Romans 8 In Depth: verses 18-27

[Nick]

We did Romans 8 in Bible Study last night and i was really encouraged by how much meaty stuff in in the latter half of this chapter in particular. I know we already did a more general Romans 8 Bible Study, but that seemed to focus more on the first half of the chapter.

I would like to focus on the latter half of the chapter, in two parts. This one, verses 18-27, and the next part will be posted someone in the next few weeks, concentrating on verses 28-39.

There's certainly some complex but fundamental doctrine in these two sections, so that should provide for some great discussion.

For this thread I will be using the Holman Christian Study Bible (HCSB). So, what are our initial thoughts on this section?

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.
19 For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God's sons to be revealed.
20 For the creation was subjected to futility - not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it - in the hope
21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of God's children.
22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now.
23 And not only that, but we ourselves who have the
Spirit as the firstfruits - we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
24 Now in this hope we were saved, yet hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees?

25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.
26 In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings.

27 And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit's mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.​

 

[Blazin Bones]

Two big doctrines can be seen here both regarding the Holy Spirit and Creation. What do you all see Paul telling us?

 

[Jman96]

I think this is a really hopeful section. It's really dry in my mind, hard I grasp the exact concept.

 

[Nick]

In verses 19-22 we see that something is not right. The creation shouldn't 'groan'. Even the intense pain of child bearing it is compared to - these labour pains are not how it was meant to be - this was so only after the Fall. So in verse 19 it is no surprise that the creation eagerly awaits to be made perfect again.

But verse 23 assures us that this out-of-whack situation doesn't stop at the creation. If we are awaiting the redemption of our bodies, then something isn't right at the moment.

I find the adoption thing in verse 23 interesting. It says we are eagerly waiting for adoption. But in a sense we are already adopted as God's sons. There is definately an element of we are already God's children...but I find verse 23 helpful because it reminds us that the work is not yet complete. Our fate is sealed, we are secure, but the process is not yet complete. This comes up later in the chapter, so I'm sure we'll get back to this.

 

[Jman96]

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 KJV)

If god is for us he is a participant with us. Not in our sin but in the groaning and tragedies. He is FOR us, WITH us. He is for us, not against us.

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32 KJV)

Paul then goes into explaining how much God is for us. He gave all of Jesus over. He gives and gives and gives and since he gave us his son, what else could he possibly hold back from us. The magnitude of this gift shows us because he gave Jesus he will hold nothing back from us.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38, 39 KJV)

Paul has been convinced of this, that nothing can separate us from Gods love. Worries of today can't separate us, nor angela, demons, not even the powers of hell. There is nothing in all creation, No power whatsoever can pull us away from the love of God thats revealed in Christ Jesus.