What is good?
Is good the same for everyone?
Can terrible situations end up leading to good?
Our Creator unconditionally loves us. How do we reciprocate?
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| And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 ESV |
With freedom to think and act however we choose, we should seek to find the good and be thankful in all things.
Too often, we fail to show gratitude. We make poor choices. What seems weird to our little minds is, that to take away punishment we deserve, God had planned and allowed His innocent willing Son to endure being mocked, beaten, lifted up on the cross, and humiliated by a slow painful death.
We perceive much of what happens in this world as bad, however, everything our glorious unchanging God controls is actually for the good of the people He created who love Him—all is either hidden or revealed in His perfect timelessness.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Romans 1:18-19
Our Father in Heaven hates all things which are bad for us.
His Word helps us discover that twisting, suppressing or trading Truth for lies is dangerous. The Spirit of Truth shows us how to trust our dependable Savior for forgiveness and how to live a different life that
- pursues peace
- turns away from lies
- is honest
- is open to correction
- is grateful for protection
- is certain about the promise of an eternal home with Jesus
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:20 ESV
Wholesome Truth breaks down contamination.
Our downfall and the vexation of our relationships result from the combination of our bad thoughts, words and deeds which poison the pure goodness God desires for us. Repeatedly succumbing to the devil’s temptation to pick and twist Truth sends us spinning into a messy downward spiral that tries to suck others in as well. Problems increase by our bad choice to remain unchecked. Refusing help puts at risk the faith which trusts Christ’s purpose.
Receiving help allows God’s warm love to dissolve what has become harshly cold and rigidly hardhearted. The work of the Holy Spirit transitions us into softer people who are more flexible and genuinely friendly. As baptized, beloved, adopted children of God, His good will for us is the way of life which fears, loves, and trusts our Heavenly Father’s mercy above all things, frequently worships Him, prays to receive forgiveness, correction and help, then passes hope on to others willing to receive the Gospel for strength to resist natural sinful inclinations which would rather
- demand entitlement to what, when, where, and how we want things
- carelessness of what would be good for others
- say we are good, proud, and in tune with modern society of this world
- ingratitude for how good we actually do have things
- hypocritically claim we are good
- persist we already know better than others, so refuse to listen to them
- think or speak negatively about the good fortune or success of others
- judge and hold others in contempt
- defame the good reputation of another
- manipulate
- make light of problems recorded in Romans 1:18-32
We never completely grow up to God’s standard of excellence, nor to another person’s flawed ideal. Consistent failure to do the good we want to do is more obvious than we like to admit. Doing the bad we shouldn’t exceeds what we care to discover about ourselves. A self-deceptive blame-shift tactic in attempt to escape responsibility for personal problems unfairly projects those issues onto someone else; also, changing the subject and making excuses are ploys to distract from festering guilt that resists confession. To pacify the inner child, we stoop low, rather than stand up straight in order to observe ourselves in the mirror and light of God’s Word.
Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. Romans 2:1
They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them Romans 2:15
Sin tarnishes everyone’s reputation and is the very reason suffering and death exists.
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23
By faith in the Word, we understand that the Lord has compassion.
As we mature in the faith, we pray that our inner childish disobedience becomes more recognizable so we can confess quickly with sincere gratitude for grace in confidence that Christ removes sin as far as the east is from the west. Jesus compassionately lifts us sinners up to rescue, comfort and safely carry us through risky and terrible situations.
For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Romans 3:28
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
An interesting post questions: So, Who Will You Serve?
Deep down, we do have a sense of God’s version of good. He designed us with scruples to realize His good will is superior to our own selfish tendencies.
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. Romans 7:18
Regarding the problem of sin and its consequences, no amount of
- denial
- blame
- book knowledge
- working harder
- scrambling for self-made solutions
does what humble, honest, trust in Christ’s accomplishment for us does. The Bible establishes direction for how to stop sinning, but humans will always struggle, incapable to carry out those commands. The repentance God provides allows us to admit we absolutely cannot rid ourselves of sin, death or the power of the devil on our own. God is God and we are not, so we cannot expect to fix or control things.
Relying on the loving work of Jesus is the only way to let go of what weighs us down.
Only by receiving the faith, we are made right by Jesus. Released of shame, we may contentedly carry out his purposes. This doesn’t mean the scars are gone [memories of trouble, pain, lack of trust, and sadness], or that all in the world will suddenly align to our personal liking; but that we have certain hope which is set free from sin’s negativity, heaviness, and eternal consequences. In light of receiving forgiving faith, we take on our responsibility to release and confess our own bad behavior. Believing in the victory Jesus won at the cross and resurrection, the Spirit He sent to live in us is constantly working and motivating us to receive mercy and grace as well as offer it to others. Confession and absolution keeps us honest and peacefully ready to move forward.
