Romans - November 23, 2008

SECTION --- Four: Sanctification (6:1-8:39) .
(continued from previous Class Follow Up)


8. {ROM 8:20-23} Four views or positions regarding (what it is) “the creation that anticipates” the revealing and deliverance of the sons of God considered...
a. Millennialist view of the creation – Earth will be made new when Christ returns and sets up His earthly (physical) kingdom...
(1) Scriptures clearly show kingdom (abstract noun meaning “rule”) now exits and there will not be a physical kingdom (concrete noun) set up [Mar 9:1; Act 2:30,33; Col 1:13; et al.].
(2) Scriptures teach the earth will be destroyed when Christ returns [2Pe 3:1-13; Rev 21:1] — Time, Space, Mass cease.
b. The creation is the unredeemed portion of humanity...
(1) Not likely for the unredeemed will not be “set free...into freedom of glory”. [8:21]
(2) This portion of humanity will be delivered into condemnation [Joh 5:29; Heb 10:27], thus, they are not “waiting eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God” [8:19]
c. The creation is the church...
(1) {8:19,23} Creation is a group separate from “sons of God”.
(a) (8:23) “firstfruits” does not mean ones who first receive fruits (Apostles) , but those receiving “best fruit” — those receiving salvation (sons of God) [1Co 15:20; Col 1:18].
d. The creation is the personification of the physical creation...
(1) Creation longing for time when its purpose has been served...
(a) {Cf. 8:20 w/ GEN 3:17-18} Adam’s sin had a negative impact on creation — this globe is in physical turmoil.
(b) {PSA 114:1-8} Earth’s reaction when Israel left Egypt.
(c) Also see {PSA 96:12; 98:8} & [Isa 35:1; 55:12].
(2) When all of God’s children leave this “vail of tears” to enter the spiritual Promise Land the rejoicing will surpass rejoicing when God’s children left Egyptian bondage to enter physical Promise Land for the spiritual is superior to the physical
(OBSERVATION 8:20-23)
View four (d) seems to have less problems than the other three views.
9. (8:24) What is the meaning of “hope” as used here?
a. “hope” — G1680. elpis; 2) expectation of good, hope; 2a) in the Christian’s sense; 2a1) joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation.
10. (8:24) What, in this place, is meant by seen and sees?
a. “seen” — G991. blepo; Used figuratively as possessing, enjoying, or experiencing?
11. PONDERING: What is there about “the hope” (redemption) that prevents it from being in the possession of a Christian at this time. (Consider the realm of the Christians and the realm of the hope.)
a. In our current realm (time, space, and mass) everything is wearing out, slowing down, dying for all things deteriorate. The hope is eternal, thus, does not deteriorate — is not part of the Christian’s current realm.
b. Mature Christians do not worry about their adoption and its associated consequences (Heaven) because it has been promised.
12. (8:24) Considering 8:23 as the reason or foundation for 8:24, what is “not “hope”? What is “hope”?
a. The readers have not received adoption as son, the redemption of their body, thus, the readers have hope their body will be redeemed in the future not at the present time — hope is something you do not have but know you will have.
b. Hope is absolute confidence one shall received adoption and redemption.
c. The issue is not can hope be lost, but a Christian does not dwell on “hope being lost” — the “wretched man” does not have a “fall away” mind set.
(OBSERVATION 8:24)
Suffering does not damping the Christian’s positive confidence in their unseen, but promised, salvation (redemption).

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A LOOK AHEAD

13. (8:25) What is the meaning of “patience” as used here?
a.
14. (8:25) What, as used here, is the meaning of “wait”?
a.
15. (8:25) What is the “it”?
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:25)

D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — How can the Justified endure suffering?
E. Conclusion —

