WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.419 Good morning. My name is Matthew Capone and I'm one of the pastors here at Cheyenne Mountain Presbyterian Church and it's my joy to bring God's word to you this morning. 00:00:13.080 --> 00:00:22.519 We're continuing our series in the book of Romans. The book of Romans is a letter written by the Apostle Paul in the 50s AD. 00:00:23.300 --> 00:00:28.500 It's called Romans because he writes it to the churches in the city of Rome. 00:00:29.160 --> 00:00:35.280 This letter is about the gospel. It's about the good news of Jesus' life and death and resurrection. 00:00:35.280 --> 00:00:41.760 And we are working through chapter 8 which is about life in the spirit, that is the Holy Spirit. 00:00:42.359 --> 00:00:49.079 And last week we focused on verse 18 which talks about the new heavens and the new earth to come. 00:00:49.900 --> 00:00:56.100 You remember we saw that whatever we believe about the future determines our actions in the present. 00:00:57.020 --> 00:01:02.680 Paul reminds us then of our future hope of glory with God in heaven. 00:01:02.679 --> 00:01:07.799 The next couple weeks Paul is going to continue to talk about that future glory. 00:01:08.359 --> 00:01:13.560 This week it's that future glory as it relates to the natural world, to creation. 00:01:13.939 --> 00:01:19.159 So the mountains, the seas, the sky, the plants, the animals, the entire created world. 00:01:19.280 --> 00:01:21.579 That's our topic this morning. 00:01:22.000 --> 00:01:29.640 I'm going to read again verse 18 but since we talked about it last week our focus will be on verses 19 through 22. 00:01:29.640 --> 00:01:33.579 So I invite you to turn with me now to Romans chapter 8. 00:01:33.700 --> 00:01:36.159 You'll find it on page 6 of your worship guide. 00:01:36.700 --> 00:01:44.040 As we come to it remember that Psalm 19 tells us that God's word is more precious than gold, even the finest gold. 00:01:44.980 --> 00:01:49.700 And that it is sweeter than honey, even honey that comes straight from the honeycomb. 00:01:50.519 --> 00:01:54.900 And so that's why we read now Romans chapter 8 starting in verse 18. 00:01:54.900 --> 00:02:04.440 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 00:02:05.280 --> 00:02:10.599 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 00:02:10.599 --> 00:02:19.319 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, 00:02:20.060 --> 00:02:25.560 in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption 00:02:25.560 --> 00:02:30.479 and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 00:02:31.159 --> 00:02:39.060 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 00:02:39.060 --> 00:02:43.920 I invite you to pray with me as we come to this portion of God's word. 00:02:45.979 --> 00:02:51.800 Our Father in heaven, we do again thank you and praise you for your word. 00:02:52.479 --> 00:02:57.599 Your word which brought something out of nothing at the beginning of the world. 00:02:58.539 --> 00:03:01.740 Your word which brings dead things to life. 00:03:01.740 --> 00:03:09.240 Your word which takes men and women, gives them your spirit. 00:03:10.159 --> 00:03:13.939 Father, we ask that you'd be at work in a powerful way by that same word this morning. 00:03:14.620 --> 00:03:18.540 That you would use it to change and transform us. 00:03:18.740 --> 00:03:21.120 You'd use it to make us look more and more like Jesus. 00:03:21.120 --> 00:03:24.980 And you'd use it to grow our hope and our vision of him. 00:03:24.980 --> 00:03:27.300 You'd set our eyes where they need to be. 00:03:27.680 --> 00:03:31.819 On the future that you are preparing for us in heaven. 00:03:32.200 --> 00:03:36.060 That it would direct and shape and guide how we live now. 00:03:36.439 --> 00:03:39.759 We ask all of these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 00:03:40.480 --> 00:03:40.759 Amen. 00:03:40.759 --> 00:03:40.879 Amen. 00:03:44.319 --> 00:03:50.319 I mentioned during the announcements, I think that Easter is coming up on us very fast. 00:03:50.859 --> 00:03:54.939 And next week is actually Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter. 00:03:55.019 --> 00:03:58.000 And that's the Sunday before Jesus' death and his resurrection. 