Awaiting Glory

Romans 8:18-25
[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.

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does this passage build on what Paul has written so far in chapter 8?
2.   Why should v. 18 bring us immense comfort in times of suffering?  How does God use his peoples’ suffering as a witness?
3.   What is wrong with the natural world, and what does Paul say is going to happen to it at Christ’s return?
4.   Why is the future state of the created world tied to our glorification?
5.   What does it mean that we have the “firstfruits of the Spirit”?  How is this meant to increase our hope and endurance?
6.   What exactly are we groaning and eagerly waiting for?  What will it be like?

References: James 1:2; 1 Peter 1:6; Romans 8:35; Colossians 3:4; 1 Peter 4:13; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Genesis 3:17-19, 15; Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:1; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 15:52-55; Philippians 3:20-21; Hebrews 6:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:8.