Mar. 15, 2026

Romans 8:18-25

When There Seems to Be No “Next Season”

1. Nothing Compares (v. 18)

A. The Sufferings of this Present Time

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

1 Peter 1:3-5

B. The Glory to Be Revealed

Revelation 21:1-5

Revelation 21:9-14, 18-21

2. The Creation Waits (vs. 19-22)

A. Where Is This Groaning From?

Genesis 3:16

Genesis 3:17-19

B. We Bear Witness to What Is Coming to the Rest of Creation

 Isaiah 11:6-9

“As in the beginning, God generated the heaven and the earth, in the breast of a believing man he generates again. It’s re-genesis. Just as surely as the work of God in calling the world out of nothing was a major miracle, so the work of God in calling a Christian out of a sinner, making a Christian out of a sinner, is a major miracle.”
AW Tozer, “Begotten Unto a Living Hope”, July 26, 1953

3. Our Current Place (vs. 23-25)

A. The First Fruits of the Spirit (v. 23)

2 Corinthians 5:5

B. The “Already” and the “Not Yet” (v. 24)

“In v. 24 Paul expresses the paradoxical nature of his gospel. It is a matter of “already” (we were saved) and “not yet” (in hope). Salvation begins to happen to the believer in this lifetime, with “were saved” referring to the event of conversion, but the story of salvation is not over until the redemption of the body.” - Ben Witherington

C. It Is Going to Take a Lot of Patience (v. 25)

Hebrews 11:1

Galatians 5:22-26

Reflection:

How reliant are you on the Spirit for the places that you groan over the most?

Follow UP in the Word through the Week…

Monday:

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

How much of what Paul describes is a reality in your life? Is this perspective your perspective?

Tuesday:

Read: Revelation 21:1-5

As you read these words, do you know that they are your future? What part of the future action of God in your life do you look forward to the most?

Wednesday:

Read: Genesis 3:16-19

Just how fallen are we as human beings? How does this passage explain the pain of life and reality of death?

Thursday:

Read: Isaiah 11:6-9

How do these promises explain the reversal of the curse? How complete will the reversal be?

Friday:

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:5

How is the Holy Spirit working in your life to show you the hope of the guarantee of what is to come?

Saturday:

Read: Galatians 5:22-26

What part(s) of the Fruit of the Spirit seems to be most challenging right now in your life? Are you going back to the Lord to “crucify the flesh” where the need is present in your life?