Romans 8:18-30 NKJV
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits 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 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
We find great comfort and hope in the powerful truths revealed here. In this passage, the Apostle Paul addresses the reality of suffering in the world and the enduring hope we have in Christ.
Paul reminds us that our present sufferings, though real, cannot be compared to the glorious future that awaits us. As believers, we understand that through Christ’s redemptive work, our hope is anchored in the promise of eternal life and being glorified with Him.
The fallen world we inhabit experiences the consequences of sin, leading to suffering and futility. Nevertheless, there is hope in Christ’s redemptive plan. The day will come when creation will be delivered from corruption and brought into glorious liberty, along with God’s children.
In moments of weakness and uncertainty, the Holy Spirit comes alongside us, interceding on our behalf. We may not always know how to pray, but the Spirit understands the depths of our hearts and communicates our needs to God according to His will.
The passage culminates with the assurance that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This divine plan includes our predestination to be conformed to the image of Christ, ultimately leading to our justification and glorification.
We take comfort in the profound truths of Romans 8:18-30. As believers, we endure the present sufferings with hope, looking forward to the glory that awaits us in Christ; we find strength in the Spirit’s intercession and trust in God’s sovereign purpose; and we eagerly await the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, knowing that all things work together for our good and that we are destined to be glorified with Christ. Let us pray: Almighty and eternal God, pour down on us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.