June 29, 2018

From Groans to Glory

Romans 8:18–25

Laura Labunski
Friday's Devo

June 29, 2018

Friday's Devo

June 29, 2018

Central Truth

This world is groaning with trials and tragedies, but this world is not our forever home. These "groans" will give way to glory when Jesus returns and restores this earth to one that is free of sin, sickness, and evil.

Romans 8:18–25

Future Glory

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 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. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Dive Deeper | Romans 8:18–25

As I scroll through my social media, I can almost hear it. A dear friend has just lost her dad; another friend has been the victim of a tragic car accident; a friend's home has been devastated by a hurricane. There are stories of wars and rumors of wars. Natural disasters of unprecedented ferocity. News of horrific crimes. And then the very physical pain I feel as I scroll through my phone, reminding me of my own health battle that has left my joints swollen and painful. 

Can you hear the earth groaning?  

It is clear that our world is deeply broken. These groans echo from the moment that God’s perfect creation was shattered. We are warned that we will have troubles in this world (John 16:33). Paul refers to them here directly in Romans 8:22 when he compares them to "the pains of childbirth." As a mama of two, I can tell you that the pain involved in childbirth is legit, my friends. But just as childbirth does not last forever, neither will the travesties unraveling in this world. God doesn’t leave us here destined for the doom and gloom! This is our temporary home (John 14:2-3, 2 Corinthians 5:1, Hebrews 13:14, Philippians 3:20). We are promised that these groans will give way to glory!

Paul writes that our sufferings are "not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (verse 18). Every earthly trial comes with an earthly expiration date. That creates an unspeakable hope in my heart and begs me to look past the world I can see from the screen on my phone. Jesus died to give life abundant. Because I accepted His free gift of grace, I can live knowing that I am not living a life sentenced to eternal darkness.  

In 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV), Paul writes, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Hide this truth in your heart. Bind it to your thoughts.

Jesus is coming again, friends! Can you hear Him?

This month's memory verse

18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.

– Romans 7:18–19

Discussion Questions

1. It is very easy to get overwhelmed and down about the current status of the world and the earthly struggles we face. What are some Bible verses that can encourage and remind you about the glory that is coming? (Challenge: Try to commit at least one to memory so that it is handy when hard times come.)

2.  Sometimes it is hard for us to place our hope in something we cannot see. Where in the Bible do we see examples of God fulfilling promises and hopes here on earth? 

3. Paul writes in verse 25, "But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."  

 a) What does it look like to have an attitude of hope and expectancy as we wait on the Lord to answer our prayers? 

 b) If someone were to ask those around you, would they say your life reflected that you are living for things seen or unseen?

 c) What are some answered prayers you can praise God for that you have experienced lately?  

4. Read Isaiah 43:2; Psalm 34:18; Philippians 1:6; Jeremiah 29:11; Isaiah 40:31; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; and Joshua 1:9.  

 a)  What do these verses tell you about the kind of God we serve?

 b)  How do they encourage you?

5. Part of God's perfect plan is providing us a way to heaven through His Son Jesus Christ. Have you accepted Jesus as your personal savior? If not, what questions about salvation do you still have?