00:03:58.739 --> 00:04:03.680 And on that Sunday, Jesus enters Jerusalem, known as his triumphal entry. 00:04:03.919 --> 00:04:09.579 And it's called Palm Sunday because the crowds welcome him to Jerusalem waving palm branches. 00:04:09.580 --> 00:04:12.300 Now they don't just wave, they're also shouting. 00:04:12.480 --> 00:04:13.180 They say this, 00:04:13.760 --> 00:04:15.219 Hosanna to the son of David. 00:04:15.520 --> 00:04:18.199 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. 00:04:18.860 --> 00:04:20.259 Hosanna in the highest. 00:04:20.980 --> 00:04:24.120 Now you might be wondering, why in the world am I bringing up Palm Sunday 00:04:24.120 --> 00:04:27.699 as we talk about Romans chapter 8, verses 18 through 22. 00:04:28.139 --> 00:04:29.360 And the reason is this. 00:04:29.939 --> 00:04:33.120 All four of the gospels tell us about this. 00:04:33.199 --> 00:04:37.699 But Luke in chapter 19 adds a detail that no one else includes. 00:04:37.699 --> 00:04:45.060 In Luke's gospel, the Pharisees tell Jesus to tell the crowds to shut up. 00:04:46.500 --> 00:04:47.939 Remember, the crowd is shouting. 00:04:48.120 --> 00:04:49.779 They're not just waving palm branches. 00:04:50.259 --> 00:04:52.539 And Jesus has this famous reply. 00:04:53.439 --> 00:04:53.800 He says, 00:04:53.899 --> 00:05:00.759 I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out. 00:05:00.759 --> 00:05:06.620 Now there's an enormous amount of theology packed up in that one statement. 00:05:06.920 --> 00:05:08.920 Tells us something about worship. 00:05:09.339 --> 00:05:11.099 That is, God must be worshipped. 00:05:11.139 --> 00:05:13.240 If we won't, the rocks will. 00:05:13.980 --> 00:05:17.659 Which reminds us of how important our task is this morning. 00:05:18.420 --> 00:05:24.719 What matters for this passage is the relationship between creation and humanity. 00:05:24.720 --> 00:05:28.480 Some theologians explain it this way. 00:05:28.640 --> 00:05:35.080 In the book of Genesis, God places humanity as his representatives on earth. 00:05:35.260 --> 00:05:37.400 That there's this two-way representation. 00:05:38.200 --> 00:05:40.840 We represent God to his creation. 00:05:41.460 --> 00:05:45.040 And then we represent the creation back to God. 00:05:45.140 --> 00:05:48.400 So we are these stewards, these caretakers of the earth. 00:05:48.399 --> 00:05:54.459 And there's a sense that when we worship, we're actually representing all of God's creation. 00:05:55.120 --> 00:05:59.219 So the rocks don't have to cry out because we do. 00:05:59.859 --> 00:06:02.579 The point is this, as we look at Romans chapter 8. 00:06:02.959 --> 00:06:11.179 The destination of humanity and the destination of creation are tied up together. 00:06:12.399 --> 00:06:12.539 Okay? 00:06:12.859 --> 00:06:14.599 Creation is not just accidental. 00:06:14.600 --> 00:06:20.540 It's a critical part of God's plan, his purposes for the world. 00:06:20.860 --> 00:06:23.140 So what does that have to do with Romans? 00:06:23.800 --> 00:06:26.980 Well, it's not just that we wait for the future glory. 00:06:27.600 --> 00:06:30.360 That's what we looked at last week in verse 18. 00:06:30.660 --> 00:06:36.100 But the creation longs for it as well. 00:06:36.620 --> 00:06:37.500 Verse 19. 00:06:38.020 --> 00:06:41.700 For the creation waits with eager longing. 00:06:41.699 --> 00:06:47.740 Now that Greek word for eager longing literally means a stretching of the neck. 00:06:48.779 --> 00:06:49.060 Okay? 00:06:49.159 --> 00:06:54.519 So creation is kind of straining its neck out to see what's coming. 00:06:55.439 --> 00:06:56.519 What's going to happen? 00:06:57.740 --> 00:07:00.599 When are the sons of God going to be revealed? 00:07:01.699 --> 00:07:05.000 The New Testament in modern English says it this way. 00:07:05.459 --> 00:07:08.980 The whole creation is on tiptoe. 00:07:08.980 --> 00:07:21.540 So creation is standing up and straining its neck and looking, waiting, longing, groaning for God's redemption to come. 00:07:22.780 --> 00:07:23.319 Why? 00:07:24.439 --> 00:07:26.280 What exactly is it on tiptoe for? 00:07:27.080 --> 00:07:34.160 Well, verse 19 again tells us it is straining its neck to see the revealing of the sons of God. 00:07:34.160 --> 00:07:40.160 If you were here with us last week, you'll remember, or maybe even two weeks ago, that sons of God is inheritance language. 