Lesson 3 of 4
Groaning and hope
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Study objective: Read 8:18-30 as a whole, including the well-known verse 8:28.
Reading: Romans 8:18–30
Romans 8:18–30 WEB
18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us. 19For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now. 23Not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for adoption, the redemption of our body. 24For we were saved in hope, but hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for that which he sees? 25But if we hope for that which we don’t see, we wait for it with patience. 26In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered. 27He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit’s mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God. 28We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30Whom he predestined, those he also called. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified.
Background and context
Paul speaks of present sufferings, a creation that groans as it waits to be set free, believers who groan as they wait for the redemption of their bodies, and the Spirit who groans in intercession. It is in this setting of groaning and waiting that he writes, “All things work together for good for those who love God.”
Observe
- Present sufferings are compared with future glory (8:18).
- Creation, believers and the Spirit all “groan” (8:22, 23, 26).
- Hope is for what is not yet seen (8:24-25).
- 8:28 follows directly after the Spirit’s intercession.
Words, people and events to notice
- Hope
- Confident expectation of what God has promised but is not yet seen. Romans 8:24–25
Understand
- How does the “groaning” in verses 22-26 shape how 8:28 should be read?
- What does 8:28 promise, and what does it not say?
- What does the chain in 8:29-30 add?
Connect
- Genesis 3:17–19
The ground cursed: background to creation’s groaning.
- Revelation 21:1–5
The new creation.
Reflect
- Where are you groaning and waiting?
- How does the Spirit’s help in prayer (8:26) encourage you?
Key takeaways
Editorial summary, not Scripture.
- Romans 8:28 is spoken to people in suffering, not as a slogan to dismiss it.
- Creation and believers wait in hope for redemption.
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