Sermons on Romans 8:22-23

Romans 8:22-23 Interpretation:

Finding Hope and Purpose in Suffering (riverchurchsj) interprets Romans 8:22-23 as a cosmic statement about suffering, emphasizing that Paul is not just talking about individual or even human suffering, but the groaning of all creation. The sermon uniquely frames the passage as a corrective to both an insulated, privileged view of life and a toxic theology that equates suffering with personal sin. The analogy of labor pains is highlighted not just as a metaphor for pain, but as a sign that something new and beautiful is being birthed through suffering. The preacher also notes that Paul’s use of the labor metaphor is not to minimize pain, but to give it a redemptive trajectory—suffering is not pointless, but productive, leading to a new creation. This sermon stands out for its insistence that the presence of suffering is not a sign of God’s absence or anger, but a universal reality that even the Spirit-filled experience does not erase.

Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives (Ligonier Ministries) offers a distinctive interpretation by focusing on the repeated motif of "groaning" in Romans 8, noting that it is the Spirit’s presence in believers that actually causes this groaning. The preacher draws attention to the Greek verb for "helps" in verse 26, explaining its compound structure (with the prefixes "syn" and "anti") to illustrate that the Spirit comes alongside and takes the "heavy end" of our burdens, rather than simply taking over or leaving us to struggle alone. The sermon uses the analogy of assembling a table with a friend to explain this dynamic partnership. The groaning, then, is not a sign of spiritual failure but of spiritual vitality and longing for final redemption, and the Spirit’s intercession is described as a deeply personal, wordless communication with God on our behalf.

The Transformative Power of Christ's Resurrection (MLJTrust) interprets Romans 8:22-23 as Paul’s acknowledgment that even the most mature Christians, including himself, experience ongoing suffering and groaning because salvation is not yet complete. The sermon uniquely stresses that the "firstfruits of the Spirit" are only a foretaste, and that the full redemption—including the glorification of the body—is still future. The preacher draws a sharp contrast between the partial, present experience of salvation and the ultimate, cosmic renewal that is to come, using the passage to argue against any theology that promises perfection or utopia in this life. The groaning is thus a sign of the "not-yet" aspect of Christian hope, and the passage is used to critique both secular and religious attempts to perfect the world apart from Christ’s return.

Understanding Sin: Its Impact and God's Redemption (Gospel in Life) provides a unique interpretive link between Romans 8:22-23 and Genesis 3, arguing that the groaning of creation is a direct result of the fall and the curse on the ground. The sermon uses the image of a clock with a gear out of place to illustrate how human rebellion has thrown the entire cosmos into disarray, resulting in universal groaning. The preacher also references the Hebrew and Greek backgrounds of the words for "curse" and "groaning," and connects the labor pains of creation to the pain introduced in Genesis 3. The passage is thus interpreted as a cosmic diagnosis of the world’s brokenness, with the hope of redemption tied to the eventual restoration of all things under Christ.

God's Unfailing Promises Amidst Human Uncertainty (Grace Christian Church PH) offers a vivid and unique interpretation of Romans 8:22-23 by focusing on the metaphor of childbirth, not merely as a symbol of pain but as purposeful, hope-filled groaning. The preacher draws on personal experience with his wife's labor, describing the pain and anticipation of childbirth as a model for Christian suffering: we groan not in vain, but in hope for something better that cannot be found in this life. He clarifies that the Greek word for "groaning" does not mean complaining but is tied to the purposeful, expectant pain of labor. This analogy is used to challenge the common Christian expectation that all suffering will be resolved in this life, emphasizing instead that our groaning is a sign of longing for ultimate redemption and transformation, not just earthly comfort.

Hope and Redemption: The Glory to Come (Desiring God) interprets Romans 8:22-23 with a distinctive focus on the continuity and transformation of the physical body in redemption. The sermon uses the analogy of creation as a child at a play, eagerly awaiting the start, to illustrate creation’s longing for the revelation of the sons of God. The preacher also draws a parallel between the annual renewal of spring and the hope built into creation, suggesting that God designed seasons as reminders of the coming eternal spring. He further explores the idea that the Holy Spirit is the "firstfruits" or down payment, emphasizing that even with the Spirit, Christians still groan, countering any teaching that the Spirit removes all suffering now. The preacher uniquely frames the redeemed body as an instrument for glorifying God, not as an idol, and argues that our hope for bodily redemption is biblically mandated and God-centered, not self-centered.