00:07:41.360 --> 00:07:42.620 The sons are the heirs. 00:07:42.920 --> 00:07:50.980 So whether you're a man or a woman, if you're following Jesus in faith, you are in a sense a son of God. 00:07:51.680 --> 00:07:54.379 So there's these sons of God and there's going to be a revealing. 00:07:54.620 --> 00:07:56.120 That's what creation is looking towards. 00:07:56.440 --> 00:07:58.600 What is this revealing going to show? 00:07:58.600 --> 00:08:03.260 Well, it's going to be the glory that we talked about last week. 00:08:04.020 --> 00:08:06.400 So this revelation, there's going to be new bodies. 00:08:06.640 --> 00:08:08.439 There's going to be, we're going to be sinless. 00:08:08.560 --> 00:08:09.840 Our addictions are removed. 00:08:09.939 --> 00:08:11.420 Our impurities are done away with. 00:08:11.500 --> 00:08:13.120 Our rough edges are gone. 00:08:13.400 --> 00:08:18.100 Everything we were made and created to be is realized. 00:08:19.220 --> 00:08:20.040 That's the glory. 00:08:20.180 --> 00:08:23.800 That's what creation can't wait to see. 00:08:23.800 --> 00:08:29.980 Now, Paul's ultimate point, and we'll talk about this a little bit more later on, is not about creation, actually. 00:08:31.020 --> 00:08:34.799 Paul's ultimate point is to encourage us. 00:08:35.399 --> 00:08:36.779 He's building on verse 18. 00:08:36.919 --> 00:08:38.360 Remember, verse 18 said, 00:08:38.779 --> 00:08:43.659 The sufferings of this present age are not even worth comparing with how great the future is. 00:08:44.740 --> 00:08:45.560 And you know what? 00:08:45.560 --> 00:08:52.259 The greatness of this future is impossible for you right now to comprehend how good the future glory is. 00:08:52.320 --> 00:08:53.360 This is what Paul's saying. 00:08:53.360 --> 00:08:56.320 But let me give you an idea of how good it is. 00:08:57.259 --> 00:09:03.180 The future glory is so good that even the trees can't wait to see it. 00:09:05.080 --> 00:09:11.879 The future glory is so good that the birds can't wait. 00:09:11.879 --> 00:09:24.559 And if the trees are on tiptoe, if they are stretching out their necks to see what it is that God is bringing to the entire world by virtue of his redemption, 00:09:25.360 --> 00:09:28.439 we should do the same. 00:09:30.200 --> 00:09:31.539 Creation can't wait. 00:09:32.639 --> 00:09:33.259 Can you? 00:09:33.259 --> 00:09:36.080 That's Paul's point here. 00:09:42.220 --> 00:09:47.480 Now, why does this revealing of the sons of God matter to creation? 00:09:47.480 --> 00:09:50.360 It is not just a spectator sport. 00:09:51.159 --> 00:09:55.360 Verse 20 states it negatively, and then verse 21 positively. 00:09:55.360 --> 00:09:56.940 So first, verse 20, 00:09:58.000 --> 00:10:01.759 For the creation was subjected to futility. 00:10:02.879 --> 00:10:05.440 Paul is saying creation is hurting. 00:10:08.000 --> 00:10:11.539 Entire species of animals go extinct. 00:10:13.320 --> 00:10:17.220 Oceans are polluted by oil spills. 00:10:17.220 --> 00:10:21.200 Oceans, crops are lost to drought. 00:10:22.279 --> 00:10:24.860 So on and on and on. 00:10:25.680 --> 00:10:26.800 And we know why. 00:10:27.500 --> 00:10:28.560 We already read it. 00:10:28.620 --> 00:10:30.879 Genesis chapter 3 this morning. 00:10:31.180 --> 00:10:32.019 Jim read it for us. 00:10:33.060 --> 00:10:36.840 Creation is subject to futility because of God's punishment. 00:10:36.840 --> 00:10:40.780 God's punishment on the world because of Adam and Eve's sin. 00:10:41.360 --> 00:10:44.680 The first verse Jim read for us this morning, verse 17. 00:10:45.180 --> 00:10:47.600 Because of Adam and Eve's sin, God says this, 00:10:48.040 --> 00:10:51.580 Cursed is the ground because of you. 00:10:52.759 --> 00:10:53.920 So creation is thwarted. 00:10:54.780 --> 00:10:57.280 Can't reach its ultimate purpose. 00:10:57.420 --> 00:10:58.879 Can't hit its full potential. 00:10:59.540 --> 00:11:02.440 Verse 21 calls it a bondage to corruption. 