Bible Study on Romans: God’s Unshakeable Purpose Pt 2: Romans 8:29-30

Summary: The purposes of God cannot be thwarted. It is with absolute certainty that we can know that His purposes will come to pass. His sovereign rule oversees everything from the “big picture” to the details, most specifically in His plan and purpose for salvation.

1. A. From these verses, what is God’s purpose for those who are called according to His purpose? For Himself?

B. What does it mean to be conformed to the image of Christ (v 29)? Also see I Cor. 15:49; 2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 3:21; 1 John 3:2

C. Conformity to Christ is a process that doesn’t happen overnight. How far along are you in the process? At what point are you? When will be process be complete? How do you know it will be?

2. A. What are the five links in the chain of God’s purpose in these verses?

B. What are God’s foreknowledge and predestination? What events are governed by God’s predetermined purposes (see Acts. 4:28; Rom. 8:29-30; 1 Cor. 2:7; Eph. 1:5-11)? (see also: Gen. 21:12; Ex. 9:16; 33:19; Deut. 10:15; 32:8; Josh 11:20; 1 Sam. 12:22; 2 Chr. 6:6; Ps. 33:12; 65:4; 78:68; 135:4; Isa 41:1-10; Jer. 1:5; Mark 13:20; Luke 22:22; John 6:37; 15:16; 17:2, 6, 9; Acts 2:28; 3:18; 4:28; 13:48; 17:26; Rom. 9:11, 18, 21; 11:5; Eph. 3:11; 1 Thess. 1:4; 2 Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 1:2; I Pet. 1:2)

C. If you know someone who things that God’s predestination means that He “just looks ahead into the future to see who will believe Him and be saved,” (or perhaps you think this is what it means) how does this new understanding (along with verses like Rom. 3:9-18, 23) help you see that that is not the case at all? In any case, how does it affect your view of God?

3. A. God calls outwardly through the gospel (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15; Rom. 9:24-25) and effectually through the enlightening and sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit (John 6:44-45; 16:14). What are the differences? (See also I Cor. 1:9; Luke 14:23; Rom. 1:7; 11:29; I Cor. 1:23-26; Eph 1:18; Phil. 3:14; I Thess. 2:12; 2 Thess. 2:14; 2 Tim. 1:9; Heb. 3:1; 2 Pet. 1:10)

B. What does this mean to those who reject God’s call (John 3:14-19; Matt. 22:14)?

C. What part do you and can you plan in God’s outward call through the gospel? Can you share a particular situation with the group that might encourage others to do the same?

For a discussion on this Bible Study go to the discussion forum: Active Bible Study or leave a comment.