I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. 19 For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; 20 for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; 23 and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance. 26 In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. 27 And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.
Even though Christians will endure suffering in the present age, it is nothing compared to their ultimate destiny which is a share in God’s glory; “For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison (2 Cor. 4:17).” Creation was cursed because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience and rebellion which fractured man’s relationship with God, the animals, nature, and self. Creation was subjected to futility (Gen. 3:17-19). Creation in all its chaos and the children of God will both be redeemed in Christ (1 Cor. 15:23) and restored beyond their original state. We already have the firstfruits of the Spirit in us which animates us. We are the firstfruits of the harvest consecrated to God (Lev. 23:15-21). The Spirit can restore and renew all creation (Is. 11:6-9). But our salvation depends on how we live God’s word so we alone must work out our salvation (Phil. 2:12).
Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we patiently live in the hope of the fullness of our ultimate destiny (Titus 1:2) which is the realization of the adoption that Christ has already earned for us (Gal. 4:6-7). Christians can bear the sufferings of this present time with endurance because of the hope of a new birth to eternal life (Pt. 1:3). The Spirit has the power to enlighten our hearts and minds to the grasp the wonders of the resurrection life. Because of the natural weakness of the flesh, the Spirit intercedes for us and helps us to pray as we ought; “For the Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God (1 Cor. 2:10).” God alone can understand the “inexpressible groanings” of Christians uttered by spirit assisted prayer because the Spirit intercedes as instructed by God.
Almighty God, animate your Spirit within us so that we may pray to you from the depths of our hearts in a way that only you can understand. Strengthen us in our weaknesses and fill us with your undying love. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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References
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
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