For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18
For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of him who subjected it—in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now.
Romans 8:19-22
Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.
Romans 8:23-25
How are you groaning right now?
In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:26-27
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.
John 14:16-17
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.
2 Timothy 1:7
The Spirit's Ministry
(according to Romans 8):
- Makes us spiritually alive and righteous.
(Romans 8:2-10)
- Subdues our fallen nature.
(Romans 8:2-13)
- Assures our adoption into God's family.
(Romans 8:14-17)
- Guarantees our final inheritance.
(Romans 8:18-23)
- Intercedes for us in prayer.
(Romans 8:26-27)
The Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27)
Christ is their intercessor in the court of heaven, while the Holy Spirit is their intercessor in the theatre of their own hearts. - John Murray
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
We can ignore pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world...It removes the veil; It plants the flag of truth within the fortress of the rebel soul. - C.S. Lewis
For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Romans 8:29
And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.
Romans 8:29
What can we 'do' with our groaning?
- Come to Jesus
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
What can we 'do' with our groaning?
- Come to Jesus
- Groan with God
- Intercede for others in prayer
- Celebrate the resurrection.
He is also the head of the body, the church;
he is the beginning,
the firstborn from the dead,
so that he might come to have
first place in everything.
Colossians 1:18
Read Romans 8:22-23 and pay attention to Paul’s discussion of “groaning”; what does it mean when he says that both creation and Christian people ‘groan’?
In what ways are you groaning right now?
Read Romans 8:26-27 and John 14:16-17. What do these passages tell us about who the Holy Spirit is and how He helps Christians in the midst of their struggles?
Read Romans 8:28-29. How does ‘God working all things for the good of those who love Him’ involve Christians becoming more like Jesus?
Read Romans 8:29-30 and Colossians 1:18. What assurances are given to Christians and how do these promises give us comfort and courage in the midst of our trials?
