Topic: Hope for the Christian
Reading: Romans 8:18-25
Introduction and Overview
In this world there is great suffering. This world is under the power and influence of the devil and his purpose is to destroy and to cause pain and suffering.
But we also know as Christians that everything in the world is temporary. Everything has been designed to wear out and fade away. The one exception is the salvation we are offered in Jesus Christ. His salvation is eternal and the offer of life is freely given to all who will believe in Him.
This is the hope for all Christians. We do not look to “what is” but in hope we look forwards to “what will be.” It was by the will of God that this creation be subjected to the futility of decay. But He did that in hope that people would seek what is permanent and what abides forever. These are the things we look at today in these verses.
Key points from reading:
- The sufferings of this world are of no comparison to the weight of glory promised by God
- This creation is subjected to futility, but will be set free from this bondage to decay
- We live in the hope of salvation as we await the coming of the Lord
Discussion:
- Scripture: Romans 8:18
- There is much suffering in the world today. It is part of the fleshly existence. But it will not always be like this.
- When we come to Christ we are offered the promises of many gifts. We are offered the promise of salvation, peace, mercy, compassion, freedom from sin, victory over the flesh, and much more. And these things will not pass away like the momentary pleasure of this world. All of these things will be eternal and all suffering will cease when the kingdom of God is established.
- When we consider the sufferings of this life that may last for the years of our life, they are nothing compared to an eternity of peace and the love of God. And that is how we must look at things from a Christian perspective. Our true lives are with Christ, hidden until His revelation. This life is just a blink of an eye by comparison to the eternity that awaits us. So, we must keep strong in the faith to receive what has been promised.
- Scripture: Romans 8:19-21
- The Creation as we know it was made for us. It was designed and brought into being by God for our benefit and enjoyment. And the Creation itself is waiting for the revealing of the sons and children of God who will not exploit, pollute, and use it for evil purposes as the world does today. When the sons of God are managing God’s Creation it will be with respect and reverence for the one who made it.
- Furthermore, this Creation has been subjected to the futility of decay. Everything is designed to die, decay, rust, rot, and wear away. It is a temporary creation to give us a taste of God’s wonder and the beauty of the works of His hands. But when the new heavens and earth are formed after all has been completed in this age, there will be none of those problems afflicting the next creation. It will be designed with eternity in mind.
- This Creation gives us just a taste of what could be. We are given a certain amount of time to make one simple decision: will we follow Christ or not. The result of making that decision in the affirmative is the promise of a better life, a better future and a hope for things to come.
- Scripture: Romans 8:22-23
- The scripture here tells us that the whole Creation has been groaning in travail. A woman goes into travail at the point of birth and at the end of a pregnancy. It is a painful process of great suffering for the woman. But the outcome is a cause for great joy when the child is born.
- That is what it is like for those in Christ. We are in travail now, afflicted in this world full of pain and suffering. But the hope of salvation we have is that we know the suffering will cease. There is an end to the trials and tribulations of this life, and in Christ, that end is a cause for great joy. The promise of eternity with our Lord and Saviour fills us with hope and joy, knowing He is coming soon to redeem His people.
- We who are in Christ shall be adopted as children of God. And the process of adoption as referred to in the time that these words was written was much more powerful than it is today. When a person was adopted in ancient Roman times, they could not be put away. They could not be disowned or disinherited. A natural child could be disinherited, but an adopted child could not. There was a legal bond that existed for those who were adopted that could not be broken.
- That is what we are coming into with Christ. We are being adopted as children of God and we will not be put away or separated from the love of God. It is a powerful thing to remember whenever we feel down or alone. God has said He will never fail nor forsake us. We will be His children and share in the inheritance of Jesus Christ.
- Scripture: Romans 8:24-25
- We do not yet see these things. We live in hope that these things will take place, and they will take place because we can trust in the word of God. He has promised and He will deliver.
- We must remember too that hope is not about the here and now. We do not hope for what we have, but we hope for what is to come. Hope is always future focused. It does not focus on “what is” but on “what will be.” This is why the scripture says, “Hope that is seen is not hope.” Because we do not yet see these things, we learn to have faith and hold fast to the word of God. We trust Him who promises these things and we know that in due course all of our hopes will be realised.
- As we hope and trust in the Lord to bring these things into effect, we learn patience. We need to be patient as we await the coming of the Lord and the establishing of His kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
- There is and will be suffering in this world, but compared to what God offers us in Jesus Christ, there is no comparison. Eternal life in God’s kingdom with Him and Jesus is something to be hoped for even if it cannot be fully imagined.
- This world and this life is futile. Nothing lasts and everything in this creation has been subjected to futility. It all wears out, decays, and passes away. Except for the promises and the love of God for His people who are redeemed in Jesus Christ.
- We live now in hope of receiving His promises, knowing that our hope is not in vain in Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
- Pray and thank the Lord that He has called you to the hope of salvation.
- Pray that you can always remember that whatever happens in this world, it is a temporary thing and the Lord has a better plan for you.