Present Groaning - Future Glory

Condemnation     1:18-3:20
Justification         3:21-5:21
Sanctification       6:1-8:39

Key words defined:
Sanctification – to be set apart from sin to God
     Positional – in Christ
     Progressive – more like Christ
     Perfected – seeing Christ, face to face
The premise – Romans 8:18
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

consider =   logical thinking, not opinion
sufferings =  all kinds
present time =  now, in this earthly life
not worth comparing =  value and weight
glory revealed to us =  made known toward us

I. The groaning of creation. 19-21
     A. Creation waits with eager longing.
     B. Creation groans under sin’s curse.
II. The groaning of Christians. 22-25
     A. God’s children groan inwardly.
     B. God’s children wait eagerly.
     C. God’s children have confidence
III. The groaning of the Comforter. 26-27
     A. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.
     B. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us.
Next Steps:
     ~ Maintain a God-honoring, balanced, Biblical perspective of present things, and things to come!
     ~ Keep developing a Biblical view of suffering!
     ~ Continually find joy and rest in the faithful ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life!