Romans 8:18 (KJV)
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.Romans 8:28–30 (KJV)
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Introduction
Father, I thank you and I praise you for your Word, because it is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Your Word gives us comfort, encouragement, strength, faith, guidance, and wisdom. Lord, we look to you as you speak through your Word to give us what we need on the journey as we continually trust you, walk with you, and live a life that is pleasing to you. I ask that you move by your Spirit, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Our scripture foundation comes from Romans. The amplified version reads as follows:
Romans 8:28 (AMP)
And we know with great confidence that God, who is deeply concerned about us, causes all things to work together as a plan for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.
We are going to focus on God’s ways and His purposes as He is working concurrently in our lives — as the law of concurrence is working in our lives.
Recap
I want to do a brief summary of the law of concurrence and God’s providence from last week, and then we will move forward. Last week we stated that providence is God’s purposeful sovereignty in sustaining, cooperating with, and directing all creation. It is God seeing to everything that needs to be done to bring about His purposes. God sees to it that it happens.
Isaiah declares:
Isaiah 46:10 (KJV)
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.
Providence has a threefold structure: preservation — God sustains all things; concurrence — God works through all things; and government — God directs all things.
The key idea of concurrence is that God cooperates with created things in every action. Those created things include Satan and his demons, and also humans. God cooperates with created things in every action, but He directs their distinctive properties to fulfill His purpose.
Joseph said to his brothers:
Genesis 50:20 (KJV)
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
And Proverbs tells us:
Proverbs 16:9 (KJV)
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
The doctrine of concurrence means the cooperative interaction between God’s divine sovereignty and human free will — and even the will of Satan — where God, in His omnipotence and omniscience, works through and with human actions and the evil purposes of Satan to fulfill His divine purposes.
Why does God work concurrently?
This leads to an important question: Why does God work concurrently? Why does He cooperate with the wills and desires — even evil desires — of His created beings? God is almighty. He could eliminate Satan and evil desires. So why does God choose to work concurrently?
Isaiah 55:8–9 (KJV)
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
We must understand God views our circumstances and challenges at a higher level, and He is working all things together for good. God’s ways are often mysterious to us. We may ask why God permits evil and suffering. Why does He, in His providence, allow the evil will of Satan to operate alongside His own purposes? That is concurrence.
Today we will focus on the truth that though Satan intends evil for us — his purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy — God overrules and uses even Satan’s schemes to accomplish His good purposes in the lives of His people. Amen.
Point 1 — God Uses Satan to Reveal His Attributes
God uses Satan to show more of His attributes — to display God’s goodness, mercy, love, grace, and healing power. He uses it to magnify His attributes.
An example is found in Luke. The scripture says:
Luke 13:10–13 (KJV)
And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.
And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
Her oppression was from Satan, but Jesus restored her and demonstrated His power over Satan’s power. His adversaries were put to shame, and the people rejoiced at His works.
This shows God allows Satan’s activity for a season so His superiority is displayed more fully.
We see this in the story of Job. God could have restricted Satan, but He allowed his activity so that God would be magnified and Job could know God more deeply. The story continues to bless us today.
Point 2 — God Uses Suffering for Our Good
God also uses suffering for our good. The ultimate picture is Christ defeating Satan through His suffering on the cross. It appeared Satan had the upper hand — but that was not true. As the young people say, it was a plot twist.
Romans 5:3–5 (KJV)
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
James 1:2–4 (KJV)
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Philippians 1:29 (KJV)
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Suffering is part of the life of the believer. God uses it to develop us, produce His image in us, and bring glory to His name.
Point 3 — God Uses Satan to Defeat Satan
God uses Satan to defeat Satan. Though Satan plans to destroy our lives, God brings good out of it.
John 13:2 (KJV)
And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;
When Satan influenced Judas to betray Jesus, he signed his own judgment. Jesus brought the ultimate victory through the cross.
2 Corinthians 12:7 (KJV)
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
God used the thorn to sanctify Paul and deliver him from pride.
Satan becomes the means of our sanctification. Though Satan intends evil, God turns it for our strengthening, purification, and endurance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, concurrence affirms the truth that God is actively involved in His creation — sovereignly guiding and directing all events according to His will. This brings comfort, assuring us that God remains in control, even when Satan’s actions seem to dominate.
God does not cause evil — but He permits it, and in His wisdom uses it to accomplish a greater good.
We return to our foundation:
Romans 8:28 (KJV)
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
This truth inspires hope and confidence in God. Even when Satan pursues his destructive purposes, God overrules and transforms them for His glory and our ultimate good.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control:
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well — it is well with my soul.
Amen.