All Things for Good

"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).

Romans 8:28 is an oft-quoted verse of comfort and peace for believers. It reminds us that God is sovereign over every circumstance in the lives of his children. This truth is easy to believe in good times, but it can be hard to grasp or understand in difficult times. All Things for Good by Thomas Watson is by far the best exposition of this verse I have ever come across. He gracefully shows how the best things as well as the worst things work for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose. I was especially intrigued by the second chapter, "The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly," in which Watson explains how temptations - in addition to the evils of affliction, desertion, and sin - work for good. What good could possibly come from temptation? Watson gives us eight ways that God overrules temptation for the believer's good:

1. Prayer - "Temptation sends the soul to prayer. The more furiously Satan tempts, the more fervently the saint prays. ... That which makes us pray more, works for good."

2. Perseverance - "Temptation to sin is a means to keep from the perpetration of sin. The more a child of God is tempted, the more he fights against the temptation. The more Satan tempts to blasphemy, the more a saint trembles at such thoughts, and says, 'Get thee hence, Satan.'"

3. Humility - "Temptation works for good, as it abates the swelling of pride. ... Better is that temptation which humbles me, than that duty which makes me proud."

4. Sincerity - "Temptation works for good, as it is a touchstone to try what is in the heart. ... Temptation is a trial of our sincerity. It argues that our heart is chaste and loyal to Christ, when we can look a temptation in the face, and turn our back upon it."

5. Comfort for Others - "Temptations work for good, as God makes those who are tempted, fit to comfort others in the same distress. ... A man that has ridden over a place where there are bogs and quicksands, is the fittest to guide others through that dangerous way."

6. God's Fatherly Comfort - "Temptations work for good, as they stir up paternal compassion in God to them who are tempted. ... When a saint lies under the bruising of temptations, Christ prays, and God the Father pities. When Satan puts the soul into a fever, God comes with a cordial."

7. A Longing for Heaven - "Temptations work for good, as they make the saints long more for heaven. ... Heaven is a place of rest; no bullets of temptation fly there."

8. Christ's Strength - "Temptations work for good, as they engage the strength of Christ. Christ is our Friend, and when we are tempted, he sets all his power working for us."

What about the times when we lose the battle? Does temptation still work for good when a believer falls into sin after being tempted? Yes, even then. Consider Peter. Peter was tempted to self-confidence and said he would never deny Jesus. Several hours later, he had denied Jesus three times - as Jesus predicted. Watson says, "Christ let him fall. But this wrought for his good, it cost him many a tear. 'He went out, and wept bitterly' (Matt. 26:75). And now he grows more modest. ... His fall broke the neck of his pride." When we have fallen for our temptations, we become more careful and watchful in the days ahead. Watson observes that when a saint falls for a temptation he is cured of his careless neglect and spends more time in prayer and watchfulness. "When wild beasts get over the hedge and hurt the corn, a man will make his fence the stronger: so, when the devil gets over the hedge by a temptation, a Christian will be sure to mend his fence; he will become more fearful of sin, and careful of duty." Thus, even our falling for temptation works for good.

"There is a great deal of difference between falling into a temptation, and running into a temptation" (Thomas Watson).

Paul asks in Romans 6:1-2, "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?" As Watson warns, "There is a great deal of difference between falling into a temptation, and running into a temptation." Temptation should drive us deeper into the arms of Christ, not deeper into sin. Watson encourages us, "A tree that is shaken by the wind is more settled and rooted; so, the blowing of temptation does but settle a Christian the more in grace." All things - even the evil of temptation - work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.

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