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. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ROMANS 8:28-39 NIV
God’s love calls me to me to faith
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. ROMANS 8:28 NIV
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 PETER 2:9 NIV
God’s love predestines me for greatness
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. ROMANS 8:29-30 NIV
He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 THESSALONIANS 2:14 NIV
God’s love blesses my life
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ROMANS 8:31-34 NIV
God blesses me with:
- Power to face my enemies
- Wealth to cover all my concerns
- Defense against my inner critic
God’s love secures my soul
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ROMANS 8:35-39 NIV
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? MARK 8:37 NIV
My Notes
Personal Reflection Guide
Find a quiet place and eliminate as much distraction as possible. When you feel ready, begin your time with God by asking him to direct your focus onto the cross, thinking about the death of Jesus for you personally. This is what real love looks like. What feelings surface as you reflect on the cross? Do they show that you deeply trust that God loves you personally? How has relying on his love for you affected your life? The Bible indicates that we are able to love because he first loved us. Knowing you are loved by him empowers you to love others and God in return. Ask God to help you grasp the magnitude of his love. Ask him to help you dispel untruths that you have believed in regard to God’s love for you. Thank him for loving you without condition or anything required of you. Linger long after these few moments in the truth of God’s love, and ask him to empower you to love others the way he loves you. Talk with someone this week about God’s love and how each of you have experienced it.
Discussion Questions
- What have you been learning about yourself, God or others in your personal Bible reading time? What stood out to you this week?
- Read Romans 8:28. What words would you use to describe how you feel knowing that God is calling you to him, and when have you experienced this call?
- Continue reading Romans 8:29-30. What great or glorious things are a part of your life as a result of you becoming more like Jesus?
- Continue reading Romans 8:31-32. As you look back at your life, when have you seen God bless you, and what hope does that bring you for your future?
- Continue reading Romans 8:33-34. If no one but God can bring a charge against you, in what practical ways can you use this truth to silence your inner critic?
- Continue reading Romans 8:35-39. What thing (or things) are you currently allowing to separate you from passionately or completely experiencing the love of God, and what can you do this week to reconnect?
