Hope: Romans 8: 18-30

“Did you hear?” Tymna whispered to Eliza, “The Red Army has taken Krakow back! Maybe Auschwitz will be next!” Tymna’s whisper barely made it to Eliza’s ears, but she heard the hope filling the air. Eliza would cling to any hope she found. It was scarce and intoxicating. She wondered if it was possible that someone was coming for them also. She struggled as she took in a deep breath, feeling her ribs beneath her thin shirt. The hunger pains were a constant, she watched herself waste away with everyone else. They became her family, willing each other to keep going. Was it too much to pray for salvation? The Lord told her they were coming; she just needed to hold on. A frail smile squinted her eyes into half-moons. “Yes!” Eliza whispered back, “They are coming.”

*****

The funny thing about hope is that it doesn’t have to be big. In the same way, Tymna felt the smallest seed of hope sprout in her heart at the hope of salvation humanity longed for Christ’s first coming. Even now, we “wait with eager longing” (Rom 8:19) for Jesus’ second coming. Salvation in Christ has already come, but now we excitedly await Christ’s second coming. The type of hope has changed, but hope is still present.

Anticipation and longing for the arrival of someone is a universal feeling. Pre-September 11 airport gate reunions used to warm our hearts, watching returning soldiers or grandchildren waiting for their grandparents. An expectant mother and father’s long wait to meet their child is exciting. They are nervous and elated through the nearly ten months of anticipation.  

When someone is coming, you prepare. The guest room is cleaned and made ready, or the baby’s nursery is stocked with diapers and blankets. The same must be true for us. The joyous expectation of the arrival of Jesus’ second return is the type of anticipation believers experience now. We live in the “already but not yet” time frame. Salvation has come to those who have made Jesus the King of their lives. This is the anticipation of the second Advent of Christ.  In Revelation 22:20 Jesus says, “Surely I am coming soon.” And John replies with the cry of all of our hearts, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (For more about being prepared Read Matthew 25)

In Romans 8, Paul describes this present-day hope. Read Romans 8:18-30

In Verse 18, Paul gives us hope right away. What do believers have to look forward to? (Vs 18-19)

What does verse 21 say creation will be set free from?

Name some examples of corruption our world is in bondage to. It could be our culture as a whole or personal to you.

What does verse 21 say creation is set free to obtain?

Verses 22-23 describe creation as groaning and adds that we have our personal groanings as well. How have you seen creation groan? What are some areas where you “groan inwardly as we wait”

What do verses 24-25 say about hope?

How do we wait for what we do not see? With _____________

Who helps you in your weakness? (vs 26)

According to this passage, how does the Holy Spirit help? Give an example of how you have seen Him do this in your life.

What are believers being conformed into?

Read verse 30 in your copy of the Scripture, underline all the verbs, and then circle all the pronouns. Who is doing the predestining, the calling, the justifying, and the glorifying?

How have you seen God do this in your life?

Pray: Thank God for the hope that he gives creation and humanity. Thank Him for giving us the Holy Spirit, for freeing us from bondage, for calling you, and for justifying you. Spend some time giving him praise for the hope he provides. Worship him for the first Advent and worship him in the expectant longing for the second Advent.