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, Romans 8:1
What good comes from pride, jealousy, selfish meddling and hurtful arrogant actions based on unmerited authority or stubborn self-righteousness? No good—only an influx of frustration and confusion—while the junk of our fallen human nature stirs up misery.
For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Romans 8:7
Surprisingly, the Almighty’s judgement isn’t based on perfection apart from Christ. It is based on timeless Scriptural grace (among various views on grace) for those who rely upon our perfect Substitute for forgiveness. Since humanity is estranged from our all-knowing God because of our unholy thoughts, messed-up desires and worthless deeds, our Heavenly Father has freed us to take refuge in Christ’s extraordinary work for graciousness designed with good purpose specifically for us to share the Good News! Sadly, some won’t receive the gift. Rejection of the Holy Spirit’s gifts of Truth and repentance, Scripture warns, means self-exclusion from the gift of eternity in paradise with Jesus. A person’s choice to deny the free gift of faith in Christ precedes their damnation to an eternal destination of never-ending misery in hell.
No favorites.
Our Creator compassionately wants all to be rescued from hell on Judgement Day. He lowered Himself to become human, born of a virgin, for us. Though we are not, He was perfectly good while He lived with us. One horrible day, the innocent man Jesus became sin that is hated by God in taking violent punishment and death on the cross so we all can become right by Him and live. Wow! Undeserving Christians call this Good Friday. Christ descended to hell, on the third day rose from the grave so that we can, too, because He ascended to heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father and intercedes for us. The Helper’s gifts of faith and forgiveness are in the water of Baptism and Word spoken in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. His body and blood—given for us during the Lord’s Supper, together in the Church—is where we receive forgiveness and strength. In the Spirit of Truth, with purified minds, we trust and are justified in Christ Jesus for our salvation.
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. Romans 8:27 ESV
There’s no other way we can be proud of anything except to boast about the fear and faith we have in God for mercy and grace our Savior provides. Listen to the Music.
The complexity of God’s control—always appointing time and working things together—is well beyond comprehension.
His good solutions may not be revealed to us in this lifetime. Nor may we ever know the whole story of why God permits certain details to happen or how He works with mistakes and around inadequacies to achieve His good purpose for us or someone else. It’s okay, even good, to not know it all. It’s hard work to be patient and content with God’s ways of handling difficult things to serve His good purposes. Adversity increases appetite for Scripture which satisfies us with the fullness of a meaningful life that leans on Jesus and on other Christians. The peace He provides is sufficient. That is very good!
Comfort is for those who, baptized and hearing the Word of God, love Christ’s purpose.
God’s good is that He died on the cross to give meaning to life. If we wish to refuse that good gift by our own choice to stay away or
leave it behind, that’s completely on us. It is not His intent that we
deny the grace He offers.
Romans 8:28, 31b
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| 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. … If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:28, 31b NIV |
In all things God is graciously working for the good of those who love Him, called to his purpose. With that, who can be against us?
We don’t always get what we want; yet in God’s control of all things, we get the good we don’t deserve. Because we can’t stop sinning or achieve perfection, Christ our merciful Lord justifies us and makes us holy.
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32
Romans 8:34
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| Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Romans 8:34 ESV |
The devil is a tricky liar who tempts us into trusting idols and losing the faith.
We don’t love Christ when we rebel by putting anything or anyone in a higher position than God. We need to be corrected. Grounded by repentance, constantly immersed in Truth of baptism and hearing God’s Word, we win! Empowered with knowledge that Jesus died, was raised and is with God for us, in Christ, we have received these gifts:
- we have died to sin
- are raised to new life
- with Jesus standing for us, nothing else is needed.
Romans 8:35-37
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| Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:35-37 NIV |
Trouble, hardship, danger, persecution and suffering doesn’t separate us from God’s love for us.
God authorizes trouble and hardship, plus, He also makes good in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. Absolutely nothing—no person, power, mood, difficult situation, danger, sorrow, death, natural disaster, the devil, anything present or to come—will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Watch the Video.
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29
Romans 12:2
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| Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 |
By the Word and Spirit of Christ who atoned for all, we are transformed to worship Him.
Though earning our way into God’s good grace isn’t possible and we could never repay the debt He paid for our sins, we pray for help to do what is appropriate within His will. Our entire mind, body, and life of living together functions, according to the measure of faith given to us, while we grow in wisdom of His grace.
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Romans 12:9
Romans 12:10-13
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| Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, 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. Romans 12:10-13 ESV |
Affectionately yours, God.
Consider what the Bible says about being useful with God’s gifts. We may ask the Lord for opportunities to serve. He generously provides capability to contribute to needs of all who trust Him. God’s Word is the source for good order, strong conscience in the Gospel, and joyful privilege to share cheerful acts of mercy.