00:11:03.420 --> 00:11:04.460 We might say it this way. 00:11:04.460 --> 00:11:08.639 Trees get diseases just like people do. 00:11:09.840 --> 00:11:11.940 The fall affects everything. 00:11:12.180 --> 00:11:13.780 It does not just affect us. 00:11:14.379 --> 00:11:17.620 It affects all of God's world. 00:11:19.320 --> 00:11:20.680 Verse 20 then goes on to say, 00:11:20.940 --> 00:11:24.480 Not willingly, but because of him who subjected it. 00:11:25.220 --> 00:11:27.560 In other words, creation didn't have a say in this. 00:11:28.639 --> 00:11:30.580 It just happened to be tied up. 00:11:30.660 --> 00:11:32.759 Remember we said the destination of humanity 00:11:32.759 --> 00:11:36.559 and the destination of creation are intimately connected. 00:11:37.639 --> 00:11:40.879 And so when man fell, the world suffered. 00:11:41.879 --> 00:11:43.179 So the point is this. 00:11:44.179 --> 00:11:50.860 Creation now suffers under the curse on the earth 00:11:50.860 --> 00:11:53.200 because of Adam and Eve's sin. 00:11:53.200 --> 00:12:00.640 Creation now suffers under the curse on the earth 00:12:00.640 --> 00:12:03.680 because of Adam and Eve's sin. 00:12:04.680 --> 00:12:05.980 Because of our sin too. 00:12:07.320 --> 00:12:09.879 That's part of why it's groaning. 00:12:11.379 --> 00:12:13.320 Verse 20 ends positively though. 00:12:13.440 --> 00:12:15.600 It was subjected in hope. 00:12:15.600 --> 00:12:20.139 In other words, that curse is not the end of the story. 00:12:20.580 --> 00:12:23.840 And Paul goes on to explain that hope for us in verse 21 00:12:23.840 --> 00:12:25.240 where he speaks positively. 00:12:26.540 --> 00:12:30.440 The creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption 00:12:30.440 --> 00:12:36.540 and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 00:12:36.539 --> 00:12:39.319 Remember, I've said it a few times now. 00:12:39.699 --> 00:12:43.360 Destination of creation, the destiny of humanity are tied up together. 00:12:44.019 --> 00:12:47.919 So creation suffers a curse because of humanity's sin. 00:12:48.000 --> 00:12:49.959 That's the futility of verse 20. 00:12:50.599 --> 00:12:54.980 If that is true, if negative consequences from mankind 00:12:54.980 --> 00:12:59.839 overflow into creation, the opposite is also true. 00:12:59.840 --> 00:13:06.240 Redemption for mankind will also overflow into creation. 00:13:07.240 --> 00:13:09.639 Creation suffers a curse now. 00:13:10.320 --> 00:13:14.820 Creation will experience a blessing then. 00:13:16.420 --> 00:13:19.000 So verse 20, saying it negatively, 00:13:19.780 --> 00:13:22.620 creation suffers under the curse because of sin. 00:13:23.259 --> 00:13:25.220 Verse 21 sets it positively. 00:13:25.220 --> 00:13:30.920 But, and, creation will one day flourish. 00:13:32.759 --> 00:13:35.320 Creation will one day reach its full potential. 00:13:35.940 --> 00:13:40.740 The world will accomplish everything God designed it to be. 00:13:42.440 --> 00:13:48.139 So, creation, God's world, right now, 00:13:48.279 --> 00:13:50.160 suffers under the curse on the earth. 00:13:50.159 --> 00:13:53.759 Creation, God's world, right now, 00:13:54.100 --> 00:13:56.819 longs to be released from that curse 00:13:56.819 --> 00:14:01.519 so it can experience blessing and fullness. 00:14:02.959 --> 00:14:05.699 It's not just man that suffers, 00:14:06.480 --> 00:14:08.539 but the world as well. 00:14:10.519 --> 00:14:14.039 Then in verse 22, Paul goes on to clarify even more 00:14:14.039 --> 00:14:16.899 the type of suffering that he's talking about. 00:14:16.899 --> 00:14:20.039 For we know that the whole creation 00:14:20.039 --> 00:14:21.559 has been groaning together 00:14:21.559 --> 00:14:24.939 in the pains of childbirth until now. 00:14:25.799 --> 00:14:27.939 And that birth pains that he's referring to, 00:14:27.980 --> 00:14:29.360 the pains of childbirth, 00:14:29.579 --> 00:14:32.659 helps us understand the type of suffering 00:14:32.659 --> 00:14:33.679 we're talking about, 00:14:34.059 --> 00:14:37.120 helps us understand the end of that suffering. 00:14:37.319 --> 00:14:38.720 So one commentator, John Murray, 00:14:38.840 --> 00:14:43.879 compares birth pains as the opposite of death pains. 