1. Dude, what does that even look like? The creation waiting for the “sons of God to be revealed.” Wow…I can’t even imagine. The world is waiting for me to be revealed? Cool. And you, too, if you are a follower of Christ. The world is waiting…wow.
2. It appears as if “creation” has been “frustrated” because the world has been jacked up. But, with all these children of God will come “freedom” for creation. What do you think that will look like?
3. This reminds me of a Charlie Hall song called “Salvation.” It says, “Let all the prodigals come home. All of creation waits and groans.” Wow. That makes sense, now. The world is waiting. The world is groaning like a woman giving birth. The world is in pain for believers.
4. It even says that we, the followers of Jesus, also “groan” (or are in childbirth pain!) in our insides because we can’t wait for this. Maybe that’s why people seem to have all these things in their heart that can’t be filled. They can’t be filled! We are supposed to not supposed to not be satisfied. Something’s coming, and we can smell it! Our bodies will be made right.
5. We are saved through hoping that something better is coming. Paul even says that if we “knew” exactly what it was (or “had” it) it wouldn’t be hope, now, would it? We are to wait patiently.
6. Isn’t it interesting that Paul claims that “we do not know what we ought to pray for.” I believe that. The Spirit steps up and groans towards God for us. Some people call that “speaking in tongues,” I call is just as inaudible as the other “groaning” that’s taking place. This all occurs on a spiritual level– God communicates to Himself through the Spirit in us. Figure that one out…
7. Paul claims that if God searched a believer’s heart, He would see the mind of the Holy Spirit because the Holy Spirit steps in for our thoughts. Does that make sense? If God sees the Holy Spirit, when He searches my heart, I’m all for that.
8. When did this verse about “God work[ing] for the good” all things all of a sudden become about everyone all the time? Paul clearly says that it is “for the good of those who love Him.” I would hate to be in that outside category. That could simply mean that things are might be a little more meaningless if you are not “in” a relationship with God. But there is hope even if bad things happen if you are “in.”
9. God knew (way back in the way back time) that we would become more like Jesus. No one can rival Jesus amongst the children of God, but we at least can be a brother to Him. That’s amazing in and of itself.
10. I know that some people have a hard time understanding “predestination.” But, just because I don’t understand something doesn’t mean that it’s not real. God chose me to be called by Him. God chose me to be justified (in right standing with God). God chooses me to participate in this present and future glory. Whoah. It almost doesn’t seem fair (like, what did I do?); but that’s the point, it’s about what GOD does, not what I do.
11. Yeah, if God did all this for me, I can’t imagine that there is anything that could put a damper on that. God loves me extravagantly. It doesn’t make sense, but He does. He gave up Jesus for us. So why would He neglect us in other areas of need? Paul’s saying this as an encouragement, and I take it as an encouragement.
12. I’d like to see someone step to the work that God as done, to step up to the work that He’s doing in us. Paul is triple dog daring anyone.
13. There is a picture that Paul gives of Jesus literally being right beside God and “interceding” for us. Jesus is right there, loving us in the presence of God.
14. It’s almost silly to think that something like hard times or trouble or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or the sword (even though those things are all serious) or ANYTHING could separate us from the love of Jesus. It’s been preordained, and it doesn’t change with the seasons.
15. Paul quotes a Psalm that speaks about how these people are as good as dead (based on their current circumstances). He’s alluding to the fact that is human nature to doubt in times of hardships. But, he says that we are “more than conquerors.” That makes me think that we’re not just “winners”; we’re above this “game.” It’s not about winning or losing based on circumstances. It’s about the fact that we are already secure, already safe, already God’s. There is no “losing” here because we are “more than winners.”
16. Nothing can separate us from God’s love. We are safe. We have made it to “home base.” There is no need to freak out. Death can’t do it. Life can’t do it. Angels and demons can’t do it. Time can’t do it. No power can do it. Natural laws of science can’t do it. NOTHING can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus.
…can you tell why Paul was willing to die?
