Romans 8:18-24
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons 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 will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?
We live in a broken world where suffering abounds. The rise of crime, drugs, porn, and talks of war. This world is broken. Even the most beautiful things are considered broken.
There is no perfect creation. Everything we encounter has positives and negatives. This is how the world is when sin entered into the world. Romans 8 talks about the creation being subjected to futility.
BUT HOPE…..
20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?
The hope that one day everything will be made new. One day, we will be free from the bondage of sin. One day, we will see the glory of God. The hope that drives every church to persevere. The hope that a man has on his sick bed, this is the hope of every Christian suffering in the world that this too shall pass. (vs. 22-23)
Hope brings patience.
God requires us to be patient.
One day his glory will be revealed.