00:14:44.460 --> 00:14:46.960 Birds pains is leading towards something. 00:14:47.120 --> 00:14:48.720 It's leading towards new life 00:14:48.720 --> 00:14:51.019 and joy and celebration. 00:14:52.519 --> 00:14:56.659 Death pains is leading to nothing but death. 00:14:58.820 --> 00:15:01.580 So death pains are the beginning of the end. 00:15:02.439 --> 00:15:05.399 Birds pains are the beginning of the beginning. 00:15:06.580 --> 00:15:08.620 Death pains are the beginning of the end. 00:15:08.779 --> 00:15:11.200 Birds pains are the beginning of the beginning. 00:15:11.200 --> 00:15:14.980 what happens after birth pains, but joy, new life, right? 00:15:15.080 --> 00:15:20.980 So when we see decay and disease and sickness, 00:15:21.580 --> 00:15:23.879 we know where it's headed. 00:15:25.540 --> 00:15:27.420 It's not headed to death. 00:15:28.280 --> 00:15:30.440 No, it's headed to life. 00:15:31.080 --> 00:15:32.440 It's not a death rattle. 00:15:32.980 --> 00:15:34.320 It's a birth pain. 00:15:36.960 --> 00:15:40.920 And you can endure the suffering of birth pains. 00:15:41.200 --> 00:15:43.180 Someone had to endure it for you to be here this morning. 00:15:44.180 --> 00:15:49.020 And you endure it because you know the future that is coming. 00:15:50.120 --> 00:15:55.320 You endure it because you know that new life is coming forth. 00:15:56.740 --> 00:15:59.000 Paul's saying the same thing about our sufferings now. 00:16:00.259 --> 00:16:01.440 Back to verse 18. 00:16:02.340 --> 00:16:06.640 The future that's to come cannot be compared with our sufferings now. 00:16:07.020 --> 00:16:08.560 That's how big the gap is. 00:16:08.559 --> 00:16:11.919 Whatever suffering you are going through in this life, 00:16:12.099 --> 00:16:17.279 it is a birth pain leading to something great. 00:16:19.399 --> 00:16:21.699 Remember, Romans is the fifth gospel. 00:16:22.639 --> 00:16:25.500 What Paul teaches, Jesus taught first. 00:16:26.299 --> 00:16:30.619 Jesus also speaks about our suffering as a birth pang. 00:16:30.719 --> 00:16:32.419 This is from John chapter 16. 00:16:32.419 --> 00:16:38.199 You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 00:16:39.139 --> 00:16:44.199 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come. 00:16:45.039 --> 00:16:47.299 But when she has delivered the baby, 00:16:47.899 --> 00:16:52.120 she no longer remembers the anguish for joy 00:16:52.120 --> 00:16:56.240 that a human being has been born into the world. 00:16:56.240 --> 00:16:59.779 No longer remembers. 00:16:59.779 --> 00:17:00.700 Did you hear that? 00:17:01.820 --> 00:17:03.639 That sounds a lot like verse 18. 00:17:05.099 --> 00:17:11.000 The future to come is not worth comparing with the sufferings of the present. 00:17:12.480 --> 00:17:14.539 Jesus then finishes with this. 00:17:14.539 --> 00:17:17.599 So also you have sorrow now, 00:17:17.899 --> 00:17:20.039 but I will see you again, 00:17:20.480 --> 00:17:22.399 and your hearts will rejoice, 00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:27.539 and no one will take your joy from you. 00:17:30.759 --> 00:17:34.240 That's the type of suffering that you're in now. 00:17:35.359 --> 00:17:37.859 You are in birth pain suffering. 00:17:37.859 --> 00:17:41.479 And when the future comes, 00:17:42.259 --> 00:17:47.119 you will no longer remember the anguish. 00:17:49.539 --> 00:17:53.039 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time 00:17:53.039 --> 00:17:59.059 are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 00:18:03.639 --> 00:18:05.519 Now, what's the point of all this? 00:18:05.519 --> 00:18:10.700 What is it that we learn from Paul bringing up creation? 00:18:11.559 --> 00:18:12.339 Many things. 00:18:12.420 --> 00:18:14.859 I'll focus on just a few of them this morning. 00:18:15.559 --> 00:18:22.839 First of all, this reminds us of the great value and worth of God's created world. 00:18:23.720 --> 00:18:25.180 If God's going to redeem it, 00:18:25.639 --> 00:18:27.379 that means God cares about it. 00:18:27.960 --> 00:18:30.480 And if God cares deeply about it, 00:18:30.500 --> 00:18:33.339 that means we are to care for it as well. 00:18:33.339 --> 00:18:35.959 So in the book of Genesis, if you're familiar, 00:18:36.199 --> 00:18:40.379 God comes and he gives mankind dominion over the earth. 