XV. {Rom 8:26-27} Fifth Argument — He intercedes
A. Introduction
1. Review — This section (Rom 6:1- 8:39) begins with the question, “If one is saved by grace (i.e., without works of merit) what would motivated then to not continue serving Sin?” The foundation for this question is Paul’s (i.e., Jesus the Christ’s) position humans are justified by grace, not law of merit. Paul is showing those in Christ (i.e., those influenced by Christ) do not require any law of merit to make them serve Christ ( i.e., not serve sin). Paul shows an obligation to any law of merit does not really set a person free from sin (Rom 7:24). The man at Romans 7:24 is either a Christian trying to pleased God using a law of merit or a non-Christian trying to please God by a law of merit, but failing. The man recognizes it is not his meritorious efforts that can set him free from sin but Christ’s meritorious efforts (Rom 7:25). In Romans 8 the readers who are Christians are presented with seven arguments supporting the position Christian have Deity’s help in their battle with Sin for their eternal soul. (Paul is not address how one becomes a child of God but the benefit of being a child of God.) Four arguments have been presented: 1) Thanks to Christ there is no condemnation; 2) Sons of God are led by the Holy Spirit; 3) Holy Spirit’s assurance they are children of God; 4) Deity’s assurance, even during times of suffering, of the hope of redemption from this present world into the glories of Heaven.
2. Preview — (8:26-27) We can be assured God always knows when we need help and the type and amount of help required.
B. Question For Discussion?
1. In times of great stress when a child of God feels alone and knows not what to ask of God how does Deity give the child of God the help required?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
1. (8:26) Who has the infirmities or weakness?
a. .
2. (8:26) What does “in the same way the Spirit” mean?
a.
3. (8:26) What is the weakness under discussion?
a.
4. (8:26) What is the meaning of the word “intercedes” [“intercession”]?
a.
5. (8:26) Who is doing the interceding?
a.
6. (8:26) For whom is the Holy Spirit interceding?
a.
7. (8:26) What is “groanings to deep for words”?
a.
8. (8:26) Who is doing groanings to deep for words?
a.

OBSERVATION (8:26)


9. (8:27) What or whose heart is searched?
a.
10. (8:27) Who searches the inward man (heart) and knows the mind of the Holy Spirit?
a.
11. (8:27) What is the meaning of the Greek word “intercedes” [“ intercession”]?
a.
12. (8:27) Who intercedes according to God’s will
a.

OBSERVATION (8:27)


13. (8:26-27) Consider four popular views...
a. Holy Spirit corrects our prayers
b. Our spirit [inward man] groans
c. Holy Spirit interprets inward man’s groaning
d. Holy Spirit himself groans words that cannot be uttered
D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — In times of great stress when a child of God feels alone and knows not what to ask of God how does Deity give the child of God the help required?
1.
E. Conclusion —

XVI. {Rom 8:28-30} First Conclusion — All things work for good

Romans - November 16, 2008

SECTION --- Four: Sanctification (6:1-8:39) .
(continued from previous Class Follow Up)

