Romans 8:18-25

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Romans 8:18-25. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us-ward. Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the revealing of the sons of God. Romans 8:20 For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but by reason of him who subjected it, in hope Romans 8:21 that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. Romans 8:23 And not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for our adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. Romans 8:24 For in hope were we saved: but hope that is seen is not hope: for who hopeth for that which he seeth? 25 But if we hope for that which we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

REALIZING ROMANS, Romans 8:18-25

350.

Paul knew something about suffering. Read 2 Corinthians 11:1-33. List some of his sufferings.

351.

The glory will be beyond compare. Do you think many believe this?

180.

What must we endure if we are to be glorified with Christ?

352.

The sufferings of this present time are compared with the total lack of any tangible evidence of God's glory in the lives of many people. As a result, they become bitter and cynical. Why?

353.

How could expectation wait? cf. Romans 8:19.

354.

What creation is referred to in Romans 8:19?

355.

Are not the sons of God now known? Explain: The revealing of the sons of God.

356.

Is the creation of Romans 8:20 the same as in Romans 8:19?

357.

Define the word vanity as here used.

358.

Is Romans 8:20 saying that the inanimate creation of God such as the vegetation is hoping and yearning for a deliverance? If so, explain.

359.

Is the liberty of the glory of the children of God the same as the revealing of the sons of God? Now all of this might seem too hard for you, but it is not. It was written for you and me by the Holy Spirit through the Apostle. Do not depend on others. Find out for yourself. Read the verses againand again.

360.

Could it be that the creation is man, even as Jesus used the word when he said, Preach the gospel to the whole creation? In that case, how does that relate it to Romans 8:23?

361.

If our adoption is the redemption of our bodies (not our souls), this must have reference to a different redemption than we ordinarily consider. What is it?

362.

In hope were we saved, and by hope we are saved full many a time. What hope is here referred to? Be specific here.

363.

One day hope will be turned into reality. What part does patience play here?

Paraphrase

Romans 8:18-25. However, the thoughts of suffering with Christ need not terrify you. For I reckon, that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with that glorious resurrection which is about to be revealed to the whole universe, in the persons of us the heirs thereof.

Romans 8:19 What a blessing a resurrection to immortality is, may be understood by this, That the earnest desire of mankind hath ever been to obtain that glorious endless life in the body, by which the sons of God shall be made known.

Romans 8:20 Nor is their expectation without foundation; for mankind were subjected to misery and death, nor by their own act, but by God, who, for the disobedience of the first man, hath subjected all his offspring to these evils:

Romans 8:21 In the resolution that, on account of the obedience of the second man, even the heathens themselves shall be set free from the bondage of the grave, and those who believe be brought into the full possession of the happiness which belongs to the children of God.

Romans 8:22 Besides, we know that every human creature hath groaned together under the miseries of life, and hath undergone together sharp pain, like that of child-bearing, till now, on account of their uncertainty with respect to a future state.

Romans 8:23 And not only do they groan under these evils, but ourselves also, who are the sons of God by faith in Christ, and who have the chief gifts of the Spirit as the earnest of eternal life, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, while we wait for that great event by which our sonship will be constituted and manifested, (Romans 8:19.), namely, the deliverance of our body from corruption, by raising it glorious and immortal.

Romans 8:24 The redemption of the body is not bestowed at present; for we are saved only in hope, that our faith and patience may be exercised. Now hope which hath obtained its object, is no longer hope; for what a man possesses, how also can he hope for it?

Romans 8:25 But if we hope for what we do not possess, we wait with patience for it, and so display our faith in the promises of God.

Summary

But the sufferings we are to undergo are not worthy to be named with the future glory which awaits us. So great is that glory that even creation, or as much of it as was affected by the fall, is waiting for and anxiously expecting the day when the children of God shall realize it. Creation was, by the curse, subjected to frailty much in the same way as man, and, like him, awaits deliverance from it. Under this curse, creation groans together and is in pain till now, and not only creation, but we too who have the earnest of the Spirit groan with it, while waiting for the deliverance of our bodies from the grave. In hope of this deliverance we were saved, and we are cherishing that hope still. Although we have not yet attained what we hope for, we are waiting in confidence that we shall attain it.