00:18:40.759 --> 00:18:41.799 And some Christians say, 00:18:41.939 --> 00:18:43.279 okay, well we have dominion. 00:18:43.579 --> 00:18:44.679 God's given that to us, 00:18:44.699 --> 00:18:46.859 so it doesn't matter how we treat the world. 00:18:48.399 --> 00:18:48.879 False. 00:18:49.819 --> 00:18:52.339 The dominion that God has given humanity 00:18:53.000 --> 00:18:54.339 is meant to be a dominion 00:18:54.879 --> 00:18:59.639 that represents God's love and care for his creation. 00:18:59.640 --> 00:19:02.160 We're representing God to the earth 00:19:02.160 --> 00:19:04.600 and God cares so much about his creation 00:19:04.600 --> 00:19:07.280 that he is going to include it in his redemption 00:19:07.280 --> 00:19:10.900 and that creation right now is on its tiptoes 00:19:10.900 --> 00:19:12.880 looking forward to that. 00:19:14.000 --> 00:19:16.520 How much then, how well, 00:19:16.940 --> 00:19:20.000 should we care for God's world? 00:19:20.000 --> 00:19:24.619 You can find this in various parts of the Bible. 00:19:24.759 --> 00:19:26.900 My favorite one is in Proverbs chapter 12, 00:19:26.980 --> 00:19:27.720 which says this, 00:19:28.500 --> 00:19:32.960 whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, 00:19:33.200 --> 00:19:34.220 that is his animals. 00:19:34.880 --> 00:19:37.799 But the mercy of the wicked is cruel. 00:19:39.240 --> 00:19:40.500 In other words, there's something 00:19:40.500 --> 00:19:44.019 about the way that you treat animals in this world 00:19:44.019 --> 00:19:47.640 that reveals your faith in God. 00:19:47.640 --> 00:19:52.360 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast. 00:19:53.180 --> 00:19:56.640 So God cares greatly for the created world. 00:19:56.940 --> 00:19:58.740 We do as well. 00:19:59.900 --> 00:20:01.780 We also learned something in this passage 00:20:01.780 --> 00:20:03.720 about the nature of redemption. 00:20:04.560 --> 00:20:07.160 God is not just bringing us to glory. 00:20:07.620 --> 00:20:10.880 He's bringing the entire world to glory. 00:20:11.180 --> 00:20:13.620 So it's what some people call cosmic redemption. 00:20:13.619 --> 00:20:19.199 It's certainly not less than God's salvation of you 00:20:19.199 --> 00:20:21.939 from the punishment due you to your sin. 00:20:22.000 --> 00:20:23.039 It's not less than that, 00:20:23.079 --> 00:20:25.899 but it is so much more than that. 00:20:26.000 --> 00:20:29.559 It is not just the salvation of individuals, 00:20:29.559 --> 00:20:30.799 of God's people, 00:20:30.799 --> 00:20:33.079 but the redemption, the restoration, 00:20:33.539 --> 00:20:36.639 the renewal of the entire world. 00:20:36.959 --> 00:20:40.839 It is the new heavens and the new earth. 00:20:40.839 --> 00:20:44.639 So we learned something about the value of creation. 00:20:45.259 --> 00:20:47.679 We learned something about the nature of redemption. 00:20:48.559 --> 00:20:51.500 We also learned something about the character of God, 00:20:52.059 --> 00:20:57.220 which is that God does not give up on what he has made. 00:20:58.859 --> 00:21:02.259 God does not abandon his creation. 00:21:03.599 --> 00:21:06.579 No, he includes it as part of his redemption. 00:21:07.179 --> 00:21:08.299 We might put it another way. 00:21:08.299 --> 00:21:16.259 God refuses to let evil win over anything he has made. 00:21:17.579 --> 00:21:22.000 One theologian points out that if God did not redeem his creation, 00:21:22.440 --> 00:21:24.000 in a sense, he would be saying to the devil, 00:21:24.119 --> 00:21:24.859 yeah, you can have that. 00:21:25.960 --> 00:21:28.759 You can win over that part, that piece. 00:21:29.379 --> 00:21:32.980 But no, God is going to win in every way. 00:21:32.980 --> 00:21:37.079 We know that, most of all, 00:21:37.700 --> 00:21:40.920 because God himself entered into creation. 00:21:42.180 --> 00:21:46.740 God shows his commitment to this world by becoming a part of it. 00:21:47.460 --> 00:21:50.500 Jesus takes on humanity, not just for a time. 00:21:51.019 --> 00:21:52.620 No, Jesus takes it on permanently. 