Sorrow and Joy: Embracing Life's Paradox in Faith (Desiring God) provides a novel emotional and existential interpretation of Romans 8:22-23, treating the groaning described as a paradigm for the paradoxical Christian experience of simultaneous sorrow and joy. The preacher uses the passage to argue that Christian life is not about moving sequentially from sorrow to joy, but about experiencing both at once—"sorrowful yet always rejoicing." He interprets the groaning of creation and believers as a foundational reality that legitimizes deep disappointment and grief, while also rooting hope and joy in the sovereignty and promises of God. This approach is less about the mechanics of redemption and more about the inner dynamics of the Christian soul in the midst of suffering.

Sealed by the Spirit: Our Divine Inheritance (Desiring God) offers a linguistically detailed interpretation, focusing on the Greek terms for "redemption" (apolutr?sis) and "possession" (peripoiesis), and how these terms in Romans 8:22-23 and Ephesians 1:14 reveal a two-stage process of redemption: forgiveness now, bodily redemption in the future. The preacher highlights that the Holy Spirit as "firstfruits" or "down payment" guarantees the completion of this process, and that the "redemption of our bodies" is the final stage of adoption and inheritance. This interpretation is notable for its careful tracing of Pauline vocabulary and its emphasis on the certainty and future orientation of Christian hope.

Faith and Wisdom Amidst Global Uncertainty (Desiring God) interprets Romans 8:22-23 as a foundational explanation for why Christians, though redeemed, still experience physical suffering, disease, and death. The preacher stresses that the groaning of creation and believers is a universal reality due to the fall, and that Christians are not exempt from the world’s corruption and futility. The unique angle here is the application of this passage to contemporary crises (like pandemics), emphasizing that Christian suffering is not punitive but purifying, and that the difference for believers is not the absence of suffering but the removal of condemnation.

Finding Hope and Redemption in Suffering (Vintage Church LA) offers a notably rich and unique interpretation of Romans 8:22-23 by focusing on the metaphor of “groaning as in the pains of childbirth.” The sermon emphasizes that this groaning is not merely an expression of pain, but specifically “labor pain groaning,” which points to the promise of new life. The preacher draws out the analogy that those filled with the Holy Spirit are “pregnant with this world’s renewal,” so even the suffering and groaning experienced now is a sign of the coming birth of a redeemed world. This interpretation is distinct in its insistence that the pain is not pointless but is inherently hopeful, as labor pains are a precursor to new life. The sermon also explores the inward groaning of believers as a sign of the “firstfruits of the Spirit,” indicating that Christians are already experiencing a foretaste of the coming redemption, but still long for the full realization of their adoption and bodily redemption. The preacher’s use of the childbirth metaphor is more developed and existentially applied than in the other sermons, making it a standout interpretive approach.

Divine Redemption: Unfolding God's Plan in Revelation (SermonIndex.net) provides a unique interpretive angle by connecting Romans 8:22-23 to the ancient Near Eastern and Old Testament legal concept of redemption, particularly the “title deed” or “book of redemption.” The sermon explains that the “groaning of creation” is the longing for the restoration of the original inheritance lost by Adam and Eve, and that the redemption of our bodies is part of the cosmic repossession of all creation by Christ, the kinsman-redeemer. The preacher draws on Leviticus and Jeremiah to explain that the redemption process involves a family member (Christ) reclaiming what was lost, and that the “groaning” is the anticipation of this legal and familial restoration. This legal-historical analogy is a distinctive interpretive move, setting this sermon apart from others that focus more on existential or spiritual aspects.

Embracing the Holy Spirit's Groanings for Transformation (SermonIndex.net) interprets Romans 8:22-23 with a focus on the “groanings of the Holy Spirit” as an active, present-tense work within believers. The preacher highlights that the Spirit’s groaning is not just a passive longing but an intercessory force that aligns believers with God’s specific will for their lives, even when they are unaware of what to pray for. The sermon uniquely personalizes the “groaning” as both the believer’s longing for full redemption and the Spirit’s own yearning for God’s purposes to be fulfilled in and through each individual. This dual groaning—human and divine—creates a dynamic of hope and transformation that is both inward and outward, and the preacher’s emphasis on the Spirit’s active intercession is a fresh angle.

