Romans 8:18-39

 Romans 8:18-39

If a person had a mind to, they could easily make this grand passage, the study of a lifetime. Some Bible passages stir us very deeply; this is one of them. A detailed study of this passage is certainly worthy of reading, but for this occasion we should focus on three main themes of hope, protection, and victory.

Paul begins by saying that the sufferings of this age cannot compare with the glory that is to come. Before we rush over this too quickly, we need to remember Paul knew suffering in 2 Corinthians 11:23-27. Paul describes some of his hardships. From the Jews up to this point, he had recorded 195 lashes with a whip. And had three Roman beatings, not to mention three shipwrecks and a stoning. Paul did not talk about suffering from a detached or academic perspective. When Paul said “sufferings could not compare,” he had a clear point of reference. What could be so wonderful to make such suffering worthwhile? Here we see the hope. Interestingly, rather than point to Heaven to answer the question, Paul points to earth. Paul is indirectly pointing to the lost paradise of Eden. Everything that was lost in Eden will be regained in the culmination of all things. This is another reason to take seriously and study carefully the doctrines of Eden and Paradise. Even nature, in some way, understands and groans for the return of Paradise. Things we consider to be natural disasters and environmental degradation are, in fact, signposts pointing to the coming world. We can confidently hope for a new or remade heaven and earth and our own bodies redeemed.

But in the meantime, we do have to work through a world of hurt and hardship. In our weakness and suffering, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us; we enjoy protection. Sometimes the suffering and sorrow of life is simply beyond words. We can’t describe them to God or men. But these groans, emotions, and expressions of grief are present in our life and are presented to the Father. These wordless expressions  of grief are translated, if you will, by the Holy Spirit. In the best of times, our prayers are often of poor quality, being selfish and only wanting relief from immediate problems. But we know God works all things to the ultimate good. Don’t miss how closely suffering, hardship, prayer, and God working things to our benefit are linked. Sometimes what is to our benefit is not the end of suffering but passing through the pain and to the maturity that is gained.

This brings us to our ultimate victory. If God is working even in our hardship for our well-being, who or what is going to stand against him? God is so committed to our well-being that He sent His Son to rescue us. We can be confident that if God would do this great thing, then certainly He would do the lesser things for us as well. And Jesus, having won the right to be the judge by bearing our sins, will not condemn us. What He did was for love’s sake; how could He judge us harshly? If He went to the cross for us because He loved us, He will use His power as judge to rescue us. With the Spirit pleading for us, the Father giving His Son for us, and the Son rescuing us, we need fear nothing in all of creation. With a Father, Son, and Holy Spirit pulling us in, nothing can possibly separate us from that love.

“Thank You Lord, thank You. AMEN”