Sermons on Romans 8:18-25
The various sermons below interpret Romans 8:18-25 by exploring the tension between present suffering and future glory, each offering unique insights into this dynamic. A common thread among the interpretations is the emphasis on the "already and not yet" aspect of Christian hope, where believers are encouraged to experience God's glory in the present while anticipating its full revelation in the future. The sermons highlight the transformative power of suffering, suggesting that it serves as a conduit for experiencing God's presence and power. They also draw on the Greek text to underscore the concept of "glory," portraying it as both a present reality within believers and a future promise. The analogy of childbirth is used to describe the groaning and anticipation of creation, emphasizing the hope and purpose found amid suffering.
While the sermons share common themes, they also present distinct perspectives. One sermon emphasizes the indwelling presence of God, suggesting that believers can manifest God's power and glory now, while another sermon focuses on the communal aspect of suffering, highlighting the sense of belonging that arises from shared longing for a better world. This latter sermon contrasts the biblical view of suffering with the prosperity gospel, underscoring that suffering is a tool for spiritual growth rather than a sign of weak faith. Another sermon shifts the focus to future salvation, arguing that the ultimate hope lies in the resurrection and redemption of creation, rather than solely on the cross and forgiveness. This approach offers a vision of a restored earth, free from sin and suffering, as the culmination of the Christian narrative.
Romans 8:18-25 Interpretation:
Awakening to God's Power and Presence (Apostolic Church Dallas) interprets Romans 8:18-25 by emphasizing the revelation of the "mighty God in me." The sermon suggests that the glory to be revealed is not just a future event but something that can be experienced now through the indwelling of God's Spirit. The preacher uses the Greek text to highlight the concept of "glory" being revealed in believers, suggesting that this glory is already present within us and can be manifested through our lives. The sermon also uses the analogy of childbirth to describe the groaning and anticipation of creation and believers, emphasizing the transformative power of suffering and the hope of future glory.
Finding Hope and Purpose in Our Suffering (Menlo Church) interprets Romans 8:18-25 by emphasizing the concept of "already and not yet" hope. The sermon uses the analogy of a road trip to illustrate the tension between present suffering and future glory, suggesting that just as children trust their parents on a journey, believers must trust God's plan despite not seeing the full picture. The sermon also highlights the Greek term "glory" as a future reality where God's reign is perfect and complete, contrasting it with the current broken state of the world.
Salvation in Three Tenses: Hope Amid Suffering (Canvas Community Church) interprets Romans 8:18-25 by emphasizing the future aspect of salvation as the ultimate remedy for present sufferings. The sermon highlights Paul's use of a mathematical term in Greek, "consider," to convey that he has calculated the incomparable weight of future glory against present suffering. This interpretation suggests that Paul's confidence stems from his understanding of suffering as a result of human rebellion and glory as the visible expression of creation under God's rule.
Enduring Suffering: Hope in Future Glory (MLJTrust) interprets Romans 8:18-25 by emphasizing the contrast between present sufferings and future glory. The sermon highlights the Apostle Paul's method of drawing deductions from Christian doctrines to help believers endure suffering. It presents a unique perspective by discussing the state of creation as a result of the Fall, arguing against the theory of evolution, and emphasizing the hope embedded in God's character. The sermon uses the original Greek text to explain the groaning and travailing of creation as akin to childbirth, indicating a painful process leading to something better.
Romans 8:18-25 Theological Themes:
Awakening to God's Power and Presence (Apostolic Church Dallas) presents the theme of the "mighty God in me," which emphasizes the indwelling presence of God within believers. This theme suggests that believers have access to God's power and glory now, not just in the future. The sermon highlights the idea that the sufferings of this present time are opportunities for intimacy with God and the manifestation of His power through us.
The sermon also introduces the concept of believers as "birthers," partnering with heaven to bring about God's will on earth. This theme emphasizes the active role of believers in manifesting God's kingdom and glory in the present world.
Finding Hope and Purpose in Our Suffering (Menlo Church) presents the theme of "belonging in longing," suggesting that the shared experience of longing for a better world creates a deeper connection among believers. This theme is distinct in its focus on the communal aspect of suffering and hope, emphasizing that vulnerability and honesty about one's struggles can lead to a stronger sense of community and belonging.
The sermon also contrasts the biblical teaching of suffering as a part of faith with the prosperity gospel, which claims that believers should always be healthy, wealthy, and happy. This juxtaposition highlights the biblical perspective that suffering is used by God to shape believers and deepen their faith, rather than being a sign of insufficient faith.
Salvation in Three Tenses: Hope Amid Suffering (Canvas Community Church) presents the theme of future salvation as the focal point of the Christian narrative, contrasting it with the common emphasis on the cross and forgiveness. The sermon argues that the resurrection and the redemption of creation are central, offering a vision of a restored earth where believers experience life as it was intended to be, free from sin and suffering.
Enduring Suffering: Hope in Future Glory (MLJTrust) presents the theme that the current state of creation is not due to evolution but is a result of the Fall, emphasizing that creation's suffering is tied to human sin. It introduces the idea that the hope for creation's future is rooted in God's promise of redemption, not in human progress or evolution.
