1. Have someone read Romans 8:28-30 out loud, TWO times. During the first reading, simply take in the whole of what is           being read. For the second reading, invite God’s Spirit to draw your attention to any words, phrases, or ideas that may           hold some significance. Following this, share your reflections on these verses.

2. Is Romans 8:28 familiar to you? In what ways can this verse be encouraging and helpful? In what ways do you think it           can sometimes be misused and misinterpreted?

3. Consider N.T. Wright’s translation of Romans 8:28: “We know, in fact, that God works all things together for good with              those who love him, who are called according to his purpose”

    a. In what way does the word “with” change the meaning of this verse?

4. Consider the verses that come before and after verse 28. Does reading verse 28 in context support N.T. Wright’s                      translation? (hint: what evidence do you see in these verses that God doesn’t just work ‘for’ us, but also ‘with’ us?)

5. Reflect together on verse 29. What questions does it raise for you about how God relates to humanity? What truths do          you think are important to understand in this verse, as it relates to the broader point being made in this passage as a          whole?

6. Consider the concept of glory.

    a. Can you think of any examples throughout the bible that can help understand what it means to be glorified?

    b. How is God’s glory similar, and how it is different, from the glory that we will share in?

    c. In what ways are we able to share in Christ’s glory now? In what ways is this something we will experience in the                    future?

7. Why is it important to this passage to understand what it means to conformed to the image of God’s Son? (Consider            the context that Romans has laid out for us up to this point). What are we meant to understand about our human                  vocation from this passage?

Pray

Pray for each other out of the items discussed. Pray that you would each come to understand how you are uniquely called to live out your human vocation, as ones who have been conformed to the image of Christ and meant to share in both his suffering and his glory. Pray that you would have eyes to recognize the pain and suffering of others, and seek to take action as you come to understand the ways that God desires to work with you, to bring about good.