Hope and Anticipation: Embracing Future Glory (SermonIndex.net) interprets Romans 8:22-23 in a more traditional but still distinct way, focusing on the “groaning” as the shared experience of both creation and believers as they await the “adoption, the redemption of our body.” The preacher’s unique contribution is the existential urgency and immediacy he brings to the passage, repeatedly exhorting the congregation to be ready for Christ’s imminent return, and framing the groaning as a sign that the climax of history is near. The sermon’s emphasis on the “firstfruits of the Spirit” as a guarantee of future glory, and the call to patient endurance, is presented with a sense of eschatological anticipation that is more pronounced than in the other sermons.

Romans 8:22-23 Theological Themes:

Finding Hope and Purpose in Suffering (riverchurchsj) introduces the theme of "cosmic suffering and cosmic hope," arguing that suffering is not just individual but universal, and that the Christian story uniquely frames suffering as both meaningful and productive. The sermon adds the facet that suffering, when faced in Christ, is not merely endured but is used by God to produce something beautiful, echoing the refining of gold in fire. The preacher also challenges both fatalistic and secular views of suffering, asserting that Christianity alone offers a purpose to suffering that can drive believers deeper into God’s love.

Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives (Ligonier Ministries) presents the theme that the Spirit’s indwelling presence is the cause of the believer’s groaning, not its cure, and that this groaning is a sign of spiritual health and longing for holiness. The sermon adds the nuanced idea that the Spirit’s help is not a replacement for human effort but a partnership, where the Spirit "takes the heavy end" of our burdens. The preacher also develops the theme that the Spirit’s intercession is a mysterious, wordless communication that aligns our deepest longings with God’s will, especially when we are too weak or confused to pray.

The Transformative Power of Christ's Resurrection (MLJTrust) develops the theme of "already/not yet" salvation, emphasizing that the firstfruits of the Spirit are only a down payment and that full redemption—including bodily resurrection—is still future. The sermon adds the facet that Christian hope is not for perfection in this life, but for a future, cosmic renewal that will include the redemption of all creation. The preacher also critiques any theology that promises utopia now, insisting that the world’s problems are too deep to be solved apart from Christ’s return and resurrection power.

Understanding Sin: Its Impact and God's Redemption (Gospel in Life) introduces the theme that the groaning of creation is a direct result of human sin and the curse, and that all forms of alienation—spiritual, psychological, social, and physical—are rooted in this cosmic disorder. The sermon adds the facet that Christian mission involves not just personal salvation but the restoration of all realms affected by sin, and that the hope of redemption is for the entire cosmos, not just individual souls.

God's Unfailing Promises Amidst Human Uncertainty (Grace Christian Church PH) introduces the theme that Christian hope is not for present comfort but for ultimate conformity to Christ and future glorification. The sermon adds the facet that the Holy Spirit’s role as Comforter is only meaningful in the context of discomfort and groaning, challenging the desire for a pain-free Christian life and reframing suffering as a means of spiritual transformation rather than a sign of divine displeasure.

Hope and Redemption: The Glory to Come (Desiring God) presents the distinct theological theme that the redemption of the body is not an escape from physicality but its renewal, and that bodily existence is essential for the full display of God’s glory. The preacher argues that the hope for a redeemed body is not idolatrous because the body is designed for the Lord, and its ultimate purpose is to magnify Christ. This theme is further nuanced by the assertion that all creation will participate in this renewal, not just humanity.

Sorrow and Joy: Embracing Life's Paradox in Faith (Desiring God) develops the theme of paradoxical Christian existence: that believers are called to experience and embody both deep sorrow and profound joy simultaneously. The sermon adds the new facet that this paradox is not just a coping mechanism but a reflection of God’s own character and a means of authentic Christian witness, shaping church life and personal relationships in profound ways.

Sealed by the Spirit: Our Divine Inheritance (Desiring God) introduces the theme of "already/not yet" redemption, emphasizing that both adoption and redemption are inaugurated but not consummated realities. The preacher’s linguistic focus on the Greek terms for redemption and possession adds a fresh angle, showing that believers are God’s possession now but await the full realization of that status in the resurrection.

Faith and Wisdom Amidst Global Uncertainty (Desiring God) brings a unique application by connecting Romans 8:22-23 to the theology of suffering in the context of global disasters. The sermon adds the facet that Christian suffering is not a sign of condemnation but of participation in the fallen world, and that God uses even disease and disaster as means of purification and mercy, not merely judgment.

