Romans 8:18-25

Sunday School

Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome, encouraging them to persevere through suffering. He contrasts present suffering with the future glory believers will receive. Paul speaks about the whole creation groaning, waiting for redemption, and likens this hope to childbirth — painful but with a promised outcome. Here are some key things we can take away from our story:

Present sufferings are temporary and not worth comparing with the future glory.

Creation itself is longing for redemption and freedom.

Believers, though saved, still wait eagerly for the full realization of their adoption and redemption.

Hope plays a central role in enduring suffering.

Would someone please read our story in Romans 8:18-25 out loud please?

Romans 8:18–25 NASB95

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

What might Paul mean by "present sufferings" in verse 18?? He is referring to the hardships, persecution, and brokenness believers face in a fallen world. These include emotional, physical, and spiritual struggles.

What might “the glory that will be revealed in us” be? This points to the future state of believers — glorified bodies, full communion with God, and eternal life in a redeemed world.

What might “the revealing of the sons of God” mean in verse 19? It refers to the future time when believers will be publicly and fully recognized as God's children, especially when they receive glorified bodies. It’s part of the final stage of salvation when God's people are vindicated and glorified.

According to verses 19-22, how is creation involved in the story of redemption? Paul personifies creation, describing it as eagerly waiting for the revelation of the children of God. Creation is depicted as being subjected to frustration due to sin (the Fall) and is groaning like in childbirth—looking forward to being set free from decay and corruption when God's redemptive plan is fulfilled.

Why might creation be said to be "groaning" in verse 22? Paul uses this metaphor to show that the natural world is affected by the fall and is longing for restoration. It waits in anticipation for the time when sin's curse is lifted.

What might Paul mean by “we ourselves... groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption” in verse 23? Aren’t we already adopted? Yes, believers are already adopted (present reality), but Paul speaks of the not yet aspect of salvation. The “groaning” reflects our longing for the full experience of that adoption, specifically the redemption of our bodies, which will happen at the resurrection.

What might “redemption of our bodies” refer to in verse 23? It refers to the resurrection of the body when Christ returns. At that time, believers will be physically transformed—free from sin, suffering, and death—to share in Christ's glory.

According to verses 24 and 25, what role does hope play in this passage? Hope is described as central to the Christian life. Paul explains that hope means looking forward to something not yet seen. True Christian hope involves patience and trust, especially in the face of suffering, because believers are confident in God's promise of future glory.

What might Paul mean by “hope that is seen is no hope at all” in verse 24? True hope involves faith in what is not yet visible or realized. If we already had the glory, we wouldn’t be hoping for it.

How can this passage encourage us as Christians facing suffering today? It reminds believers that suffering is temporary and part of a larger story of redemption. The hope of future glory can sustain us, knowing that even creation itself shares in this anticipation. It provides a cosmic perspective on pain and a reason for perseverance.

How does this passage encourage perseverance? It reminds us that suffering is temporary and purposeful, and that there’s a guaranteed, glorious future. The imagery of childbirth suggests that pain leads to life.

How does this passage connect to the larger message of Romans 8? Romans 8 is about the security and hope of those in Christ. This section underscores that even in suffering, believers are not abandoned — rather, they’re on a path to adoption and glory.

Paul urges us to live with an eternal mindset, trusting that what we endure now will one day be overwhelmed by the joy and restoration God has promised. The world is broken, but both creation and believers are groaning with hope, not despair.