Romans 8 v 18-28
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 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. (ESV)
This world is not our home – we are on our way home – heaven!
Three groanings:
- Creation
We are living in a world that is under a curse, resulting in a lot of groaning.
a. Creation’s Experience (v20).
b. Creation’s Expression (v22).
c. Creation’s Expectation (v19,21). - The Christian
a. Our Agony (v 23)
As believers we wait for the redemption of our bodies.
b. Our Anticipation (vv 24-25)
Hope is assurance based on conviction – the promises of God. - The Comforter
God Himself is crying to Himself for the saints.
a. His Sustaining of you (v26)
The Holy Spirit comes alongside believers and takes hold of our burdens.
b. His Speaking for you (27)
We have a God who loves to be spoken to – loves to see you coming to Him with your groaning. And He speaks to us and for us. The Holy Spirit groans to see the will of God done in the world. He is our Comforter, just as Jesus said.
Even though our spiritual walk in this world is not always easy, it is never impossible. Are we suffering in this world? Do we groan while we’re here? Yes, there will be times that we fail and feel like giving up. But remember in those times that we have the Spirit of God in us and He enables us to remain diligent and committed as we travel toward our true home.