Everlasting Hope

In The Word

Read: Romans 8:18-39

 

 

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters 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 also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23 And not only that, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our body. 24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, through perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

Our Victory in Christ

26 Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring charges against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, but rather, was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or trouble, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 Just as it is written:

For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We were regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation


Walking In The Word

 

Many times as believers, we can become frustrated with this life. If we are honest, we secretly cry out as John did, “Come Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20). But it is not only us that long for the return and vindication of Jesus Christ. Paul assures us that creation itself, having been placed in subjection to the corruption of sin, is groaning for the same freedom (Romans 8:19-22). It is this very subjection that causes us to be frustrated with this life. But as believers, we have the hope of something better: a life that awaits the adoption, the redemption, of our body (Romans 8:23).

But we must endure; we must persevere until Christ comes and rescues us. As hard as that may seem, Paul reminds the reader that we have been given the strength to make it. In our weakness, the Holy Spirit helps us. He intercedes and groans for us. We are also reminded today that the trials of this life have a greater purpose: to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ. And in that, we are more than conquerors of this world! It is the love of God that secures us during this life. 

Beloved, there is nothing in this life that can separate you from the Father’s love. You are a chosen vessel that He has called into His love, and He will be the One who secures you in it. You should not fear this life or allow the worries of it to consume you. God is working all things out for your good if you love Him and remain in Him. 

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