Romans 8:18-21 (one more time) The Groans

"Freedom from Discouragement -- No Frustration" is what my commentary titled this section, and we are told to note the three groans that are discussed.

Creation groans -- "When God finished His creation, it was a good creation, but today it is a groaning creation ... the result of Adam's sin ... not the fault of creation ... However, this groaning is not a useless thing ... One day creation will be delivered and the groaning creation will become a glorious creation.  The believer does not focus on today's sufferings ... he looks forward to tomorrow's glory."

We believers groan -- "...because we have experienced the firstfruits of the Spirit, a foretaste of the glory to come ... we  Christians have tasted the blessings of heaven through the ministry of the Spirit.  This makes us want to see the Lord, receive a new body, and live with Him and serve Him forever.  We are waiting for the adoption, which is the redemption of the body when Christ returns.  This is the thrilling climax to the adoption that took place at conversion when the Spirit of adoption gave us an adult standing in God's family.  When Christ returns, we shall enter into our full inheritance.  Meanwhile, we wait and hope.  The best is yet to come!  The believer does not get frustrated as he sees and experiences suffering and pain in this world.  He knows that the temporary suffering will one day give way to eternal glory."

The Holy Spirit groans -- "Jesus groaned when He saw what sin was doing to mankind.  Today, the Holy Spirit groans with us and feels the burdens of our weaknesses and suffering.  But the Spirit does more than groan.  He prays for us in His groaning so that we might be led into the will of God.  We do not always know God's will.  We do not always know how to pray, but the Spirit intercedes so that we might live in the will of God in spite of suffering.  The Spirit shares the burden."

"God is at work in the world... He has a perfect plan ... with two purposes -- our good and His glory.  Ultimately, He will make us like Jesus Christ."  The plan is going to succeed!

Father, thank You for this reassurance.  Thank You that the Holy Spirit feels the burden of my weaknesses and prays for me to You!

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford