Scripture Reading:
Romans 8:22-30 (NIV)
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.
23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.
24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?
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 through wordless groans.
27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Sermon Notes:
Sometimes we need to see an
to follow.
Big Idea: Big Idea: Jesus came on Christmas to
us an example of what God wants us to become in the future .
This was God’s plan in eternity
(Romans 8:29).
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” —Romans 8:29
This is the plan God will complete in the
(1 John 3:2).
“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” —1 John 3:2
the example of Christ in the present until God transforms you in the future.
Christ was sinless, so follow his example and
sin out of your life.
2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. —1 John 3:2-3
When we are tired and discouraged by this unredeemed world,
about Jesus and the example he provides us.
“…let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” —Hebrews 12:1-3