B. Question For Discussion?
1. How can the Justified endure suffering?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
1. (8:17) What class or type of suffering is being addressed?
a. There is suffering that is common to daily life and there is suffering with Christ. Jesus was tempted (suffered) as we do, thus, empathizes with our suffering, but such does not bring glory. Suffering that brings glory is suffering with Christ.
2. (8:17) How does one suffer with Christ? (cf. 2TI 3:10-12}
a. Suffering for and refusing to compromise ones stand on and defense of Christ’s gospel — Truth.
b. Jesus suffered then was glorified — The justified can be assured they will suffer.
(OBSERVATION 8:17)
As children the readers are heirs of God, thus, will suffer with and be glorified with Christ.
3. (8:18) Does Paul’s “reckon” or consider” carry any weight on what is of value or worth — if so why?
a. Yes, Paul is inspired by God(1Co 2:10-13) and also in his fourth letter (Romans is sixth letter) he records an event regarding heaven (2Co 12:2).
4. (8:18) While suffering has little worth it does have a purpose, consider: 2CO 4:17; JAM 1:2-3; 1Pe 1:6-7)
a. {2CO 4:17} Whether afflictions are those of life or “suffering with Jesus” they are “momentary” and “light”; when compared with the “eternal weight of glory”.
b. {JAM 1:2-3} Suffering or obstacles work for our benefit, lets us know the source of our dependence — self or God...
(1) “testing”[“proving”, “trying”] = 1383.; n.; Proving coin test.
(2) “endurance” [“patience”] = 5281.; n.; steadfast, constancy.
c. {1PE 1:6-7} Trials and afflictions purify us from assurance in self by driving us to communicate with God (reading the Word and prayer)...
(1) Develop an attitude of need for and dependence upon God.
d. (1Pe 1:7b) Develops virtues necessary for entrance into heaven.
(OBSERVATION 8:18)
Paul, a man inspired by the Holy Spirit, a man having seen and heard things he cannot tell, says heaven far surpasses what this life offers — it would be foolhardy to reject his testimony because I have not seen or heard it first hand.
5. (8:19) What is the meaning of “earnest expectation” [“anxious longing”]?
a. “anxious longing” — G603. apokaradokia; anxious and persistent expectation; waiting with an outstretched hand; waiting for something you knew was coming (e.g. Income Tax Refund)
6. (8:19) What is the meaning of “creation” or “creature”?
a. “creation” — G2937. ktisis; n.; original formation; used in variety of ways, only context can give correct meaning...
(1) Material creation {Rom 1:20,25; Col 1:15}
(2) Humanity in general, i.e., everything having an eternal soul {Mar 16:15; Col 1:23}
(3) Christians as a group and as individuals {Gal 6:15; 2Co 5:17}
7. Who are “the sons of God”?
a. Those who really belong to Christ, those who are not condemned (8:1).
(OBSERVATION 8:19)
Staying with the context of why one is no longer wretched because of Christ the creation’s response assures the justified (the ex-wretched) heaven is worth the suffering.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A LOOK AHEAD.

8. {ROM 8:20-23} Four views or positions regarding (what it is) “the creation that anticipates” the revealing and deliverance of the sons of God considered...
a. Millennialist view of the creation – Earth will be made new when Christ returns and sets up His earthly (physical) kingdom...
(1) Scriptures clearly show kingdom (abstract noun meaning “rule”) now exits and there will not be a physical kingdom (concrete noun) set up [Mar 9:1; Act 2:30,33; Col 1:13; et al.].
(2) Scriptures teach the earth will be destroyed when Christ returns [2Pe 3:1-13; Rev 21:1] — Time, Space, Mass cease.
b. The creation is the unredeemed portion of humanity...
(1) Not likely for the unredeemed will not be “set free...into freedom of glory”. [8:21]
(2) This portion of humanity will be delivered into condemnation [Joh 5:29; Heb 10:27], thus, they are not “waiting eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God” [8:19]
c. The creation is the church...
(1) {8:19,23} Creation is a group separate from “sons of God”.
(a) (8:23) “firstfruits” does not mean ones who first receive fruits (Apostles) , but those receiving “best fruit” — those receiving salvation (sons of God) [1Co 15:20; Col 1:18].
d. The creation is the personification of the physical creation...
(1) Creation longing for time when its purpose has been served...
(a) {Cf. 8:20 w/ GEN 3:17-18} Adam’s sin had a negative impact on creation — this globe is in physical turmoil.
(b) {PSA 114:1-8} Earth’s reaction when Israel left Egypt.
(c) Also see {PSA 96:12; 98:8} & [Isa 35:1; 55:12].
(2) When all of God’s children leave this “vail of tears” to enter the spiritual Promise Land the rejoicing will surpass rejoicing when God’s children left Egyptian bondage to enter physical Promise Land for the spiritual is superior to the physical
(OBSERVATION 8:20-23)
View four (d) seems to have less problems than the other three views.
9. (8:24) What is the meaning of “hope” as used here?
a.
10. (8:24) What, in this place, is meant by seen and sees?
a.
11. PONDERING: What is there about “the hope” (redemption) that prevents it from being in the possession of a Christian at this time. (Consider the realm of the Christians and the realm of the hope.)
a.
12. (8:24) Considering 8:23 as the reason or foundation for 8:24, what is “not “hope”? What is “hope”?
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:24)
Suffering does not damping the Christian’s positive confidence in their unseen, but promised, salvation (redemption).
13. (8:25) What is the meaning of “patience” as used here?
a.
14. (8:25) What, as used here, is the meaning of “wait”?
a.
15. (8:25) What is the “it”?
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:25)
Informs why those in Christ, led by the Spirit, testified by the Spirit as being children have positive confidence in the “hope” — are actively looking forward to the promised glory, the released from their physical bodies.
D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — How can the Justified endure suffering?
E. Conclusion —