Finding Hope and Redemption in Suffering (Vintage Church LA) introduces the theme that suffering, when submitted to God, becomes a creative force for glory and transformation. The preacher develops the idea that the Holy Spirit dignifies and repurposes suffering, converting it into love, compassion, gratitude, and ultimately redemption. The sermon’s nuanced theological contribution is its insistence that suffering is not merely to be endured or explained away, but can be actively woven by God into the tapestry of redemption, making redeemed pain more admirable than pain simply removed. The preacher also explores the paradox that the deepest experience of God’s love often comes in the midst of suffering, and that the Spirit’s groaning translates even wordless pain into effective intercession.

Divine Redemption: Unfolding God's Plan in Revelation (SermonIndex.net) presents the theological theme of cosmic redemption, arguing that the redemption of individual believers’ bodies is part of a much larger plan to redeem all of creation. The preacher’s fresh angle is the use of Old Testament legal imagery to frame redemption as a legal repossession of the earth by Christ, the kinsman-redeemer, who alone is worthy to open the “title deed” and reclaim the lost inheritance. This theme is further developed by connecting the “groaning” of creation and believers to the anticipation of this legal and familial restoration, and by emphasizing that the full redemption is still future, culminating in Christ’s return.

Embracing the Holy Spirit's Groanings for Transformation (SermonIndex.net) adds the theme that the Holy Spirit’s groaning is not just a sign of longing but is itself a form of divine intercession that actively shapes the believer’s destiny. The preacher’s new facet is the idea that the Spirit’s groaning is God’s way of aligning believers with their true calling and potential, often beyond what they can imagine or believe for themselves. This theme is applied pastorally, encouraging listeners to stop resisting God’s thoughts and plans for them, and to trust that the Spirit is working for their good even in their weakness and uncertainty.

Hope and Anticipation: Embracing Future Glory (SermonIndex.net) brings a distinct eschatological theme, emphasizing that the groaning of creation and believers is a sign of the imminent return of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s eternal purpose. The preacher’s unique angle is the existential urgency he brings to the hope of bodily redemption, urging the congregation to live in readiness for Christ’s return and to see their present suffering as a temporary prelude to eternal glory.

Romans 8:22-23 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Embracing the New Normal: Hope Through Christ's Birth (First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte) provides historical context by describing the ritual acts Mary and Joseph performed after Jesus’ birth, such as bringing sacrifices and undergoing purification according to the law of Moses. The sermon situates the longing and hope of Simeon and Anna within the broader context of Jewish expectation for redemption, connecting their experience to the prophetic tradition of Isaiah and the experience of exile. This background helps frame the reference to Romans 8:22-23 as part of a long history of waiting and groaning for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

Understanding Sin: Its Impact and God's Redemption (Gospel in Life) offers detailed historical and cultural context by explaining the ancient Near Eastern understanding of curses, gender roles, and the relationship between humanity and nature. The preacher discusses how the curse in Genesis 3 affected every aspect of life—work, relationships, and the environment—and how this background informs Paul’s statement in Romans 8 about creation’s groaning. The sermon also references the cultural significance of labor pains and the expectation of restoration in Jewish thought.

Hope and Redemption: The Glory to Come (Desiring God) provides historical context by explaining that Paul’s language of creation’s groaning and futility is rooted in the Genesis account of the fall and the subsequent curse on creation. The preacher also situates the metaphor of "firstfruits" in its Jewish context, where firstfruits were a guarantee of the full harvest to come, thus deepening the understanding of the Spirit’s role as a down payment.

Sealed by the Spirit: Our Divine Inheritance (Desiring God) offers contextual insight into the use of legal and commercial language in Paul’s time, particularly the concept of a "down payment" (arrab?n) and "possession" (peripoiesis), which would have been familiar to Paul’s audience as terms denoting ownership, guarantee, and future fulfillment. The sermon also notes the two-stage process of redemption and adoption, reflecting the already/not yet tension in early Christian experience.

Faith and Wisdom Amidst Global Uncertainty (Desiring God) provides historical context by referencing the universal experience of suffering and death throughout Christian history, including events like the 2004 tsunami, to illustrate that the groaning of creation is a persistent reality. The preacher also situates Paul’s teaching within the broader biblical narrative of the fall and the hope of resurrection.

