Romans 8:28 says, 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.
I am beginning to believe (after some study) that what I think this verse is saying is, "God works together with those who love him (who are called according to His purpose)...to bring about what is good."
The term, "works together" is the verb "sunergei". It can mean "making things fit together, or making things fall in place". But it can also mean, "two entities that are working as a team"
In conversations with Seminary grads - I have access to two - I have learned that when you try to understand what a portion of Scripture is saying, you not only have to examine the writer and his audience, but you can also look at how the word is used in other parts of the Bible.
"Sunergei" occurs four other times in the New Testament as a verb. (Mark 16:20, 1Cor 16:16, 2Cor 6:1, James 2:22). The first three instances describe partnerships - the idea of a team or folks working together. In the last instance (James 2:22) it describes how faith and works "work together".
What makes more sense?
I am foreknown, predestined, called, justified and glorified and am being transformed, to receive God's grace and that grace includes God working out everything for me for good?
OR
I am foreknown, predestined, called, justified and glorified and am being transformed, to receive God's grace and to be a conduit of God's grace to others!
Now, I have not attended Seminary, and I know there may be more points that I should have covered, more methodologies employed, but I am studying to show myself approved and this is the level I am at.
It's funny, when I was a young man, I read that verse and thought that all things just worked together, that God put some mechanism in place that worked things out for people like me who went to church.
Then I entered into a relationship with Christ, and I understood that verse to mean that God was working for me! Specifically! - To turn all things, (even bad things) into good...for me!
Now I am starting to see it as a partnership. I get to co-labor along with God to bring about good in the lives of others. That fits to me!
Just like a team-mate, just like a help-meet, just like a yoke-fellow. I get to work along with Christ, being His eyes, His ears, His mouth, His hands. Christ touches my neighbors and work-mates and church family through me.
Thanks God, for giving me a spot on your team.
Monday, September 15, 2008
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1 comments:
I like the focus of your perspective: it's not about "me" or "what have you done for me lately, God." However, it seems that after a casual browse of the original Greek provided on Blue Letter Bible (certainly limited only to one greek text)the subject of "sunergei" is "all things" not God. Certainly, God is at work but because "all things" (panta) is the subject the emphasis is on the things, not God or us for that matter. Paul has just talked about the suffering that is involved with the Christian life and how that suffering is even part of nature, waiting for the perfection of the coming Kingdom (vss. 17-26). Verse 28 stands as a source of tremendous encouragement that all of our suffering is beneficial (the idea of "good", agathos). Not one tear is wasted, but rather the "things", the experiences we suffer are part of "life in the process". The Potter is "conforming" us into the image of Christ (vs. 29) and the experiences are "good" because each one gets us closer to the image of Christ. We no longer look like ourselves: we look like Christ, which gives Him glory. So, as you so thoughtfully pointed out, the "good" is not about us, it's about Christ and bearing His image and bringing glory to Him. Therefore, I would conclude that although it is certainly God's design to use us as a conduit of His grace and goodness to others (Matt. 5:16) as the Body of Christ (Eph. 4), I don't think that this verse expressly teaches that, especially in light of the grand finale to follow (vss. 31-39) in which Paul reminds the church about her position firmly in the love of God. Certainly, I've not done extensive research so this is just my thoughts off the cuff as it relates to your post. I look forward to discussing this with you further and am excited about the possibilities of what God will show us as we sharpen each other. Love you, bro.
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