Understanding God's plans comes through careful study of His Word and consistent prayer. The insights you gain help you know Him better as you acknowledge His working in and through your circumstances—and His gracious ability to turn all things for your good.
Sermon Outline
Is God in Everything?
This week’s sermon explores how we can find comfort in sorrow, contentment in trials, and an unwavering ability to obey God. The key is to understand He’s present in every- thing—including our difficult situations.
Key Passage: Romans 8:28-29
It’s easier to see God in positive experiences than negative ones. But do you believe He is in both? Your answer will affect your faith as well as your reactions to conflict and sorrow.
God is in everything — good and bad. How can He be in a situation that hurts?
He doesn’t say all things will turn out as we would like, but that He will work in them for our good (Rom. 8:28).
God can be in a situation by sending it, allowing it, or withholding it.
He never causes sin, but He allows it.
When others cause us pain, they may be tools either of Satan or of the Lord. Don’t become resentful; they are doing what God has permitted for a purpose.
Joseph revealed he understood this when he said, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Gen. 50:19-20).
Continuing to blame God may extend suffering. What’s the solution?
o Recognize His hand in the situation and be at peace, trusting He is in control of all things.
God’s involvement in the unbeliever’s life is different from His involvement in the believer’s.
For unbelievers, He still extends love, convicts them of sin, and stands ready to forgive. He does not, however, promise to work all things for their good as He does for His children.
Those who persist in unbelief and sin even after God has repeatedly revealed Himself step over an “invisible line”. God eventually gives them over to their sin (Rom. 1:21-32).
God isn’t the initiator of sin, but He does cause consequences.
He never tempts but has control over evil (Isa. 45:7).
When we are ready to listen, God reveals our faults, pride, and need of Him.
God uses our sin to show us consequences, forgiveness, and grace.
His purpose is always to conform us to the image of Christ.
The process may feel like taking medicine, but the goal is to submit to God’s healing. Remember, it comes from hand of a loving Father.
After Watching
Consider these thoughts and questions in response to the sermon:
God is in all the enjoyable parts of your life. Which pleasant blessings can you thank Him for right now?
God is in all the distressing parts of your life. Does knowing this give you a new perspective on a difficult situation you’re facing?
When you experience pain at the hands of others, how can it help you to become more Christlike?
