Unshakable Hope
Part of UNSHAKABLE
November 12, 2023

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Life in the family of God should be free of fear, it does not mean it will not be free of pain.

Where have you experienced “pain” in the past 6 months?
What are ways people try to cope with the pain?

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. 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. —Romans 8:18-25 (NIV)

Paul suggests that we should learn how to groan well.

What is the difference between groaning, griping, and whining?

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. —1 Thessalonians 4:13 (NIV)

What does hope have to do with groaning to the glory of God?

Groaning is universal.

Paul says that even creation groans.
What does that mean?
Why does creation groan?

Paul wants us to see the cosmic devastation of sin so that you can appreciate the greatness of salvation.

Groaning is beneficial.

Paul says that there are two virtues that get developed when you groan… hope and patience.

How would you define these two words… hope and patience?

We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. 4 And patience produces character, and character produces hope. —Romans 5:3-4 (NCV)

How are hope and patience tied together?

Groaning is temporary.

Paul uses the metaphor of child birth. What point do you think he is making?

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. —Romans 8:18 (NIV)

How will the glory be revealed in us through our suffering?