00:21:53.440 --> 00:21:57.000 Jesus, right now, still has a physical body. 00:21:57.000 --> 00:22:02.539 And he has a physical body as he is seated with God the Father in heaven, 00:22:02.759 --> 00:22:06.740 sitting at his right hand, waiting to return in glory. 00:22:07.859 --> 00:22:10.480 That's how much God cares about this world. 00:22:12.359 --> 00:22:17.859 That's how much value he gives to our existence, to physical matter. 00:22:17.859 --> 00:22:21.199 Philippians 2 reminds us of this. 00:22:22.159 --> 00:22:26.319 Jesus did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 00:22:27.019 --> 00:22:30.839 but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, 00:22:31.719 --> 00:22:34.459 being born in the likeness of men. 00:22:36.599 --> 00:22:39.699 That's how much this world matters to God. 00:22:39.700 --> 00:22:43.340 In fact, there's an indication that Jesus, 00:22:43.600 --> 00:22:46.640 in his humiliation in his life on this earth, 00:22:46.759 --> 00:22:50.160 at times was worse off, even than animals. 00:22:51.460 --> 00:22:53.400 Jesus says this in Matthew chapter 8. 00:22:54.740 --> 00:22:58.400 Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, 00:22:59.080 --> 00:23:04.200 but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head. 00:23:06.779 --> 00:23:08.059 Those are just a few things. 00:23:09.700 --> 00:23:14.039 That we learn as creation takes part in the longing 00:23:14.039 --> 00:23:17.720 for God making everything right. 00:23:18.920 --> 00:23:22.420 And that is what this passage, by the way, is primarily about. 00:23:23.220 --> 00:23:25.100 We're going to lose the plot a little bit 00:23:25.100 --> 00:23:27.319 if we make it entirely about the earth, 00:23:27.420 --> 00:23:30.160 because Paul is bringing this up 00:23:30.160 --> 00:23:34.100 to strengthen his argument from verse 18. 00:23:34.700 --> 00:23:36.299 Remember verse 18, he's saying, 00:23:36.299 --> 00:23:39.200 the sufferings of this present age are not worth comparing 00:23:39.200 --> 00:23:40.440 to the future. 00:23:41.660 --> 00:23:43.240 And so you need to set your eyes on that, 00:23:43.360 --> 00:23:46.279 fix your eyes on that, long for that. 00:23:46.779 --> 00:23:50.400 And so the final point that Paul's getting at indirectly is this. 00:23:51.700 --> 00:23:53.900 Don't let the created world 00:23:53.900 --> 00:23:57.100 outdo you in longing for heaven. 00:24:00.200 --> 00:24:01.680 Don't let the trees 00:24:01.680 --> 00:24:04.640 be more excited for heaven than you are. 00:24:08.640 --> 00:24:12.720 If this world is on its tiptoes, 00:24:13.060 --> 00:24:15.000 stretching out its neck, 00:24:15.360 --> 00:24:17.759 looking for Jesus' return, 00:24:19.019 --> 00:24:22.820 how much more should we? 00:24:22.819 --> 00:24:28.019 It would be odd. 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:31.059 It would be sad if the rocks 00:24:31.059 --> 00:24:35.639 could see more clearly than us. 00:24:35.640 --> 00:24:39.420 And so once again, 00:24:41.280 --> 00:24:43.780 we're to set our eyes on Christ 00:24:43.780 --> 00:24:47.620 and the glorious future to come. 00:24:48.620 --> 00:24:50.240 Verses 19 through 22 00:24:50.240 --> 00:24:51.800 are really just repeating, 00:24:52.360 --> 00:24:53.680 supporting verse 18. 00:24:54.480 --> 00:24:56.080 For I consider that the sufferings 00:24:56.080 --> 00:24:57.280 of this present time 00:24:57.280 --> 00:24:58.880 are not worth comparing 00:24:58.880 --> 00:25:02.020 with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 00:25:02.019 --> 00:25:04.759 glory so great 00:25:04.759 --> 00:25:08.319 that the world can't wait. 00:25:10.700 --> 00:25:12.139 There's a famous story 00:25:12.139 --> 00:25:14.240 told by a man named Joe Stoll, 00:25:14.359 --> 00:25:15.139 who was one time 00:25:15.139 --> 00:25:17.579 the president of Moody Bible Institute. 00:25:18.660 --> 00:25:20.960 And Joe had a friend named Bud Wood, 00:25:21.200 --> 00:25:23.539 and Bud Wood ran the Shepherd's Home 00:25:23.539 --> 00:25:25.059 in the 1960s, 00:25:25.240 --> 00:25:26.900 which was a place for children 00:25:26.900 --> 00:25:28.379 with a variety of challenges. 