XV. {Rom 8:26-27} Fifth Argument — He intercedes

Romans - November 9, 2008

SECTION --- Four: Sanctification (6:1-8:39) .
(continued from previous Class Follow Up)

(OBSERVATION 8:16)
Informs why the readers can know (have confidence) they are not wretched, i.e., the Holy Spirit testifies with their inward man they are set free — they are God’s children.

D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — How can those freed from the law of merit know, during trying struggles and conflicts, they are God’s children, thus, not be “wretched”?
1. Their spirit (inward man) and the Holy Spirit both testify (agree) they are a child of God. Their inward man tells why they are a child of God and the Holy Spirit, via. the written and inspired Word, agrees they are a child of God.
E. Conclusion — As a son of God there are no phobias or feelings of oppression, i.e., the fear I am not doing enough to go to heaven.
1. New Testament writers never expressed doubt about their salvation...
a. (2CO 5:1,6,8} Paul says “we know”, “always of good courage”, “are of good courage I say”. [cf. Act 18:8; 2Co 12:9]
b. (2Ti 1:12) No doubt or second thoughts expressed.
c. (1JO 3:2) No doubts expressed by John.
2. This same assurance (Holy Spirit testifying with our spirit) gives “full assurance of hope” [Heb 6:11] we are Heaven bound as we conform, in our daily walks, to the revealed Word...
a. Christians are not better than others but we are better off for the Holy Spirit testifies on our behalf.
3. Regardless the situation, regardless how low or despondent we feel, if we stop and consider Deity’s love as expressed in Rom 8:15-16 our burdens will be lighter and our joy will return...
a. If one doubts he is a child of God, even during times of stress, after considering Deity’s expression of love as seen by the “two witness” needs a lesson on “Faith in God” — needs to learn Jehovah God can and will do what He says He will.

XIV. {Rom 8:17-25} Fourth Argument — In hope we have been saved
A. Introduction
1. Review — This section (Rom 6:1- 8:39) begins with the question, “If one is saved by grace what would motivated then to not continue serving Sin?” The foundation for this question is Paul’s (Jesus the Christ’s) position humans are justified by grace, not law of merit. Paul is showing those in Christ (those influenced by Christ) do not require any law of merit to make them serve Christ, i.e., not serve sin. Paul shows an obligation to any law of merit does not really set a person free from sin (Rom 7:24). The man at Romans 7:24 is either a Christian trying to pleased God using a law of merit or a non-Christian trying to please God by a law of merit, but failing. The man recognizes it is not his efforts that set him free from sin but Christ’s efforts (Rom 7:25). In Romans 8 the readers are presented with seven arguments supporting the position Christian have Deity’s help in their battle with Sin for their eternal soul. Three arguments have been presented: 1) Thanks to Christ there is no condemnation; 2) Sons of God are led by the Holy Spirit; 3) Holy Spirit’s assurance they are children of God.
2. Preview — (8:17-25) Fourth argument is Deity’s assurance, during suffering, of the hope of redemption from this present world into the glories of Heaven. Does not discuss the why of suffering but the dealing with suffering — the not giving up while suffering.
B. Question For Discussion?
1. How can the Justified endure suffering?

