I have left the following in brief form so you could think about each idea on your own.  I have explanations for each line.  But I am hoping for a discussion rather than me just “lecturing” to you.

Why did God create the universe?  The first question to be answered is, “Why do I care?”  I have three reasons:

1.         Understand why the world is the way it is

2.         Put the Scriptures in context

3.         Have reasonable expectations

What resources can we use to determine the answer.  I propose that the Bible is the only proper source.  All other reasoning is “the wisdom of men.”

What should we look for in the Bible?  Of course, a direct answer would be preferable, but if such is not available (at least, I have not found it), then perhaps we should look at these topics:

1.         Character of God.  God will create consistently with His character.

2.         Consistent with free will: if I do not really make choices, then God is a deceiver

3.         Not redundant.  I do not see why God would make the same thing twice.  Our physical universe should have a purpose that is unique.

What reasons have been suggested?  Here is what I have heard.  They may or may not be right.

1.         God didn’t say

2.         To rule (God Almighty)

3.         To be worshipped

4.         To be loved

5.         To love

In our search, two cautions must be checked and re-checked:

1.         Speculation is the opposite of faith

2.         Make sure the conclusion is consistent with the nature of God (e.g., deceit, poor planning, poor workmanship)

Here are the inspired hints I could find, many of which are the same as yours:

1.         Attributes of God (personal, merciful, gracious, patient, good, true, love, wise, just, peaceful, faithful)

2.         Genesis 1:26 In God’s image and 1:31 Very good

3.         Colossians 1:16 All things were created through Him and for Him.

4.         John 1:1 – 5 All things were made through Him…In Him as life…

5.         Romans 1:20  Being understood by the things that are made

These passages did not contribute to answering the question.  But, I have heard people use these passages out of their contexts in order to support their positions:

1.         Ephesians 2:10 Created for good works

2.         Ephesians 4:24 Put on the new man which was created according to God

3.         Isaiah 43:21 This people I have formed for Myself, they shall declare my praise

4.         Psalm 102:18  Created may praise the Lord

The most helpful passages was Romans 8:18 – 25

1.         Theme of letter (1:17) is faith

2.         Chapter context: role of the Spirit

3.         The church is the goal (v19)

4.         Futility was planned (v20 – 22)

5.         Hope, not sight (v20, 24 – 25)

So, my conclusion is:

1.         The universe was created as an incubator for faith

2.         Those of faith teach faith to all spirits (Ephesians 3:10, 2 Corinthians 4 – 5)

3.         Angels worship, obey, and love.  If those were our purposes, we would be redundant.

4.         Faith is required of all in the New Heaven