These are the original teaching notes from this passage.
- Victory over Sin:
- Romans 6 – the CHOICE – do not continue in SIN
- Romans 7 – the BATTLE – we still struggle with SIN
- Romans 8 – the VICTORY – we overcome SIN by the power of the SPIRIT!
- Our Debt…
- We have no DEBT to the FLESH – it has done NOTHING to help us…
- Rather our DEBT is to God – to live according to the SPIRIT…
- Because only then do we have the POWER to be able to overcome our SINFUL nature [flesh]!
- Our Identity…
- As we live in the SPIRIT – we will be LED by the SPIRIT…
- And have a change of IDENTITY – we are NO longer SLAVES [employees] who FEAR…
- We are adopted as His CHILDREN – and have the right to cry out ABBA [papa] when we struggle…
- The Holy Spirit in us bearing witness with our Spirit – that we are the CHILDREN of God…
- And since we are CHILDREN – we become coheirs with Jesus Christ…
- So long as we SUFFER with Him now – knowing we will one day be GLORIFIED together!
- 1st – Hope in Suffering… vs. 18-25
- 1st – The Comparison… vs. 18
- Suffering…
- Therefore – those who are in the SPIRIT have an incredible INHERITANCE [co-heir]
- But we also KNOW that we will have to SUFFER [like Christ] before we receive it…
- So the question is HOW do we ENDURE the battle with our FLESH…
- In answer to that question – Paul is going to give us TWO things [our hope and help]
- Present time…
- For I consider that the sufferings of this present time!
- FIRST – Paul compared our current SUFFERING with our future GLORY…
- CONSIDERED [λογίζομαι] – a familiar word that means to COUNT…
- Paul put the WEIGHT of his current SUFFERINGS [πάθημα] on a scale…
- And he had SUFFERED more than most could image!
- Recall that while Paul is writing this letter to Rome on his THIRD missionary journey…
- He had just been chased out of Ephesus with a RIOT – Acts 20:1
- One of the most difficult moments in the ministry of Paul…
- NOT just difficult – Paul called that experience the sentence of DEATH – II Corinthians 1:8
- We should NOT be surprised by BOTH battles within and without…
- The CONSTANT war between our FLESH and SPIRIT to control our mind – Galatians 5:17
- And CONTINUOUS trials that never seem to have an END…
- But we are NOT alone in our struggles – they have always PART of the Christian walk!
- John 16:33 – “In the world you will have tribulation.”
- Future Glory…
- Are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us!
- But as Paul COUNTED [λογίζομαι] his current SUFFERING…
- Compared to the GLORY that is going to be [passive] REVEALED [ἀποκαλύπτω]
- MOMENTARY suffering – compared to ETERNITY in heaven…
- He realized there was NO comparison!
- II Corinthians 4:17 – “Our light affliction which is but for a moment – is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
- I was talking to Hallel the other day – she was NOT enjoying school [torture]
- But I explained to her that although it was NOT pleasant – it had a PURPOSE…
- And what she needed to do was focus on the PRIZE that came at the end [free time]
- We all know what is means to SUFFER at a job – that we would rather NOT do…
- But we ENDURE knowing there is a PRIZE that waits at the END [salary]
- In the same way our current SUFFERING has a purpose…
- If this would could satisfy us – we would NOT look forward to ETERNITY…
- But suffering reminds us that we were created for something greater.”
- Even more so we realize that our current SUFFERINGS are worth the REWARD…
- We are NOT earning a temporary salary – we will receive an everlasting inheritance!
- 2nd – The Creation… vs. 19-22
- The Fall… vs. 19-20
- For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
- The creation was subjected to futility – not willingly but because of Him who subjected it in hope!
- We are NOT alone in having to WAIT for the GLORY that is to come…
- All of CREATION is also eagerly WAITING with earnest EXPECTATION…
- Earnest EXPECTATION [ἀποκαραδοκία] – to stretch out the neck to look for something…
- They also want to see who will be REVEALED [ἀποκάλυψις] as CHILDREN of God…
- Because ALL of CREATION was subjected [passive] to the CURSE [ματαιότης]
- NOT by choice – but [ἀλλά] through God who also gave them HOPE [ἐλπίς]
- When God created the world – it was PERFECT – Genesis 1:31
- There was NO sin – there was NO death – everything was VERY good…
- But when Adam and Eve sinned – they were NOT the only ones to DIE – Genesis 3:17
- ALL of creation was also CURSED – death now reigns over EVERYTHING…
- Which might seem UNFAIR – because CREATION did nothing wrong…
- But their DEATH helps reminds us that we are looking for NEW life!
- Plants die – animals die – death is everywhere we look…
- It is a constant reminder this life is NOT permanent – it does NOT last…
- Creation is the constant reminder that there must be a better HOPE!
- Delivered… vs. 21
- Because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption.
- Into the glorious liberty of the children of God!
- Why is CREATION waiting to for the CHILDREN of God to be revealed…
- Because they will ALSO be set [future-passive] FREE [ἐλευθερόω]
- No longer in BONDAGE [δουλεία] to the CURSE that corrupted them [φθορά]
- They will have the same glorious FREEDOM the CHILDREN of God will have!