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A LOOK AHEAD
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
1. (8:17) What class or type of suffering is being addressed?
a.
2. (8:17) How does one suffer with Christ? (cf. 2TI 3:10-12}
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:17)
As children the readers are heirs of God, thus, will suffer with and be glorified with Christ.
3. (8:18) Does Paul’s “reckon” or consider” carry any weight on what is of value or worth — if so why?
a.
4. (8:18) While suffering has little worth it does have a purpose, consider: 2CO 4:17; JAM 1:2-3; 1Pe 1:6-7)
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:18)
Paul, a man inspired by the Holy Spirit, a man having seen and heard things he cannot tell, says heaven far surpasses what this life offers — it would be foolhardy to reject his testimony because I have not seen or heard it first hand.
5. (8:19) What is the meaning of “earnest expectation” [“anxious longing”]?
a.
6. (8:19) What is the meaning of “creation” or “creature”?
a.
7. Who are “the sons of God”?
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:19)
Staying with the context of why one is no longer wretched because of Christ the creation’s response assures the justified (the ex-wretched) heaven is worth the suffering.
8. {ROM 8:20-23} Four views or positions regarding (what it is) “the creation that anticipates” the revealing and deliverance of the sons of God considered...
a. Millennialist view of the creation – Earth will be made new when Christ returns and sets up His earthly (physical) kingdom...
(1) Scriptures clearly show kingdom (abstract noun meaning “rule”) now exits and there will not be a physical kingdom (concrete noun) set up [Mar 9:1; Act 2:30,33; Col 1:13; et al.].
(2) Scriptures teach the earth will be destroyed when Christ returns [2Pe 3:1-13; Rev 21:1] — Time, Space, Mass cease.
b. The creation is the unredeemed portion of humanity...
(1) Not likely for the unredeemed will not be “set free...into freedom of glory”. [8:21]
(2) This portion of humanity will be delivered into condemnation [Joh 5:29; Heb 10:27], thus, they are not “waiting eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God” [8:19]
c. The creation is the church...
(1) {8:19,23} Creation is a group separate from “sons of God”.
(a) (8:23) “firstfruits” does not mean ones who first receive fruits (Apostles) , but those receiving “best fruit” — those receiving salvation (sons of God) [1Co 15:20; Col 1:18].
d. The creation is the personification of the physical creation...
(1) Creation longing for time when its purpose has been served...
(a) {Cf. 8:20 w/ GEN 3:17-18} Adam’s sin had a negative impact on creation — this globe is in physical turmoil.
(b) {PSA 114:1-8} Earth’s reaction when Israel left Egypt.
(c) Also see {PSA 96:12; 98:8} & [Isa 35:1; 55:12].
(2) When all of God’s children leave this “vail of tears” to enter the spiritual Promise Land the rejoicing will surpass rejoicing when God’s children left Egyptian bondage to enter physical Promise Land for the spiritual is superior to the physical
(OBSERVATION 8:20-23)
View four (d) seems to have less problems than the other three views.
9. (8:24) What is the meaning of “hope” as used here?
a.
10. (8:24) What, in this place, is meant by seen and sees?
a.
11. PONDERING: What is there about “the hope” (redemption) that prevents it from being in the possession of a Christian at this time. (Consider the realm of the Christians and the realm of the hope.)
a.
12. (8:24) Considering 8:23 as the reason or foundation for 8:24, what is “not “hope”? What is “hope”?
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:24)
Suffering does not damping the Christian’s positive confidence in their unseen, but promised, salvation (redemption).
13. (8:25) What is the meaning of “patience” as used here?
a.
14. (8:25) What, as used here, is the meaning of “wait”?
a.
15. (8:25) What is the “it”?
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:25)
Informs why those in Christ, led by the Spirit, testified by the Spirit as being children have positive confidence in the “hope” — are actively looking forward to the promised glory, the released from their physical bodies.
D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — How can the Justified endure suffering?
E. Conclusion —

XV. {Rom 8:26-27} Fifth Argument — He intercedes

Romans - November 2, 2008

SECTION --- Four: Sanctification (6:1-8:39) .
(continued from previous Class Follow Up)

