Outline: From Earthly Groaning to Eternal Glory

Text: Romans 8:18-28

Introduction: The apostle Paul wants to encourage his audience in their affliction.  The suffering of this life is “not worthy to be compared with the glory” that shall be revealed in us.  We are literally going from earthly groaning to eternal glory.  The word “groaning” means to sigh, wail, cry out in pain.  Such hardship can only be endured by the aid, assistance, and accompaniment of the Holy Spirit of God.  Our hope is anchored in the fact that we will go from groaning to glory.

1. We Have Hardships (Romans 8:18-23)

A. The Creature Groans-

“For the earnest expectation of the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by    reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope.  Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God”

B. The Creation Groans-

“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now”

 C. The Christian Groans-

“And not they only, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body”

2. We Have Help (Romans 8:24-27)

A. The Spirit Helps with Infirmities

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities, for we know not what we should pray for as we ought”

B. The Spirit Helps with Intercession

“…but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered”

C. The Spirit Helps with Investigation

“And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God”

3. We Have Hope (Romans 8:28)

A. The Confidence of Hope

“And we know”

B. The Camaraderie of Hope

“that all things work together”

C. The Conclusion of Hope

“for good”

D. The Congregation of Hope

“to them that love God, to them who are the called”

E. The Consummation of Hope

“according to his purpose”

Conclusion:

Heartbreak, heartache, and hardship is part of the human experience, but God will ultimately redeem fallen creature and fallen creation.  He will one day usher us into the glorious presence of Himself and change our mortal, carnal flesh.  We will be like Him as we move from earthly groaning to eternal glory!