TITLE: A Hope grounded in reality

TEXT: Romans 8:23-25THEME: The believers hope for the future is more than wishful thinking.

What is the nature of the believers hope?

I. It saves us from hopelessness that comes from suffering. (18-24)

Romans 8:18-24

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God

Romans 8:18-24

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved.

I. It saves us from hopelessness that comes from suffering. (18-24)

A. This suffering is inconsequential when compared to our future glory.

I. It saves us from hopelessness that comes from suffering. (18-24)

A. This suffering is inconsequential when compared to our future glory.B. This hope even impacts creation.

I. It saves us from hopelessness that comes from suffering. (18-24)

A. This suffering is inconsequential when compared to our future glory.B. This hope even impacts creation.

1. Creation suffers due to the fall.

Three things groan due the fall

1. Creation groans waiting for the release of the endless cycle of corruption.

Three things groan due the fall

1. Creation groans waiting for the release of the endless cycle of corruption.

2. Believers groan we still remain in our deteriorating bodies and suffer the effects of the curse.

Three things groan due the fall

1. Creation groans waiting for the release of the endless cycle of corruption.

2. Believers groan we still remain in our deteriorating bodies and suffer the effects of the curse.

3. Holy Spirit groans- only His groans are on our behalf.

Author Mary Karr

“I don't think any of us get off this planet without suffering enormously. And one of the chief ways we suffer is by loving people who are incredibly limited by the fact that they're human beings, and they're going to disappoint us and break our hearts ….

Author Mary Karr

“Your parents—no matter how great their marriage was, at some point it trembled in its foundation, and it was terrifying. [Or] you fell in love with someone who didn't love you back. Or whatever. We are all heartbroken. It's the human condition.”

I. It saves us from hopelessness that comes from suffering. (18-24)

A. This suffering is inconsequential when compared to our future glory.B. This hope even impacts creation.

1. Creation suffers due to the fall.2. Creation itself will be delivered.

Romans 8:14-17

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father

Romans 8:14-17

16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs —heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

What is the nature of the believers hope?

II. Our hope is not based on what we see. (24-25)

Romans 8:24-25

But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

II. Our hope is not based on what we see. (24-25)

A. Hope that is seen is not hope.

II. Our hope is not based on what we see. (24-25)

A. Hope that is seen is not hope.B. Hope requires waiting patiently.

Romans 5:2-5

And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 5:2-5

5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

1 Timothy 4:10

That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

Titus 2:13

We wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

Hebrews 6:19

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure

What is the nature of the believers hope?

III. The Spirit reinforces our hope (26-27)

Romans 8:26-27

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God

III. The Spirit reinforces our hope (26-27)

A. By helping us in weakness

John 14:15-19

15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you

John 14:15-19

18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live

John 14:25-27

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 15:26-27

“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father —the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. 27 And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.

III. The Spirit reinforces our hope (26-27)

A. By helping us in weakness. B. By interceding on our behalf

Psalm 102

“A prayer of an afflicted man. When he is faint and pours out his lament before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry for help come to you

APPLICATION

1. All our suffering will seem as nothing someday when compared to the glory of heaven.

APPLICATION

1. All our suffering will seem as nothing someday when compared to the glory of heaven.2. Don’t give up hope. Life will not always be easy- we may have to endure some uncertain and painful times.

APPLICATION

1. All our suffering will seem as nothing someday when compared to the glory of heaven.2. Don’t give up hope. Life will not always be easy- we may have to endure some uncertain and painful times.3. God’s Spirit is there to help you. He is your advocate on God’s behalf.

APPLICATION

1. All our suffering will seem as nothing someday when compared to the glory of heaven.2. Don’t give up hope. Life will not always be easy- we may have to endure some uncertain and painful times.3. God’s Spirit is there to help you. He is your advocate on God’s behalf.4. Live in anticipation of the day when you all children of God will be make known and your name will be called in celebration.

Bob Goff

I've always thought that heaven might be kind of a similar experience …. After we each cross the finish line in our lives, I imagine it will be like floating into the Hawaiian marina when our names were announced, one by one. At the end of our lives, after our many mistakes and midcourse corrections, our loving Heavenly Father will simply say, "Friends, it's been a long trip. Welcome home.