Divine Redemption: Unfolding God's Plan in Revelation (SermonIndex.net) provides extensive historical and cultural context for Romans 8:22-23 by explaining the ancient Near Eastern and Old Testament practice of redemption, particularly the legal process of reclaiming lost property through a kinsman-redeemer. The preacher details how, in Leviticus and Jeremiah, a family member could buy back lost land or possessions, and that this process involved sealed and open title deeds, witnessed by the community. The sermon connects this background to the imagery in Revelation and Romans, arguing that the “groaning” of creation is the anticipation of this legal restoration, and that Christ fulfills the role of the kinsman-redeemer who reclaims the lost inheritance of creation. This historical insight deepens the understanding of redemption as not just spiritual but also legal and communal, rooted in the practices of ancient Israel.

Romans 8:22-23 Cross-References in the Bible:

Finding Hope and Purpose in Suffering (riverchurchsj) references 2 Corinthians 4:16-17, where Paul speaks of the "outer nature wasting away" and "momentary affliction producing an eternal weight of glory," to reinforce the idea that suffering is productive and purposeful in God’s economy. The sermon also alludes to Revelation 12, emphasizing the power of testimony in overcoming evil, and to the broader narrative of Romans 8 about the restoration of all things. These cross-references are used to expand on the meaning of Romans 8:22-23, showing that suffering is both universal and redemptive, and that hope is anchored in God’s ultimate victory.

The Transformative Power of Christ's Resurrection (MLJTrust) cross-references 2 Corinthians 5, where Paul speaks of groaning in the earthly tent and longing for the heavenly dwelling, to illustrate the ongoing tension between present suffering and future hope. The sermon also references 1 Corinthians 15, especially the imagery of the "firstfruits" and the resurrection of the body, to support the claim that full redemption is still future. Additionally, the preacher draws on Genesis 3 to explain the origin of suffering and death, and on Revelation to describe the final victory over evil and the renewal of creation.

Understanding Sin: Its Impact and God's Redemption (Gospel in Life) makes extensive use of Genesis 3 to explain the background of Romans 8:22-23, drawing parallels between the curse on the ground, the pain of childbirth, and the groaning of creation. The sermon also references Revelation 12 to discuss the enmity between the seed of the woman and the serpent, and alludes to the hymn "Joy to the World" ("no more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground") as a poetic reflection of the hope for cosmic restoration. These cross-references are used to show the continuity of the biblical narrative from creation, through fall, to redemption.

God's Unfailing Promises Amidst Human Uncertainty (Grace Christian Church PH) references 1 Corinthians 15 to reinforce the idea that hope limited to this life is pitiable, and Philippians 1:6 to assure believers of the completion of God’s saving work. The sermon also draws on Ephesians 2:4-6 to illustrate the believer’s present spiritual position in Christ, and Psalm 46 as a call to trust in God’s sovereignty. These references are used to expand on the meaning of groaning and hope in Romans 8:22-23, situating them within the broader Pauline and biblical theology of suffering, assurance, and future glory.

Hope and Redemption: The Glory to Come (Desiring God) cross-references 1 Corinthians 6:13 and 19-20 to explain the purpose of the body, Philippians 1:20 to illustrate Paul’s personal hope for Christ to be magnified in his body, and Galatians 5 to discuss the fruit of the Spirit (patience). The sermon also alludes to the Beatitudes ("the meek shall inherit the earth") and the resurrection passages in the New Testament to support the continuity and transformation of the body.

Sorrow and Joy: Embracing Life's Paradox in Faith (Desiring God) references 2 Corinthians 6:10 ("sorrowful yet always rejoicing"), Romans 9:1-3 (Paul’s unceasing anguish), Romans 12:15 (rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep), Proverbs 3:11-12 (the Lord’s discipline and delight), Hebrews 12:5-6 (discipline as love), and John 9:3 (the works of God displayed in suffering). These passages are used to illustrate the biblical foundation for the coexistence of sorrow and joy, and to show that God’s purposes in suffering are redemptive.

Sealed by the Spirit: Our Divine Inheritance (Desiring God) cross-references Ephesians 1:7, 1:14, 4:30, Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 2:9, Romans 8:15, and Philippians 3:21 to trace the themes of redemption, possession, adoption, and bodily resurrection. The sermon uses these passages to demonstrate the interconnectedness of Paul’s theology and to clarify the stages of redemption and adoption.

Faith and Wisdom Amidst Global Uncertainty (Desiring God) references Romans 8:1, 1 Corinthians 15:50, 1 Thessalonians 5:10, 1 Corinthians 11:29-32, Acts 12:23, Romans 1:27, Psalm 33:11, Job 42:2, and Luke 13:1-5. These references are used to support the points that suffering is universal, not always punitive, sometimes purifying, and always under God’s sovereign control, and that disasters are calls to repentance.

