Lesson 5: Purpose of suffering – faith in Him (part 2)
Romans 8:26-39 (ESV)
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

As we read in the last lesson, one of the main purposes of our suffering is to build our faith in God. In this lesson we learn what this kind of faith – a faith built from suffering – can bring us. God’s promise here is incredible! He works all things together for our good.

Please note first, it doesn’t say He CAN do this if WE do something first. It says He makes it happen!

But we must look at the rest of this verse as well as the following verses too.

First, the only condition required of us is that we must be one who loves Him and is called according to His purpose. What do these words mean? Can I be a Christian without loving Him, or without being called according to His purpose? The answer is no. So these words simply mean we are His, we are His followers, His disciples, we believe in Him, we have been born into His family by spiritual birth, we have been saved.


But read the next verse to see God’s definition of who we are when we are one of His – He knew us before. Before what? Before He even created us. He predestined us to be made into the image of His Son, Jesus. Why? So Jesus would not be alone, He would be first among many others who would also be children of God. And since He predestined us to this position, He also called us. And since He called us, He also justified us. And since He justified us, He also glorified us.

We might then ask why God still holds us responsible for our actions if He has already done all this calling and justifying and glorifying in our lives, but that is the wrong question. We are indeed saved if we have been born of God, but our quality of life in heaven depends on how much we prepare here. Think about how much you will have to lay at Jesus’ feet when you reach heaven – if you have lived for yourself here, all your works and treasure will be burned (see 1 Corinthians 3:12-15), and you will be left with nothing but your life there. If, however, you have spent your life seeking the kingdom of God first (Matthew 6:33) you will have laid up treasure in heaven that will remain. Oh what joy it will be to lay much at His feet!

*How does living “with eternity’s values in view” help you endure your suffering right now?
*Think about your life – especially your priorities (reflected in how you spend your time and money) and your relationships. What will actually matter 100 years from now?