comfortable are you with the Job Manual (Bible)?  Would you feel comfortable Training our new soldiers?

During the performance review, you are asked do you have any concerns or comments you want to share related to your review?

After the review: You are loved on, the love of God is poured on you. You  are smiled upon, cherished, valued, and appreciated. You are washed in the Word and refreshed. You are refueled; charged up and strengthened. You have repented and received forgiveness. You are anointed with fresh Oil and you have joy; the joy of the Lord. You have a renewed commitment; you have  faith as of a grain of mustard seed and you have mountain moving faith. You have peace that surpasses all understanding. You have this bold declaration: 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.

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:1-11