Practical Theology

Part 23 - Romans 8:16-25
Lead Pastor, Darrin Mariott

Big Idea: The troubles we now face pale in comparison to the glory that awaits us.

I. From Groaning…, v. 16-25
Romans 8:16-25
16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. 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. 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.

A. As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit who not only bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children, but also empowers us to live righteous lives that glorify God. But this doesn’t mean that we won’t face difficulties—we will (see Jn. 16:33). Even so, we can rest assured that God has a purpose in our trials and will help us in our time of need.

B. In these verses we see.

1. Creation’s groan (vv. 19-22) – In the fall God’s creation was subjected to decay and death (cf. Gen. 3:17-19)

Genesis 3:17-19
17 And to Adam he said,“Because you have listened to the voice of your wifeand have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you,‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; 18 thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you;and you shall eat the plants of the field. 19 By the sweat of your faceyou shall eat bread,till you return to the ground,for out of it you were taken; for you are dust,and to dust you shall return.”

2. The church’s groan (v. 23) – We, too, groan as we await with hope the redemption of our bodies. As we wait:

2a. We share in Jesus’s sufferings (v. 17; cf. 2 Cor. 1:3-5)

2 Corinthians 1:3-5
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.

2b. We suffer for the sake of Christ (cf. 2 Tim. 3:10-12)

2 Timothy 3:10-12
10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

C. Yet in all this we have hope (vv. 24-25), why? Because we trust in God’s promises that we have a future that far outweighs anything this life can offer us (cf. Heb. 11:13-16)

Hebrews 11:13-16
13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

II. …To Glory, v. 18, 26-27

Romans 9:16, 26-27
18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.
26 “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’” 27 And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved,

A. Paul does not downplay or deny the troubles we face in following Christ, but rather he reminds us that our hope is rooted in the fact that our current sufferings pale in comparison to the glory to be revealed in us (v. 18; cf. 1 Pet. 4:12-13).

1 Peter 4:12-13
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

B. The hope we have in Christ is confirmed by:

B1. The presence of the Holy Spirit in us (vv. 16, 26)

B2. The power of the Holy Spirit through us (v. 26; cf. Phil. 3:8-11)

Philippians 3:8-11
8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

3. The prayer of the Holy Spirit for us (vv. 26-27)