Useful Bible Studies > Romans Commentary > chapter 8
We know that God is absolutely good, and perfect in every way (Psalm 145; James 1:17). We also know that God’s people suffer much in this world. They may suffer from the cruelty of their enemies, from the evil work of the devil, or simply from their circumstances. God’s people do not usually escape from the troubles that are common to everyone (Ecclesiastes 9:2; 1 Corinthians 10:13).
However, God is still working in a very special and wonderful way in the lives of his people. He uses the troubles in their lives to develop and to improve their relationship with him (James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:6-7). So, troubles that would usually make people weak, in fact make them into stronger and better people (5:3-5).
That is because God’s people see their own weakness as a reason to trust God more (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). They recognise that in the worst situations their confidence can only be in God (Job 19:23-27). They do not depend on their circumstances because, often, their circumstances offer no hope whatever. Instead, they learn to depend upon the goodness of God. This world may offer nothing to them; but still, they are sure that God will reward their patient trust in him (Job 23:10-12; Hebrews 11:6; James 5:7-11).
Of course, it is not in everyone’s life that all things work for good. The promise is for God’s people, who truly love him. Once, these same people were God’s enemies (5:10), who offended against his law in so many ways. However, because of Christ’s death, God forgave them (5:8). He called (or appointed) them to be his own people (1 Peter 2:9-10). He works in their lives to make them into the kind of people that he wants them to be (Romans 8:18-19; 2 Corinthians 4:17; 1 John 3:1-2).
Next part: God's plan for his people (Romans 8:29)
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© 2022, Keith Simons.