4. (8:15) What is the significance of crying out, “Abba! Father!?
a. “Abba” emphasize the affection (emotion) of the relationship, “Father” emphasize the physical (progenitor) aspects of the relationship.
b. The attitude of fear is replaced with an attitude of respect, trust, and love.
(OBSERVATION 8:15)
Those in (influenced by) Christ are not wretched, are not filled with fear, for they have a spirit (inward man, attitude) of adoption as God’s son not of fear as a slave to the flesh (outward) as does the man of Rom 7:24 — those under a law of merit.
5. (8:16) PONDER: Readers are called sons of God at 8:14, but children of God here, is there any significance if so what is it?
a. Not two different types of Christians but two different aspects or characteristic of being a disciple.
b. “sons of God” = Those whom God esteems as sons, whom he loves, protects and benefits above others; those who revere God as their father; this is a characteristic of all Christians.
c. “children of God” = Those who are depended upon God; those who are addicted to God; this is a characteristic that is continually strengthened and developed as one matures.
6. (8:16) What does “beareth witness with” or “testifies with” mean?
a. To testify jointly, that is, concurrently corroborate the facts or evidence.
(1) Reader’s spirit (inward man) and the Holy Spirit both agree about the facts or evidence, namely, the reader is a child of God.
b. The testimony of two objective witnesses, not subjective (I think, I feel, etc.)
7. (8:16) Does this knowledge help the man of Rom 7:24 and if so how does it help?
a. If he has doubt he considers the fact or evidence informing him he is a child of God and if the Holy Spirit agrees (corroborates the facts) then he is a child of God.
b. Emotionally he may question his relationship with God, after he views the facts supporting the positions he is a child of God and the Holy Spirit agrees with the facts he now logically knows he is a child of God, thus, he is wretched free.
(1) Consider the question, “Am I going to go to heaven when I die?”
8. (8:16) PONDER: How does the Holy Spirit bear witness with, not to, the reader’s spirit?
a. To be an objective witness (more than a feeling) with our inward man the bearing of testimony must be tangible. Thus, the words presented to the reader’s spirit (inward man) by Holy Spirit inspired men {EPH 3:3-5}. Peter calls these words the gospel {1PE 1:25}. The gospel is God’s power of salvation (Rom 1:16).
9. (8:16) PONDER: How does the reader’s spirit bear witness with the Holy Spirit?
a. Readers use their “processing information” tools for understanding ...
(1) Memory = Capacity of retaining or reviving impressions and experiences.
(2) Reason = Power concerned with forming conclusions, judgments, or inferences.
(3) Contemplation = To think fully or deeply about.
(4) Perception = Act of understanding by means of physical senses or of the mind.
(5) Judgment = Ability to make mental decision or form opinion wisely, objectively, and authoritatively, esp. in matters affecting action; good sense; and discretion.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A LOOK AHEAD

D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — How can those freed from the law of merit know, during trying struggles and conflicts, they are God’s children, thus, not be “wretched”?
1.
E. Conclusion —

