~ 3 Distinct Groans in Romans 8 ~
The Groan Of Creation
~ What
a strange statement! Does creation “groan”? When we look at the wildfires,
hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis we would have to agree that
creation is presently groaning—and waiting for deliverance. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are
not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the
earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits 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; because the creation itself also will be
delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the
children of God. For we know that the
whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now” (vs. 18-22).
Not only is creation waiting for deliverance but so is the Christian
groaning as we see in the next verses.
The Christian’s Groan
~ “Not
only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly
waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 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” (vs. 23-25). Not only does
the creation and Christians groan but so does God Himself as we see in the next
verses.
The Creator / God Groans
~ “Likewise
the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. 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. Now He who searches the hearts knows
what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints
according to the will of God” (vs. 26-27). We have God on our side! The really neat
aspect of all this is that one day there will be a resolution as we see in the
next verses.
From Groaning To Glory
~ “And
we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those
who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also
predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the
firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also
called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these
He also glorified” (vs. 28-30). One day our salvation will be complete—we will
have new glorified bodies for eternity!
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
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