Paul’s letter to the Roman churches has been anything but tame. The apostle mentioned how God’s judgment would be swift upon all those who deny Him glory. Paul teaches us that God’s wrath, based on His hatred for sin, is death.
The apostle continues on the same path now addressing the future rather than the past. Expressing the promise made by God to Abraham, Paul reveals the magnificence of God’s promise.
“18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)
The sufferings Paul describes would have been persecution and even torture which he describes as unworthy or comparison to the inheritance promised by God. While we can imagine the pain and suffering associated with persecution and torture, even death, how much more divine is the fulfillment of God’s promise if it cannot be compared to this suffering?
“19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.” (Romans 8:19)
Paul describes the entire world or “ktisis”, Greek for “creation” as anxiously awaiting the revelation of those in Christ, upon His return.
“20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” (Romans 8:20-21)
The frustration stems from sin deeply rooted within us which began with Adam. Not of our own will but of Adam’s we fall to sin yet are given hope that in Christ we will be delivered from sin and from death. Only those who believe, repent and obey will be considered true children of God.
“22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” (Romans 8:22)
The pains associated with childbirth is part of God’s wrath upon Eve, Paul describes how the entire world has been suffering since that day until now, when the glory of God could be felt within all believers through the Holy Spirit as hope for deliverance.
“23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8:23)
The redemption of bodies is physical death, a time eagerly longed for then and now. The firstfruits is hope for deliverance brought on by the Holy Spirit that dwells within all believers.
“24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?” (Romans 8:24)
Faith which is what saves believers brings forth hope for deliverance from sin, from death. Much like faith hope, a feeling cannot be seen. Therefore deliverance is to be hoped for since no one in this life is immune to death or to sin.
“25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” (Romans 8:25-26)
Brought on by the Holy Spirit, this hope which flows from within doubles as strength and conviction as believers patiently await the fulfillment of God’s promise. Our own ignorance serves up a groaning Spirit which prays to God on our behalf, expressing suffering and longing for our inheritance.
“27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” (Romans 8:27)
Dwelling within all believers is the Holy Spirit which is directly connected with God. Through the Spirit God’s children are also connected to the Father. It is by the Spirit and prayer our hearts are made known to God, through works He gauges our dedication and love for Him.
Relying on the hope for deliverance made possible by the Holy Spirit we are called to push forward in spite of persecution and suffering. Striving for the advancement of the gospel and spreading the good news about the second coming of Christ, believers are commanded to stay on the narrow path that leads to deliverance from this life. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