Finding Hope and Redemption in Suffering (Vintage Church LA) references several biblical passages to expand on Romans 8:22-23. The sermon draws on Romans 5 to connect suffering, perseverance, character, and hope, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit’s power is most evident in the midst of weakness and suffering. The preacher also references Genesis 1 and 6 to contrast God’s original creation with the consequences of sin, and to show God’s grief over suffering. The sermon cites the Gospels’ accounts of Jesus’ suffering, especially in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross, to illustrate how Christ’s weakness created space for love and compassion. Additionally, the preacher references Revelation 21 (“He will wipe away every tear...”) to point to the ultimate redemption and end of suffering, and alludes to Romans 8:26-27 to explain the Spirit’s intercessory groaning.

Divine Redemption: Unfolding God's Plan in Revelation (SermonIndex.net) makes extensive use of cross-references to support its interpretation of Romans 8:22-23. The sermon cites Leviticus 25 to explain the law of redemption, Jeremiah 32 to illustrate the prophetic act of buying back family property, and Ezekiel 2 to draw parallels with the sealed book imagery. The preacher also references Ephesians 1:13-14 and 4:30 to discuss the sealing of believers by the Holy Spirit until the “day of redemption,” and Daniel 7 to describe the transfer of the kingdom to the saints at Christ’s return. Luke 21:28 is used to encourage believers to “look up” as their redemption draws near, and the book of Ruth is cited to explain the role of the kinsman-redeemer. These cross-references are used to build a comprehensive biblical theology of redemption that encompasses both individual and cosmic dimensions.

Embracing the Holy Spirit's Groanings for Transformation (SermonIndex.net) references several passages to illuminate Romans 8:22-23. The preacher cites Genesis 1 to describe the original divine order of creation, and Jeremiah 29:11-13 to illustrate God’s thoughts and plans for his people, connecting this to the Spirit’s intercession. Ezekiel 22 is referenced to show God’s desire for intercessors who will stand in the gap for the nation, and Joel 2 is mentioned to affirm the outpouring of the Spirit on all flesh. The sermon also alludes to Acts 2 (Pentecost) to demonstrate the transformative power of the Spirit’s groaning and intercession in the early church.

Hope and Anticipation: Embracing Future Glory (SermonIndex.net) references Romans 8:18-30 as its primary text, and alludes to 1 John 3:2 (“we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is”) to underscore the hope of being conformed to Christ’s image at his return.

Romans 8:22-23 Christian References outside the Bible:

Finding Hope and Purpose in Suffering (riverchurchsj) explicitly references Timothy Keller, quoting his analysis of suffering: "Christianity teaches that Contra fatalism suffering is overwhelming Contra Buddhism suffering is real Contra Karma suffering is often unfair but Contra secularism suffering is Meaningful." Keller’s assertion that suffering, if faced rightly, can drive us "like a nail deep into the love of God" is used to reinforce the sermon's argument that suffering is not meaningless but can produce spiritual depth and power.

Understanding Sin: Its Impact and God's Redemption (Gospel in Life) references several non-biblical Christian sources. The preacher cites Carl Menninger’s book "Whatever Became of Sin?" to argue for the necessity of a robust doctrine of sin for hope and intervention in the world. Jonathan Edwards’ "The Nature of True Virtue" is discussed at length to distinguish between "common virtue" (motivated by fear and pride) and "true virtue" (motivated by the beauty of God). The sermon also mentions William Cowper’s hymn, which expresses hatred for the sins that grieve the Holy Spirit, and quotes George Whitefield and Elisabeth Elliot to illustrate the cosmic consequences of sin and the humility required before creation.

God's Unfailing Promises Amidst Human Uncertainty (Grace Christian Church PH) explicitly references Francis Chan, quoting from his book "Forgotten God" to make the point that the Holy Spirit’s role as Comforter presupposes discomfort and suffering. The preacher also cites John Piper, quoting his phrase "the rugged hope of the believer is that every one of our agonies becomes an instrument of God's mercy to do us good," to reinforce the idea that suffering is purposeful and redemptive for believers.

