Men's Group 5/23

Romans 8:19–27 ESV

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.

I find it utterly significant that Paul starts back in the verse that we ended with last week. vs 18 gives us a great understanding about what Paul is leaning into as he describes the total of creation and the future of those who are belonging to God.

Romans 8:18 ESV

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.

So we are dealing with sufferings or the problem of sufferings in this life.

We Are Waiting — but there is Futility vs. 19-21

But while we wait we should grasp that:

We are “subjected to futility” — an appearance of things lacking meaning or pointlessness — in essence we are referring to a subjection to decay of the world of God’s creation.

Notice something about the subjection - “in hope”

So this is not the intention/invention of man or Satan.

The “in hope” declares the one who is in charge and the reality of the freedom brought by hope in Him.

The “in hope” reminds us of the work of God for the purpose of God which rests

We should know “the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption”

So what is included in the “futility”?

Cancer, earthquakes, disease, hatred, murder, strife, hurricanes, abuse, etc.

This is not eternal.

The creation longs for something more.

John 3:16 ESV

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

The Better Has/Will Come

Romans 8:23 (ESV)

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.

Notice how the Word speaks of the firstfruits, definitely an O.T. reference, but also a reminder.

Leviticus 23:10 ESV

10 “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land that I give you and reap its harvest, you shall bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest,

You see the “firstfruits” are the picture that God receives the choicest of all for Himself, but also provides in kind for His children eternally.

We have the start of His work of redemption, but this is not fully recognized until the glory of our eternity.

Look back one more time to Rom 8:18

Romans 8:18 (ESV)

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.

You see we have redemption and deliverance in Christ, but we are getting redemption and deliverance.

Lagniappe For Now

Romans 8:24 ESV

24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?

You see: The Lord has given us this hope in the Spirit as just a taste of what is to come.

We don’t see, but we hope.

Sometimes, maybe sometimes more often than not the corruption of this world can make us feel like we have nothing to come.

But we hope in what has been promised and our hope is certain based on the guarantor.

Ephesians 1:14–16 ESV

14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. 15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,

We don’t see, yet we believe.

Romans 8:25 ESV

25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

We Are Not Alone!

Romans 8:26–27 ESV

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.

We have the Spirit, Who speaks & works on our behalf

Men don’t like to speak about our feelings often.

More often than not we are exhorted to grin and bear things when frustrated, offended, or hurt.

God knows…and He sent us an advocate.

When, as we often have been at loss for words, The Spirit brings them before the Lord — our burdens.