XIV. {Rom 8:17-25} Fourth Argument — In hope we have been saved
A. Introduction
1. Review — This section (Rom 6:1- 8:39) begins with the question, “If one is saved by grace what would motivated then to not continue serving Sin?” The foundation for this question is Paul’s (Jesus the Christ’s) position humans are justified by grace, not law of merit. Paul is showing those in Christ (those influenced by Christ) do not require any law of merit to make them serve Christ, i.e., not serve sin. Paul shows an obligation to any law of merit does not really set a person free from sin (Rom 7:24). The man at Romans 7:24 is either a Christian trying to pleased God using a law of merit or a non-Christian trying to please God by a law of merit, but failing. The man recognizes it is not his efforts that set him free from sin but Christ’s efforts (Rom 7:25). In Romans 8 the readers are presented with seven arguments supporting the position Christian have Deity’s help in their battle with Sin for their eternal soul. Three arguments have been presented: 1) Thanks to Christ there is no condemnation; 2) Sons of God are led by the Holy Spirit; 3) Holy Spirit’s assurance they are children of God.
2. Preview — (8:17-25) Fourth argument is Deity’s assurance, during suffering, of the hope of redemption from this present world into the glories of Heaven. Does not discuss the why of suffering but the dealing with suffering — the not giving up while suffering.
B. Question For Discussion?
1. How can the Justified endure suffering?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
1. (8:17) What class or type of suffering is being addressed?
a.
2. (8:17) How does one suffer with Christ? (cf. 2TI 3:10-12}
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:17)
As children the readers are heirs of God, thus, will suffer with and be glorified with Christ.
3. (8:18) Does Paul’s “reckon” or consider” carry any weight on what is of value or worth — if so why?
a.
4. (8:18) While suffering has little worth it does have a purpose, consider: 2CO 4:17; JAM 1:2-3; 1Pe 1:6-7)
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:18)
Paul, a man inspired by the Holy Spirit, a man having seen and heard things he cannot tell, says heaven far surpasses what this life offers — it would be foolhardy to reject his testimony because I have not seen or heard it first hand.
5. (8:19) What is the meaning of “earnest expectation” [“anxious longing”]?
a.
6. (8:19) What is the meaning of “creation” or “creature”?
a.
7. Who are “the sons of God”?
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:19)
Staying with the context of why one is no longer wretched because of Christ the creation’s response assures the justified (the ex-wretched) heaven is worth the suffering.
8. {ROM 8:20-23} Four views or positions regarding (what it is) “the creation that anticipates” the revealing and deliverance of the sons of God considered...
a. Millennialist view of the creation – Earth will be made new when Christ returns and sets up His earthly (physical) kingdom...
(1) Scriptures clearly show kingdom (abstract noun meaning “rule”) now exits and there will not be a physical kingdom (concrete noun) set up [Mar 9:1; Act 2:30,33; Col 1:13; et al.].
(2) Scriptures teach the earth will be destroyed when Christ returns [2Pe 3:1-13; Rev 21:1] — Time, Space, Mass cease.
b. The creation is the unredeemed portion of humanity...
(1) Not likely for the unredeemed will not be “set free...into freedom of glory”. [8:21]
(2) This portion of humanity will be delivered into condemnation [Joh 5:29; Heb 10:27], thus, they are not “waiting eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God” [8:19]
c. The creation is the church...
(1) {8:19,23} Creation is a group separate from “sons of God”.
(a) (8:23) “firstfruits” does not mean ones who first receive fruits (Apostles) , but those receiving “best fruit” — those receiving salvation (sons of God) [1Co 15:20; Col 1:18].
d. The creation is the personification of the physical creation...
(1) Creation longing for time when its purpose has been served...
(a) {Cf. 8:20 w/ GEN 3:17-18} Adam’s sin had a negative impact on creation — this globe is in physical turmoil.
(b) {PSA 114:1-8} Earth’s reaction when Israel left Egypt.
(c) Also see {PSA 96:12; 98:8} & [Isa 35:1; 55:12].
(2) When all of God’s children leave this “vail of tears” to enter the spiritual Promise Land the rejoicing will surpass rejoicing when God’s children left Egyptian bondage to enter physical Promise Land for the spiritual is superior to the physical
(OBSERVATION 8:20-23)
View four (d) seems to have less problems than the other three views.
9. (8:24) What is the meaning of “hope” as used here?
a.
10. (8:24) What, in this place, is meant by seen and sees?
a.
11. PONDERING: What is there about “the hope” (redemption) that prevents it from being in the possession of a Christian at this time. (Consider the realm of the Christians and the realm of the hope.)
a.
12. (8:24) Considering 8:23 as the reason or foundation for 8:24, what is “not “hope”? What is “hope”?
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:24)
Suffering does not damping the Christian’s positive confidence in their unseen, but promised, salvation (redemption).
13. (8:25) What is the meaning of “patience” as used here?
a.
14. (8:25) What, as used here, is the meaning of “wait”?
a.
15. (8:25) What is the “it”?
a.
(OBSERVATION 8:25)
Informs why those in Christ, led by the Spirit, testified by the Spirit as being children have positive confidence in the “hope” — are actively looking forward to the promised glory, the released from their physical bodies.
D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — How can the Justified endure suffering?
E. Conclusion —

XV. {Rom 8:26-27} Fifth Argument — He intercedes