Comment

3.

Encouragement to Endure Suffering. Romans 8:18-39

The concluding words of Paul in Romans 8:17 suggest the topic for this section.

a. The first encouragement is found in the realization that as trying as may seem the tribulations we are now undergoing, as much as we sometimes make of our ills and heartaches, that it is not even reasonable to think of comparing them with the glories of the world to come. If we attempted a comparison in order to ascertain whether the glories of heaven would recompense our sojourn amid this vale of tears, the glories to come would so far outweigh the sufferings of this present time that there would really be no comparison. Paul ought to know for we believe he caught a glimpse of those things when he departed from his body and returned again (cp. 2 Corinthians 12:1-6.). Romans 8:18

(1) Concerning the event and the time of the event spoken of in Romans 8:19: The greatness of this event can be appreciated when we realize that the very creation itself is waiting expectantly for the revealing of the sons of God. There are many and detailed remarks upon the meaning of the term creation. We take it to mean all that which was affected by Adam's sin, both animate and inanimate. The creation is personified in this passage and is pictured as a man earnestly waiting out the time until the sons of God will be revealed. What is the meaning of revealing of the sons of God? We know because of the context that it refers to the same time and event as the glory which shall be revealed spoken of in Romans 8:18. The sons of God are spoken of as being concealed and awaiting a time when they shall be revealed, and truly they are. There are literally thousands upon thousands who have departed this life and are thus concealed to us and the world. Those sons of God who are upon the earth are not now revealed in glory. The humble estate of the minority will in the resurrection day be changed to the proud state of the majority. Romans 8:19

(2) The questions might be asked, Why is the creation waiting in expectancy for the resurrection day? For what does it wait? The whole creation waits to be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. (Romans 8:21). The creation did not come under this bondage of its own will (for it has no will), but was subjected to frailty and corruption through the sovereign will of him who subjected it, even God (Romans 8:20). But he did not thus place it in bondage with no hope of release, for even at the time of the curses pronounced upon earth (Genesis 3:17 b), God was looking forward to his great plan for man's redemption, and the consequent resurrection of his children, and the deliverance of the creation from its frailties (Genesis 3:15). Romans 8:20-21

(3) Again, speaking figuratively, Paul portrays both the animate and the inanimate creation as groaning and travailing in pain as a woman with child, looking to that time when a new life will be brought forth, The thought of a new heaven and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness (2 Peter 3:13) is herein suggested. The thought of a purified, renovated heaven and earth is at least intimated. It is not our purpose to discuss it pro or con; let it suffice to say that this thought is not unreasonable. Romans 8:22

181.

What is the subject of Romans 8:18-39?

182.

What is the first encouragement given?

183.

What is the meaning of creation in Romans 8:19?

184.

To what event does revealing of the sons of God refer?

185.

What can creation expect to receive in the resurrection day?

(4) Speaking of the expectation of the creation reminds the writer of the expectant longings of his own spirit, yes, the desire of every child of God: And not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for our adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. Even though we have the earnest payment on heaven with us, the Holy Spirit, we yet groan while waiting within this earthly tabernacle. Our groanings take the form of desires to be rid of this body of flesh which is subject to much suffering and temptation and to be adopted into that glorified family. This act of adoption into that new world will simply be the deliverance of our bodies from the grave on the resurrection day. Romans 8:23

(5) We find the closely associated truth that all this revelation of the future glory was comprehended in our salvation. When we were converted we considered this fact; the hope spoken of was before us when we accepted Christ. This is true, but we must ever keep before us the true nature of hope. Hope is only hope when it is directed toward something as yet unseen. If the object of hope is seen then hope gives place to realization. We must not, as Christians, grow discouraged because we do not immediately possess heaven. But if we really have our hope set on our goal (firmly established because of the great and glorious reasons for hoping), then we can with patience and confidence wait for the fulfillment of our fondest hopes. Romans 8:24-25

186.

How is the creation in bondage today?

187.

Discuss briefly Romans 8:22.

188.

What is the adoption spoken of in Romans 8:23?

189.

Explain Romans 8:24-25 and tell what lesson is taught.