The passage we are considering in Romans 8 today marks the climax of both Romans 8 and the entire letter, beginning from chapter 1:18.
As we explain these verses, it’s important to remember our previous discussions about the “already, but not yet” concept that theologians often associate with Paul’s writings.
We are already living in the new age inaugurated by the crucifixion, resurrection, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. However, we are not yet at the end of history, where God will fully accomplish all He has been working toward in human history.
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us (Romans 8.18).
When we examine our lives, it becomes clear that we are still living in “between the times.” Yes, we are freed from the power of sin, which is weakened by the flesh, but we are not yet finished products. We still await the full work of God that will be completed at the end of time.
What’s interesting is that this state doesn’t only affect humans; it also impacts creation, as Paul discusses in the following verses.
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God;
For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope
That the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now;
And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8.19-23).
Rudy Ross and I have been studying N.T. Wright’s insights on this chapter. Wright points out that the goal is not simply for Christians to die and go to heaven. Instead, God desires to perfect us through His power so that heaven can return to earth.
Creation is groaning to return to the Garden of Eden-like existence that was lost through the sin of Adam and the continued rebellion of subsequent generations against God’s will.
The goal of God’s activity in history is to bring His children into the experience of His glory. However, it’s not only humans who will share in this glory; creation itself will also experience the impact of God’s work.
There is a dangerous mindset of escapism in the church today. Many people believe they have a “ticket to heaven,” like a boarding pass tucked away in their shirt pocket as they wait for their flight. They think they don’t need to do anything but wait for the plane to arrive and take them to heaven.
However, Paul emphasizes that we have a significant role to play. We are co-laborers with God, and our actions impact both our fellow humans and creation as a whole. While God is the one ultimately at work, we are actively involved in His work.
Confident Assurance
Two words in the following verses need clear definition to help us fully understand what Paul is talking about.
The first word is “hope.” In the Bible, hope is not merely wishing for something to happen with the possibility that it might not. Rather, hope signifies a confident assurance that what we hope for will, or has already, taken place.
The second word is “wait.” Waiting does not mean sitting idly by and doing nothing. Instead, it means trusting God to work. God’s plan is the only plan, and there are no alternatives to His purpose.
For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen?
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience (Romans 8.14-25).
Returning to the concept of “already but not yet,” we can already have confidence and assurance that we have been saved. However, we are not yet finished products. We are patiently waiting and trusting God, believing that He will complete the work He has begun in us.
The Spirit’s Help
As we trust God and make Him the number one priority in our lives, we need the help of the Holy Spirit.
Because we don’t fully know God’s will, it can be challenging to know how to pray. Paul assures us that the Holy Spirit will assist us in our prayers and empower us to pray according to God’s will.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.
And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8.26-27).
Once again, the “already but not yet” aspect of our existence is emphasized. Just as we and creation groan in anticipation of the fulfillment God has promised, so does the Holy Spirit.
In addition, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us according to God’s will. As we place our full confidence in God, there are few thoughts more comforting than knowing that God’s very Spirit intercedes for us, fully aware of His will for our lives.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
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