Romans 8:18-25

As we reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive to God, and yield our bodies to God for righteousness, what provision will we find waiting for us?  First, we will know that we have a Father who can be called on in every situation.  But what if our struggle is intense?  What if our trials are severe?  Rom. 8:17 leads to this second provision when we are told that those who suffer with Christ will also be glorified with Him.  It indicates that suffering or affliction is to be expected as it was the experience of Christ.  But in some way the affliction is countered by the hope of glory.

** Under grace we have a living hope, 8:18-25.

We suffer, not because we are picked on but because we are part of a fallen creation.  Creation was subjected to futility (v20).  It groans (v22) under the bondage of corruption (v21) awaiting the day of release.  Believers also groan, awaiting the day when our redemption experience is complete (v22).

Redemption is a reality based in the past, when Christ paid the price for our sin (i.e. redeemed us, Rom. 3:24).  The price was fully paid; the believer belongs to God.  But the believer’s full experience of that redemption is yet future when he experiences the redemption of the body (v23).  At this time it will be fully realized what it means to be the sons of God (v19).

Where is the grace in this?  It is in the promise of v18: the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  Our future glory always exceeds our present suffering.  We are assured of a hope, a day when the groaning is replaced with rejoicing.

How are we assured of this?  We are assured by the Spirit.  In v23 Paul says we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit.  This is the clear teaching of Scripture, that the Spirit given to the believer at his salvation is the guarantee that God will complete the redemption (2 Cor. 1:22).  He is called the Spirit of promise for this very reason (Eph. 1:13-14).

The need for hope is critical to life.  People often despair of life in their trials and take actions that are often regrettable.  Trials are a human reality; no one escapes hard times.  We may tell ourselves that everything will be okay.  But inside we may realize we have no guarantee.  Our trial may be life-ending or may be incurable or hopeless.  Our ability to persevere joyfully depends on hope (1 Thess. 1:3).

In John 14 Jesus gave similar provisions to His disciples so they could live and serve after He returned to heaven.  The first of those provisions was hope (John 14:1-6).  Thoughts of heaven and the joys of eternal life in the presence of our God have long sustained believers in their affliction (Psalm 16:9-11), enabling them to patiently await God’s way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13).

Our world is full of hurting people without hope.  It ought not be so for believers!