WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH
Romans 8.18-25
Romans: Redeemed To Flourish – Part 11 of 14
v. 17 “… we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”
Acts 14.22 “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (niv)
TO WALK HARD PATHS, THE HOLY SPIRIT CULTIVATES WITHIN US …
A Wonderful Imagination
v. 18 “… I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (esv)
v. 19 “… creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed.” (csb)
vv. 20–21 “… creation was subjected to futility … in hope 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.” (esv)
Genesis 3.15 “… he will crush your head …” (niv)
Meaningful Lamentations
v. 22 “… the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.” (esv)
v. 23 “… we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.” (csb)
v. 23 “… we … who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly …” (esv)
A Hopeful Dissatisfaction
v. 24 “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?” (esv)
v. 25 “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”
Philippians 3.20 “Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”(csb)