The sermon also explores the theological theme of God's character as the basis for hope, asserting that God's glory and honor will not allow creation to remain in its current state of vanity and groaning.
Romans 8:18-25 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Awakening to God's Power and Presence (Apostolic Church Dallas) provides historical context by discussing the early church's understanding of the mighty God in Christ. The sermon contrasts this with the modern church's often diluted understanding, emphasizing the need to return to the early church's perspective of God's power and presence.
Finding Hope and Purpose in Our Suffering (Menlo Church) provides historical context by explaining that the early church faced significant persecution and suffering, as exemplified by Paul's own experiences. The sermon references Paul's list of sufferings, such as being whipped, beaten, and shipwrecked, to illustrate the reality of suffering for early Christians and to emphasize that such experiences were not unique to them but are part of the Christian journey.
Enduring Suffering: Hope in Future Glory (MLJTrust) provides historical context by discussing the early chapters of Genesis, emphasizing the importance of understanding the biblical account of the Fall and the curse on creation. It argues that the historical element of Genesis is essential for understanding the biblical doctrine of salvation and the current state of the world.
Romans 8:18-25 Cross-References in the Bible:
Awakening to God's Power and Presence (Apostolic Church Dallas) references Luke 17:20, which speaks about the kingdom of God being within believers. This passage is used to support the idea that the glory and power of God are already present within us, aligning with the interpretation of Romans 8:18-25 as emphasizing the current manifestation of God's glory in believers.
Finding Hope and Purpose in Our Suffering (Menlo Church) references several biblical passages to support its interpretation of Romans 8:18-25. It mentions Paul's vision of heaven in 2 Corinthians, where he describes the glory that awaits believers. The sermon also references Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, highlighting the parallel between Jesus' submission to God's will and the subjection of creation to futility. Additionally, the sermon cites Romans 5, where Paul discusses the progression from suffering to hope, reinforcing the idea that suffering is integral to spiritual growth.
Salvation in Three Tenses: Hope Amid Suffering (Canvas Community Church) references 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul discusses the resurrection, to support the idea that the resurrection is the central point of human history. The sermon also cites Revelation 21-22 to describe the new heaven and new earth, emphasizing the future glory and restoration that believers anticipate.
Enduring Suffering: Hope in Future Glory (MLJTrust) references several biblical passages to support its interpretation of Romans 8:18-25. It cites Genesis 3 to explain the curse on creation and the promise of redemption. The sermon also references 2 Peter 1:15-18, Matthew 17, Matthew 24, Acts 7:55-56, Acts 9, 2 Thessalonians 1, and Revelation to illustrate the future glory of Christ and the redeemed. These passages are used to emphasize the contrast between present sufferings and future glory, as well as the hope of creation's deliverance.
Romans 8:18-25 Christian References outside the Bible:
Awakening to God's Power and Presence (Apostolic Church Dallas) references William Seymour, a key figure in the Azusa Street Revival, to illustrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the revelation of the mighty God in believers. The sermon highlights Seymour's hunger for God and his role in spreading the message of the Holy Spirit's power, drawing a parallel to the revelation of God's glory in Romans 8:18-25.
Finding Hope and Purpose in Our Suffering (Menlo Church) explicitly references C.S. Lewis, quoting him to illustrate the idea that both good and bad fortune can be used by God to develop patience, humility, and hope for eternity. This reference is used to counter the prosperity gospel's claim that believers should always be free from suffering.
Salvation in Three Tenses: Hope Amid Suffering (Canvas Community Church) references C.S. Lewis, summarizing his views on the dissatisfaction of earthly pleasures and the Christian perspective on suffering. The sermon also quotes N.T. Wright, who describes creation as "out of joint," and John Piper, who paints a vivid picture of the new heavens and new earth as a place of joy and fulfillment.
Enduring Suffering: Hope in Future Glory (MLJTrust) does not explicitly reference any non-biblical Christian authors or theologians when discussing Romans 8:18-25.
Romans 8:18-25 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Awakening to God's Power and Presence (Apostolic Church Dallas) uses the analogy of childbirth to describe the groaning and anticipation of creation and believers. This metaphor is used to illustrate the transformative power of suffering and the hope of future glory, aligning with the themes of Romans 8:18-25.
Finding Hope and Purpose in Our Suffering (Menlo Church) uses the analogy of a road trip to illustrate the concept of trusting God's plan despite not seeing the full picture. The sermon compares believers to children on a road trip, who trust their parents to know the way and provide for their needs, even though they cannot see the entire journey. This analogy is used to emphasize the importance of trusting God during times of waiting and uncertainty.
Enduring Suffering: Hope in Future Glory (MLJTrust) uses the analogy of spring as a speculative illustration of creation's groaning and travailing. It suggests that spring represents nature's attempt to renew itself and produce something permanent, akin to the birth pangs mentioned in Romans 8:22. This analogy is used to illustrate the idea that creation is striving for something better, despite its current state of vanity and decay.