00:25:29.240 --> 00:25:29.960 And at one point, 00:25:30.079 --> 00:25:31.400 Bud asked his friend Joe, 00:25:31.460 --> 00:25:31.700 he said, 00:25:31.700 --> 00:25:32.420 what do you think 00:25:32.420 --> 00:25:35.279 our biggest maintenance challenge is? 00:25:35.920 --> 00:25:37.160 As we're running this facility, 00:25:37.319 --> 00:25:39.080 what is it that trips us up the most? 00:25:40.039 --> 00:25:40.600 And Joe said, 00:25:40.660 --> 00:25:41.420 well, I have no idea 00:25:41.420 --> 00:25:43.120 what your biggest maintenance challenge is. 00:25:43.380 --> 00:25:44.700 So Bud went on to tell him, 00:25:45.319 --> 00:25:45.480 he said, 00:25:45.500 --> 00:25:46.799 our greatest challenge, 00:25:47.440 --> 00:25:48.720 the thing that we have to work 00:25:48.720 --> 00:25:49.819 the hardest against, 00:25:50.319 --> 00:25:51.380 is dirty windows. 00:25:53.240 --> 00:25:56.539 Our kids press their hands and faces 00:25:56.539 --> 00:25:58.660 against the windows 00:25:58.660 --> 00:26:00.500 because they're looking to the sky. 00:26:00.500 --> 00:26:03.279 to see if today 00:26:03.279 --> 00:26:04.680 might be the day 00:26:04.680 --> 00:26:06.940 that Jesus will return for them 00:26:06.940 --> 00:26:09.579 and take them to his home 00:26:09.579 --> 00:26:13.160 where they will be healed 00:26:13.160 --> 00:26:14.819 and complete. 00:26:18.819 --> 00:26:20.059 Don't miss the point. 00:26:21.339 --> 00:26:22.720 Don't lose the plot. 00:26:22.720 --> 00:26:26.100 nature knows what matters. 00:26:26.100 --> 00:26:30.220 How much more should we? 00:26:32.940 --> 00:26:36.019 Are you looking for Jesus' return? 00:26:36.019 --> 00:26:39.680 Are you stretching out your neck? 00:26:40.639 --> 00:26:42.759 Are you on your tiptoes? 00:26:44.299 --> 00:26:46.799 Do you long for heaven? 00:26:46.799 --> 00:26:54.460 It is more glorious than you can imagine. 00:26:56.659 --> 00:26:57.379 Let's pray. 00:26:58.960 --> 00:27:00.139 Our Father in heaven, 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:01.639 we thank you 00:27:01.639 --> 00:27:03.440 that you have prepared for us 00:27:03.440 --> 00:27:04.099 an inheritance 00:27:04.099 --> 00:27:06.039 that is unfading, 00:27:06.839 --> 00:27:07.619 undefiled, 00:27:08.240 --> 00:27:09.019 imperishable, 00:27:09.680 --> 00:27:10.379 kept safe 00:27:10.379 --> 00:27:11.940 in heaven for us. 00:27:11.940 --> 00:27:13.660 We ask that you would 00:27:13.660 --> 00:27:14.700 remind us of that, 00:27:14.779 --> 00:27:16.120 you'd set our eyes on it, 00:27:16.220 --> 00:27:16.980 that it would be 00:27:16.980 --> 00:27:17.940 our north star, 00:27:18.820 --> 00:27:19.860 that we would walk 00:27:19.860 --> 00:27:20.920 through this life 00:27:20.920 --> 00:27:21.480 knowing 00:27:21.480 --> 00:27:22.980 our destination, 00:27:23.500 --> 00:27:24.220 that our hope 00:27:24.220 --> 00:27:25.340 for the future 00:27:25.340 --> 00:27:26.900 would inform our present. 00:27:27.160 --> 00:27:28.240 We ask these things 00:27:28.240 --> 00:27:29.059 in Jesus' name. 00:27:29.580 --> 00:27:29.799 Amen. 00:27:29.799 --> 00:27:29.940 Amen. 00:27:29.940 --> 00:27:30.000 Amen. 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.000 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.000 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.000 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.000 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.000 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.000 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.000 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.000 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.000 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.000 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.000 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.000 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.000 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.000 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.000 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.000 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.000 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:30.000 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:32.000 Amen.