EPHESIANS 1.1-4
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 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. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8.28-30
The thing about God is that He exists outside of time. This doesn’t mean that He doesn’t work within time (He created it). It means that He is not bound by the limitations of time like we are. When it comes to His plan, this means that he does not have to wait for things to happen in order to react or respond to them. God’s plan is not a list of things that He hopes will occur; when God makes a plan, it happens. When we look at the world, we are looking at something that God has intended. This leaves us with questions that must be answered: how can a loving God be in control of a broken world? Why did God create at all?
1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Where were you most encouraged? Most intrigued? Most challenged?
2. What is the main purpose of all things created (Acts 17:24-31)?
3. How does God reveal Himself through the brokenness of the world?
4. How does this give us confidence that we belong to God?
5. Why is the truth of God’s plan and election so important? What is taken away if these are removed?
6. How can free will and sovereign election co-exist?
7. How does starting with the character of God help make sense of this difficult truth?