1. The principle revealed in Romans 8:28 is illustrated many times in the Bible. 2. We have seen how all things worked together for good in the lives of: a. Esther and her fellow Jews in Persia b. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and their fellow Jews in Babylon c. Daniel and his fellow Jews in Babylon and Persia. 3. This lesson is the second of two in which we are examining how all things worked together for good in the life of Naomi. a. Previously, we covered the events recorded in Ruth. b. On the basis of these events, let us make 2 observations. Discussion:
I. OBSERVATION #1: ALL THINGS WORKING TOGETHER FOR GOOD DOES NOT PREVENT GOD'S PEOPLE FROM SUFFERING
A. Naomi certainly suffered, but all things worked together for good in her life. B. When difficulties arise, let us remember: 1. that God will not allow His people to be "tempted" [tested] above what we are able to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13) 2. to look for and count our blessings (James 1:17) 3. to cast our burdens upon God (1 Peter 5:7). II. OBSERVATION #2: ALL THINGS WORKING TOGETHER FOR GOOD WORKS IN CONJUNCTION WITH GOD'S REVEALED WORD
A. Three of God's laws for the Israelites played prominent roles in the book of Ruth: 1. the law of "gleaning" (Leviticus 23:22) 2. the law of "redeeming" (Leviticus 25:25-28) 3. the law of "performing the part of a kinsman" (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). B. God's instructions are designed to work in conjunction with His providence. C. Our response to God's Word will affect His providential working in our lives as well as the lives of other people.