- After the Great White Throne judgment…
- God will create a new HEAVEN [universe] – and EARTH – Revelation 21:1
- He will restore the world back to the way it was before the FALL!
- Revelation 21:4 – “There shall be no more death – nor sorrow – nor crying. There shall be no more pain for the former things have passed away.”
- New Life… vs. 22
- For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now!
- For we SEE [εἴδω] what the whole of creation [present] GROANS [συστενάζω]
- Like a woman who is in the pain of LABOR [συνωδίνω]
- The picture is intentional – there is INTENSE suffering at the moment…
- But it will ultimately bring about NEW life – and JOY!
- Mothers understand this very intimately…
- Month of struggling with a pregnancy – constant trips to the bathroom – swollen feet…
- Only to then go through INTENSE pain as the moment comes close…
- But the REWARD at the end – far outweighs the STRUGGLES!
- We are NOT alone in our STRUGGLE – and the need to WAIT for our HOPE…
- All of creation around us is there to REMIND us we are NOT home yet…
- Every time we see DEATH – when we lose someone we LOVE…
- We remember this life is NOT the point – it is just part of the JOURNEY!
- 3rd – The Hope… vs. 23-25
- Firstfruits… vs. 23
- Not only that but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit.
- Even we ourselves groan within ourselves.
- Creation is NOT the only one that GROANS [συστενάζω]
- We who have [present] the FIRSTFRUITS of the Holy SPIRIT – also GROAN [present] inside!
- FIRSTFRUITS [ἀπαρχή] – were the FIRST part of a harvest – Leviticus 23:10
- It was the PROMISE that there would be much more to follow [main harvest]
- In the same way the Holy Spirit is the DEPOSIT [firstfruits] God gave to us…
- The guarantee that there is MUCH more to follow!
- Adoption… vs. 23
- Eagerly waiting for the adoption!
- We are GROANING because we are WAITING for TWO things…
- FIRST – we are WAITING for our ADOPTION [υἱοθεσία]
- By FAITH we are the CHILDREN of God – the paperwork is signed – Galatians 4:5
- But we are still waiting for the conclusion – when we get to go HOME [heaven]
- Like a child who lives in a faraway country…
- They get the WORD that the ADOPTION has been finalized…
- But they still have to WAIT for the day when their father comes to bring them HOME!
- New Body… vs. 23
- The redemption of our body!
- SECOND – we are WAITING to receive [ἀπεκδέχομαι] the REDEMPTION of our body…
- Because this FALLEN body is NOT the one we will in ETERNITY – I Corinthians 15:50
- And while we are still in this FALLEN body – we GROAN!
- II Corinthians 5:2 – “We [groan] in our present bodies and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing.” [NLT]
- When we buy food – it comes with an EXPIRATION date…
- As we get old we start to slow down – aches and pains – wrinkles and grey hair…
- It is Gods way of telling saying we have an EXPIRATION date!
- Far too often we get too attached this life and forget…
- We are NOT home yet – our home is a place we have yet to see [heaven]
- And until we get there we are going to GROAN [sometimes literally]
- As a reminder this is NOT our home – we are just living in tents!
- II Corinthians 5:1 – “We know that if our earthly house – this tent is destroyed – we have a building from God – a house not made with hands eternal in the heavens.”
- Waiting… vs. 24-25
- For we were saved in this hope – but hope that is seen is not hope.
- For why does one still hope for what he sees?
- But if we hope for what we do not see – we eagerly wait for it with perseverance!
- We are SAVED [passive] from being disheartened by our SUFFERING – by our HOPE…
- But if what we are HOPING for could be [passive] SEEN [βλέπω]
- Then we would NO longer need to HOPE for it [because we can see it]
- But SINCE [indicative] it is NOT seen – we do HOPE [ἐλπίζω]
- Excitedly WAITING – but with PATIENCE – for the HOPE of our ADOPTION and NEW body!
- I can remember as a young boy how I left as Christmas approached…
- I would be SO excited [though maybe not patient] because I KNEW what was coming…
- Not that I could see it – but I was CONFIDENT – there were going to be PRESENTS!
- We are going to STRUGGLE while we are in the FLESH…
- Suffering and heartache are going to be our constant companions…
- But what SAVES us – keeps us from being OVERWHELMED – is our HOPE…
- We are CONFIDENT that what is coming is worth it…
- We are EXCITED because we KNOW the reward is NOT far away…
- And that helps give us PATIENCE to face each new day!
- Hebrews 11:14 – “For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland… they desire a better – that is a heavenly country.”
- 1st – The Comparison… vs. 18
- 2nd – Help in Suffering… vs. 26-28
- 1st – Holy Spirit… vs. 26-27
- In Weakness…
- Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses!
- The FIRST thing we have to help us in our SUFFERING is HOPE…
- But that is NOT the only thing the LORD has given to us – we also have HELP…
- LIKEWISE [like with hope] – the Holy Spirit [τὸ πνεῦμα] HELPS us in our WEAKNESS…
- HELP [συναντιλαμβάνομαι] 2x in NT – to take hold with another!