Finding Hope and Redemption in Suffering (Vintage Church LA) explicitly references several Christian authors and thinkers in its discussion of Romans 8:22-23. The sermon quotes Thomas Keating, a Cistercian monk, on the experience of faith in the “dark night” of suffering, and Thomas Kelly, a Quaker missionary, on the stages of spiritual formation, particularly the final stage of submission to God in suffering. The preacher also cites psychologist David Benner on the need for a meaning strong enough to make suffering “sufferable,” and references Tim Keller’s personal reflections on cancer and compassion. John Donne’s “Devotions” is used as an example of moving from prayers for the removal of pain to prayers for its redemption, and Philip Yancey’s commentary on Donne is quoted to highlight the value of “pain redeemed” over “pain removed.” The sermon also mentions St. John of the Cross on the fruitfulness of suffering, and psychologist Kurt Thompson on the transformative power of suffering in becoming more like God. Finally, the preacher references Harold Kushner’s reflections on loss and spiritual growth in the context of his son’s death, emphasizing the dignity and potential for character formation in suffering.

Divine Redemption: Unfolding God's Plan in Revelation (SermonIndex.net) references Martin Luther in a brief anecdote about planting a tree on the last day, using it to illustrate hope and faith in the midst of impending judgment.

Romans 8:22-23 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Understanding Sin: Its Impact and God's Redemption (Gospel in Life) uses several detailed secular illustrations. The preacher recounts Irma Bombeck’s humorous reflections on fighting dirt as a housewife, culminating in the observation that after a lifetime of battling dirt, "all you get is six feet of dirt," which is then connected to Genesis 3:19 and the inevitability of death. The sermon also uses the analogy of a clock with a gear out of place to illustrate how human rebellion disrupts the entire cosmos, and references the movie "Amadeus" and the character Salieri to depict the frustration of aspiring to greatness but being unable to achieve it due to the effects of the fall. These illustrations are used to make the cosmic consequences of sin and the groaning of creation vivid and relatable to a modern audience.

Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives (Ligonier Ministries) offers a detailed personal illustration involving the assembly of a table from a kit, where the instructions require "the help of a friend" to lift and turn the table at the final stage. The preacher uses this story to explain the Greek verb for "help" in Romans 8:26, illustrating how the Spirit comes alongside believers to "take the heavy end" of their burdens. Additionally, the sermon recounts the childhood memory of a paralyzed relative, Cousin Johnny, whose groans were understood and attended to by his wife. This story is used as a powerful analogy for the Spirit’s intercessory groaning on behalf of believers, showing how God understands and responds to our wordless cries.

God's Unfailing Promises Amidst Human Uncertainty (Grace Christian Church PH) uses a detailed personal story about attending Lamaze classes and witnessing his wife’s labor and eventual C-section as a metaphor for the groaning described in Romans 8:22-23. The preacher describes the pain, anticipation, and eventual joy of childbirth as a parallel to Christian suffering and hope. He also recounts seeing a giant billboard that read, "Today, I will not stress over the things I cannot control," which he interprets as a providential reminder from God to trust in His sovereignty. This secular image is used to illustrate the importance of relinquishing anxiety and embracing God’s promises in the midst of uncertainty.

Hope and Redemption: The Glory to Come (Desiring God) uses the analogy of a child at a play, eagerly waiting for the performance to start, to illustrate creation’s longing for redemption. The preacher also describes looking at a "naked, gnarled, ugly catalpa tree" in winter, which seems dead but is actually waiting for spring, as a metaphor for creation’s hope and the promise of renewal. These secular images are employed to make the abstract theological concepts of groaning and hope more tangible and relatable.

Finding Hope and Redemption in Suffering (Vintage Church LA) uses several detailed secular illustrations to illuminate Romans 8:22-23. The preacher recounts personal experiences with cancer and chemotherapy, describing the physical and emotional toll of suffering and the ways in which community support and acts of kindness became tangible expressions of love and hope. The sermon also references Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina” to highlight the uniqueness of individual suffering, and uses the metaphor of scars, calluses, and wrinkles as “storytellers” of the wounds and experiences that shape a person’s life. The preacher shares childhood memories of comparing scars with friends and observing his father’s and grandfather’s physical marks, using these as analogies for the redemptive potential of suffering. The sermon also mentions the historical example of John Donne pastoring through the bubonic plague, and references the story of Harold Kushner and his son Aaron to illustrate the profound impact of suffering on personal growth and empathy. These secular and personal stories are woven throughout the sermon to make the theological points of Romans 8:22-23 vivid and relatable.