Explores enduring present sufferings with hope, believing in God's redemption, and embracing our identity as God's children.
Good morning, dear church family. Isn't it a blessing to be gathered here today in the house of our Lord? As we gather in this sacred space, let's take a moment to center ourselves and prepare our hearts for what God has in store for us today. We are about to engage with the beautiful, life-changing words of Romans 8:18-25. Let's take a moment to read this passage together:
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 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. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
Such powerful words, aren't they? They speak of suffering, yes, but they also speak of hope, redemption, and the glorious future that awaits us as children of God. It is a future so wonderful, so awe-inspiring, that our present sufferings pale in comparison.
When we talk about redemption, we're talking about a process of buying back, of reclaiming something that was lost. It's a beautiful picture of what God does for us. We were lost in sin, separated from God by our own choices and actions. But God, in His infinite love and mercy, chose to redeem us. He chose to buy us back, to reclaim us as His own.
This redemption is not a simple transaction: It's not as if God simply handed over a payment and we were instantly transformed. No, this redemption is a process. It's a process that began with the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and continues in our lives today as we grow and mature in our faith.
The cross is where our redemption began: Jesus, the perfect Son of God, chose to take on our sins and suffer the punishment that we deserved. He died in our place, paying the price for our sins with His own life. This is the ultimate act of love, the ultimate demonstration of God's desire to redeem us. But the cross is not the end of our redemption. It's only the beginning. After Jesus' death and resurrection, He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. The Spirit works in our lives, guiding us, teaching us, and transforming us into the image of Christ. This is the ongoing process of our redemption.
Allow the Spirit to work in our lives: If you do, you will begin to see changes. We begin to see the old, sinful nature being replaced by a new, godly nature. We begin to see the fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control - growing in our lives. This is the evidence of our redemption.
Our relationship with God: Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we have been brought back into a right relationship with God. We are no longer separated by sin, but are now able to approach God with confidence and boldness. We are now able to enjoy a deep, intimate relationship with our Creator. This relationship with God is the heart of our redemption. It's what gives our redemption meaning and purpose. It's what motivates us to continue in the process of redemption, to continue allowing the Spirit to work in our lives. It's what gives us hope in the midst of our struggles and trials.
Our redemption is a powerful testimony to the world: It's a testimony of God's love, of His mercy, of His desire to reclaim what was lost. It's a testimony that can draw others to Christ, that can inspire them to seek their own redemption.
As we navigate the trials of the present, it's crucial to remember that we are not alone in our struggles ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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