Romans 8:18-28
The Groaning of Creation (vv. 18-22)
- The fallen condition of creation
- The future restoration of creation
The Groaning of the Creatures (vv. 23-25)
- Present vanity = visible corruption - hopelessness
- Promised victory = invisible completion – hopefulness
The Groaning of the Creator (vv. 26-28)
- Our bereavement
- Our bondage
- His burden
More to Consider
God had one Son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering.
Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430)
God is a Master Artist. And there are aspects of your life and character-
good, quality things-he wants others to notice. So without using blatant tricks
or obvious gimmicks, God brings the cool, dark contrast of suffering into
your life. That contrast, laid up against the golden character of Christ within
you, will draw attention . . . to him. Light against darkness. Beauty against
affliction. Joy against sorrow. A sweet, patient spirit against pain and
disappointment-major contrasts that have a way of attracting notice. You are
the canvas on which he paints glorious truths, sharing beauty, and inspiring
others. So that people might see him.
Joni Eareckson Tada
God is a specialist when the anguish is deep. His ability to heal the soul is
profound . . . but only those who rely on his wounded Son will experience
relief.
Charles R. Swindoll
Though believers endure suffering now, they will enjoy glory when Christ returns. In fact, the whole creation (“creature” in vv. 19–21) is groaning under the bondage of sin, thanks to Adam’s disobedience. When Christ finally imprisons Satan, He will deliver the entire creation from this bondage, and all nature will enjoy with us “the glorious liberty of the children of God” (v. 21). What a thrilling salvation we have: free from the penalty of sin because Christ died for us (chap. 5); free from the power of sin because we died with Christ to the flesh (chap. 6) and to the Law (chap. 7); and someday we shall be free from the very presence of sin when nature is delivered from bondage.
Warren W. Wiersbe, Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1992), 389.
