Connect Romans 8:23 with other scriptures on hope and redemption. Our Present Groaning “Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8:23) • Creation groans (v. 22) and so do we. • Our inward ache is proof that something better is coming. • The Holy Spirit within is God’s guarantee that the promise is real and literal. Firstfruits of the Spirit • Ephesians 1:13-14 — “you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession.” • 2 Corinthians 5:4-5 — the Spirit is “a pledge of what is to come,” while we “groan and are burdened” in our earthly tent. • Firstfruits point ahead to a full harvest: a resurrected, glorified body. Hope Anchored in the Promise • 1 Peter 1:3-5 — new birth “into a living hope… an inheritance that is imperishable… kept in heaven… for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” • Titus 2:13-14 — “await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself… to redeem us.” • Psalm 130:7 — “with the LORD is redemption in abundance.” • This hope is not wishful thinking; it is grounded in God’s unbreakable word. Redemption Completed • Philippians 3:20-21 — the Savior “will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.” • Hebrews 9:28 — Christ “will appear a second time… to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him.” • Revelation 21:4-5 — every tear wiped away; “I am making all things new.” • Isaiah 35:10 — the redeemed enter Zion “with everlasting joy… sorrow and sighing will flee.” Living Between ‘Already’ and ‘Not Yet’ • Already: forgiven, indwelt by the Spirit, adopted into God’s family. • Not yet: full adoption revealed when our bodies are redeemed. • Romans 8:24 — “For in this hope we were saved.” Hope is the oxygen of perseverance. • Daily life becomes a training ground where present suffering shapes future glory (Romans 8:18). Encouragement for Today • Your groaning is normal; it signals that you belong to another world. • The Spirit’s presence is a down-payment that God finishes what He starts. • Fix your eyes on the “blessed hope” rather than present disappointments. • Serve faithfully now, knowing a redeemed body and a renewed creation are guaranteed by the God who cannot lie. |
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