If God Be for You: Walking in the Favor and Fear of the Lord
- Jeremy Laughlin
- Nov 24
- 5 min read
The Phrase We Love—But Rarely Finish
We often hear the phrase, “All things work together for good.” It’s one of those Scriptures people quote during hard seasons, testimonies, or moments of challenge. But as comforting as it sounds, it’s actually not the full verse—and without the rest, it can be misleading.
The complete verse says:
“All things work together for good… to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”—Romans 8:28
This isn’t a blanket promise for every human being. It’s a conditional promise for those who have yielded their lives to God and are walking in His purpose.
God’s Word is full of incredible promises—but nearly every one of them comes with a heart condition, a posture, and aligning our lives with His will.
What It Really Means for God to Be “For You”
Romans 8:31 asks a powerful question:
“If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Notice the very first word: if.
Not since, not because, not when. If.
That means this is not automatically true for everyone. God is not “for” every person in the same way. God loves everyone, but He interacts with people based on their choices, their obedience, and their response to His Son.
This message isn’t meant to scare—but it is meant to wake up our spirit. As the original sermon said:
“This isn’t hot cocoa and marshmallows. This is wake up and smell the napalm.”
Sometimes the most loving thing God can do is warn us.
God’s Promises Are Conditional — Always Have Been
We love Jeremiah 29:11:
“I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you a future and a hope.”
But again, this was spoken to those who were surrendered to God, not those resisting Him. Over and over, God says:
If you obey My voice…
If you follow My commandments…
If you humble yourself…
Then:
I will bless you.
I will prosper you.
I will fight for you.
Even John 3:16—our most beloved verse—has conditions:
“Whoever believes in Him shall not perish…”
Belief is the condition. Repentance is the response. Obedience is the fruit.
God Works According to Heart Posture, Not Perfection
God loves every human being, but His favor rests on a certain kind of person.
Who God Is “For”
Scripture shows that God leans toward:
The humble
The brokenhearted
The repentant
The obedient
The meek and gentle
The merciful
The peacemakers
The pure in heart
The generous
The oppressed and mistreated
The seekers and faithful
These people aren’t perfect—far from it. But they want God. They cry out. They respond. They turn back when they fall.
As the pastor said:
“God can do so much when you get desperate for change.”
Who God Actively Resists
The Bible is also extremely clear about who God opposes:
The proud and arrogant
The rebellious
The stiff-necked
The unrepentant
The wicked
The deceitful
Those who shed innocent blood
Those who harm the vulnerable
Hypocrites
Idolaters
James 4:6 says it bluntly:
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
God’s resistance is not punishment—it’s mercy. He resists so we will stop, turn around, and live.
There Are Only Two Paths—And You Choose Which One You Walk
Jesus described two gates:
The broad road that leads to destruction (and many walk it)
The narrow road that leads to life (and few find it)
This isn’t about salvation by works.This is about direction.
Your life moves toward whichever road your heart is aligned with.
The Prodigal Son: The Moment Everything Changes
One of the most powerful moments in the sermon was the image of the prodigal son in the pigsty:
“You can almost see his head come up.And he said, ‘I will go to my father’s house.’”
The moment he decided to turn around—everything shifted.
The father ran to meet him.The robe, the ring, the shoes, the feast… Grace exploded over his life.
You don’t have to suffer another minute on the road of destruction. You can turn around in a heartbeat.
Don’t Ignore God’s Voice
This sermon had an urgent tone—one filled with love and warning.
There are several things Scripture tells us not to ignore:
1. Don’t ignore His existence
To deny God is to provoke His judgment.
2. Don’t ignore His Son
“Kiss the Son… lest you perish in the way.” —Psalm 2
Rejecting Jesus is the most serious decision a human being can make.
3. Don’t ignore His messengers
God sends pastors, teachers, friends, strangers—even life circumstances—because He loves you.
4. Don’t ignore His Word
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do what I say?”
5. Don’t ignore His Spirit
The Spirit convicts because He wants to save you.
6. Don’t ignore the Gospel
Jesus is coming again—to judge and to save.
7. Don’t ignore the warning signs
Like the warning signs on a collapsed bridge, God puts spiritual signs everywhere: Turn around. Danger ahead. Choose life.
The Coming Judgment: A Loving but Sobering Reality
2 Thessalonians states that Jesus will return “in flaming fire” to bring justice on those who:
Do not know God
Do not obey the Gospel
This isn’t meant to terrify believers—it’s meant to wake up the lukewarm, the wandering, and the rebellious.
As the sermon says:
“Don’t fool around with your eternal destiny.”
Are You Right With God Today?
You don’t know how much time you have.You may be one heartbeat away from eternity.
If you feel God calling you—don’t ignore His voice.
Whether you are far from God or just drifting, He is calling:
“Come back to the Father.”
A Prayer of Salvation and Surrender
If you need Jesus today, pray from your heart:
“Father in heaven, I want to be saved. I’ve sinned, and I need Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose again. Wash me clean. Make me new. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I want Your hand for me, not against me. Today I choose life. Today I choose Jesus. I am Yours. Amen.”
Heaven rejoices when even one sinner repents.
God Wants to Be “For You”
God does not want to resist you—He wants to bless you, guide you, lift you, and walk with you. But He will never bless rebellion, arrogance, or stubborn sin.
The moment you change your posture toward God… His posture changes toward you.
Today is the day of salvation. Today is the day to choose life.
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You can also watch the full sermon of If God Be for You: Walking in the Favor and Fear of the Lord on our Youtube page below.
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