Sometimes, the way that we talk about God’s intent makes it sound like God is not good at all. But God has a purpose for all that is good.

What are some examples you have heard where people have tried to defend God and it made God sound less than good?

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. —Romans 8:28-30 (NIV)

What does this passage say?
What does this passage not say?

God’s good and what we believe to be good for us are often not the same thing.

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. —Ephesians 1:11 (NIV)

According to Romans 8:29, what is God’s purpose for us (or his will for us)?

We were called on purpose.

What do words like called, foreknew, predestined convey?

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. —2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV)

We were changed on purpose.

God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. he decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. —Romans 8:29 (MSG)

God is doing a work in each of us… and to accomplish his work, he needs to use all of us.

What one thing has contributed most to your growth as a Christian?

In a survey of 8,000 Christians, the number 1 answer to that question was “pain”.
Why is pain such a good teacher?

We will be completed on purpose.

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. —Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

What encouragement do you get from this verse?

And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. —Romans 8:30 (NIV)

Why do you think verse in in the past tense?