- When MARTHA was overwhelmed with all the WORK she had to do – Luke 10:40
- She cried out to Jesus asking Him to tell MARY to HELP [συναντιλαμβάνομαι]
- When we are EXHAUSTED – and OVERWHELMED by the battle…
- When we feel like we have NOTHING left to give – NO more strength [ἀσθένεια]
- We have someone ready to lend us a HELPING hand…
- The HOLY Spirit is right there to give us the POWER we need to ENDURE!
- In Prayer…
- For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought.
- But the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered!
- HOW does the HOLY Spirit help us when we are WEAK…
- When we do NOT know [εἴδω] what to PRAY for [loss of words]
- But [ἀλλά] that is when SPIRIT Himself INTERCEDES for us…
- INTERCEDES [ὑπερεντυγχάνω] – to speak on behalf of another person…
- The SPIRIT groans [συστενάζω] – with words that cannot be SPOKEN [ἀλάλητος]
- This does NOT mean the SPIRIT is speaking in an UNKNOWN language…
- It means He knows what to PRAY for when we do NOT know [εἴδω]!
- The creation GROANS – because it is WAITING for the redemption…
- We GROAN – because we are SUFFERING – while WAITING for our HOPE…
- The Spirit GROANS – because He is HELPING us while we WAIT!
- How many times have we been at a LOSS for words…
- We are HURTING – we are BROKEN – and we are at a loss for what to even PRAY…
- We do NOT need the WORDS – the SPIRIT is the one who prays for us…
- Because He knows exactly what we need – He knows EVERYTHING – Isaiah 46:10
- God Knows…
- Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is!
- The FATHER [He] who SEARCHES [ἐραυνάω] our HEARTS…
- He KNOWS what we are thinking – how we are STRUGGLING – Hebrews 4:13
- Also always [perfect] KNOWS [εἴδω] what the SPIRIT is thinking [φρόνημα]
- Because the TWO are in complete harmony!
- I Corinthians 2:11 – “No one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.”
- When I was a kid we used to play a game called TELEPHONE…
- One person would whisper into the ear of the person next to him…
- Until the last person would try and guess the word the FIRST person said…
- It was always humorous – because the final answer was ALWAYS way off!
- With the SPIRIT helping us – there is NO breakdown in communication…
- God ALWAYS knows what is going on in our hearts…
- And the SPIRIT inside of us – ALWAYS knows the mind of God…
- So He knows exactly HOW to PRAY for us!
- Intercession…
- Because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God!
- Therefore the SPIRIT is able to INTERCEDE [ἐντυγχάνω] for the SAINTS [ἅγιος]
- So that even if we have NO idea what to SAY – and NO clue what to do…
- The SPIRIT who is inside of us – becomes the conduit to give us the answer…
- He becomes the INTERPRETER so we can know the WILL of God!
- The subtle PROMPT to do or say something – without knowing why…
- That strong CONVICTION – that makes us cautious…
- The HOLY Spirit is always at work in our lives – interceding for us…
- Communicating to us the WILL of God for our lives!
- 3rd – Our Confidence… vs. 28
- All things…
- And we know that all things work together for good!
- And we have come to [perfect] SEE [εἴδω]
- That EVERYTHING [πᾶς] that happens in our lives works for GOOD [ἀγαθός]!
- That does NOT mean we UNDERSTAND in the moment…
- There are ALWAYS going to be things that CONFUSE us…
- We only see the MOMENT – where God see the whole picture…
- Therefore He is going to do things that make NO sense to us [even upset us]
- But with the vantage of time – looking back – we will ALWAYS see He had a plan!
- Isaiah 55:9 – “As the heavens are higher than the earth – so are My ways higher than your ways – and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
- Love God…
- To those who love God!
- There are TWO conditions given to having CONFIDENCE all things will work out…
- FIRST – to those who continually [participle] LOVE [ἀγαπάω] God…
- Because the RESULTS God brings are NOT always pleasant in the moment…
- Therefore – those who LOVE this world are NOT going to see them as GOOD!
- God is NOT after short term blessing – He does NOT want us rich on EARTH…
- God is working to make us HOLY [ἀγαθός] – He wants us in HEAVEN…
- And that often means that we have to SUFFER in the moment!
- Called by God…
- To those who are the called according to His purpose!
- SECOND – to those who are CALLED [present] according to His purpose [will]
- This is the BIGGER issue – whose WILL are we looking for!
- Those who are living SELFISHLY – are NOT going to see everything as GOOD…
- Because our desires are often OPPOSED to the WILL of God…
- So those who live for themselves – are going to be DISAPPOINTED by the LORD!
- But those who are looking to the God who has the BEST plan…
- We are still going to SUFFER – there are going to be LOTS of trials…
- But we can have HOPE – because we know HEAVEN is coming…
- And we have HELP – in the moment because of the SPIRIT who is in us…
- Who INTERCEDES for us – directing us – into the WILL of God for our lives!
- 1st – Holy Spirit… vs. 26-27