- honor
- zeal to lead for the good of others
- compassionate spirit
- rejoicing in the hope of the Last Day
- patience in trouble and heartache
- constant prayer
- seek to show hospitality
- bless
- care
- bear with the failings of the weak
- endure suffering without retaliation
- encourage
- mutual up-building in love
Christians look to the Lord who gives us good work to do as well as rest, weeping, and dancing. He wants us to enjoy his gifts which are made beautiful in appropriate time ordered by Him in eternal existence.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Romans 12:14
Persecute synonyms: expel, harass, hound, injure, maltreat, molest, oppress, outrage, pick on, pursue, torture, victimize, afflict, aggrieve, annoy, badger, bait, beat, bother, distress, dog, dragoon, exile, hector, hunt, ill-treat, martyr, pester, plague, tease, tyrannize, vex, worry, be on one’s case, drive up the wall.
How do we bless? Although not guaranteed, goodness is more likely to drive an abuser to repentance than punishment or revenge. When another person’s unsettling behaviors mess with the mind, the Holy Spirit encourages us to rise above it.
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. 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. Romans 12:15-21
Take time to pray and think about how to handle everything for the sake of living peaceably, if possible, as far as it depends on you. Be sensitive with someone who is weeping and don’t push them to sing. Sing with someone who is rejoicing! Interact with people whom the Helper supplies to steer you out of isolation toward His love and grace; seek to be there for others if they will receive and allow you to help.
Romans 15:13
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| May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 ESV |
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| May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 ESV |
The power of the Spirit of Truth accomplishes joy and peace in belief that we are richly filled and well supplied to trust in an eternal future with the God of hope.
Harmony is when everybody has the same view of God’s purpose to spread the Gospel which is the power of God for salvation to redeem everyone who believes. Living in harmony doesn’t mean we agree on everything, yet by discernment and sensitivity to what is important and what isn’t, small things needn’t get in the way. It’s by grace that we meet people where they are. Good doesn’t come from us or something we do apart from keeping our eyes on Jesus. The Holy Spirit creates the repentant faith for us to receive as we learn from the Lord of hope who fills us with joy and peace in believing!
One final word of counsel, friends. Keep a sharp eye out for those who take bits and pieces of the teaching that you learned and then use them to make trouble. Give these people a wide berth. They have no intention of living for our Master Christ. They’re only in this for what they can get out of it, and aren’t above using pious sweet talk to dupe unsuspecting innocents. And so while there has never been any question about your honesty in these matters—I couldn’t be more proud of you!—I want you also to be smart, making sure every “good” thing is the real thing. Don’t be gullible in regard to smooth-talking evil. Stay alert like this, and before you know it the God of peace will come down on Satan with both feet, stomping him into the dirt. Enjoy the best of Jesus! Romans 16:17-20 MSG
Thank the good Lord! His mercy endures forever!
to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. Romans 16:27 ESV
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| Worksheets, notes and doodles from a few of the Romans Bible Studies enjoyed in the past five years. Little-by-little I’m barely scratching the surface of the inerrant Word of God. With distractions, forgetfulness and perspectives to consider, Bible study is a lifelong process. It’s necessary to be reminded often that I am baptized and a beloved child of God. Forgiveness and encouragement is essential, over and over again. |
I am baptized into the life, death and resurrection of Christ.
Since before I was born, I heard about God’s Word during church with Mom and while she read the Bible out loud for my family during the week. The Holy Spirit encourages me to cherish the gift of the Word and even during the part of my life when I didn’t put much effort into studying it, helped me remain curious. Thankfully, experiencing adult Bible studies together with church family and among friends, we are blessed to collect valuable nuggets of Sacred inspiration in an ongoing process of growing in the faith that has been given to us. I pray that everyone would welcome wonderful life enhancing opportunities to learn about the goodness of God and what a friend we have in Jesus, amen!
Excellent study of Romans
I Leave All things to God’s Direction
Listen to hymn audio
I leave all things to God’s direction;
He loves me both in joy and woe.
His will is good, sure His affection;
His tender love is true, I know.
My fortress and my rock is He:
What pleases God, that pleases me.
God knows what must be done to save me;
His love for me will never cease.
Upon His hands He did engrave me
With purest gold of loving grace.
His will supreme must ever be:
What pleases God, that pleases me.
My God desires the soul’s salvation;
My soul He, too, desires to save.
Therefore with Christian resignation
All earthly troubles I will brave.
His will be done eternally:
What pleases God, that pleases me.
My God has all things in His keeping;
He is the ever faithful friend.
He gives me laughter after weeping,
And all His ways in blessings end.
His love endures eternally:
What pleases God, that pleases me.
