WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.919 Well, good morning. Please take your copy of God's Word and join me in Romans chapter 8. 00:00:03.919 --> 00:00:12.380 All right. Our text for this morning is Romans chapter 8, verses 18 through 27. 00:00:13.640 --> 00:00:18.460 Before we set our minds on today's text, and do bear with me for a moment, 00:00:19.240 --> 00:00:23.820 I want us to first take a look back at verses 16 and 17, 00:00:24.219 --> 00:00:29.240 and consider particularly the phrase in the last half of verse 17. 00:00:29.239 --> 00:00:31.639 There Paul writes, 00:00:31.839 --> 00:00:36.339 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. 00:00:37.060 --> 00:00:41.619 And if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. 00:00:42.359 --> 00:00:47.219 Now, here is the phrase that we need to be clear about before proceeding further in the chapter. 00:00:48.200 --> 00:00:54.759 Provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. 00:00:54.759 --> 00:01:03.739 Now, last week we altogether neglected that half of that verse and spent little to no time on it at all. 00:01:03.820 --> 00:01:13.620 But here Paul says that if we are children of God, we are co-heirs bound for glory, and we will suffer. 00:01:14.659 --> 00:01:19.319 Now, the Christian ought not be surprised by this, 00:01:19.319 --> 00:01:24.339 although we live in an age that often teaches contrary to it. 00:01:24.979 --> 00:01:29.819 Beloved, we are followers of Jesus Christ. 00:01:30.219 --> 00:01:33.979 We walk the path that He walked. 00:01:34.959 --> 00:01:39.459 Jesus states the matter plainly in John chapter 15, verse 18 and following, 00:01:39.579 --> 00:01:40.099 where He said, 00:01:40.219 --> 00:01:42.199 If the world hates you, 00:01:43.199 --> 00:01:47.519 know that it has hated me before it hated you. 00:01:47.679 --> 00:01:48.919 And you may want to qualify that. 00:01:48.920 --> 00:01:49.260 He said, 00:01:49.460 --> 00:01:51.260 If the world hates you, 00:01:51.280 --> 00:01:52.439 but He goes on, 00:01:53.180 --> 00:01:55.019 If you were of the world, 00:01:55.500 --> 00:01:56.939 the world would love you as its own, 00:01:57.000 --> 00:01:58.939 but because you are not of the world, 00:01:59.040 --> 00:02:01.159 but I chose you out of the world, 00:02:01.760 --> 00:02:04.879 therefore the world hates you. 00:02:05.900 --> 00:02:07.560 Remember the word I said to you, 00:02:07.599 --> 00:02:10.759 A servant is not greater than his master. 00:02:11.280 --> 00:02:12.639 If they persecuted me, 00:02:12.780 --> 00:02:14.659 they will also persecute you. 00:02:15.080 --> 00:02:16.939 If they kept my word, 00:02:16.939 --> 00:02:19.840 they will also keep yours. 00:02:21.280 --> 00:02:25.039 Paul says it this way in 2 Timothy chapter 3 and verse 12. 00:02:25.039 --> 00:02:25.400 Indeed, 00:02:25.919 --> 00:02:30.699 all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus 00:02:30.699 --> 00:02:34.680 will be persecuted. 00:02:34.680 --> 00:02:41.960 Jesus came to suffer that we might be saved and then to be glorified. 00:02:42.760 --> 00:02:46.219 Peter tells us in 1 Peter chapter 1, verse 10 and 11, 00:02:46.219 --> 00:02:48.479 concerning this salvation. 00:02:48.479 --> 00:02:52.199 The prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours 00:02:52.199 --> 00:02:54.759 searched and inquired carefully, 00:02:55.639 --> 00:03:00.479 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating 00:03:00.479 --> 00:03:03.719 when he predicted the sufferings of Christ 00:03:03.719 --> 00:03:06.560 and the subsequent glories. 00:03:06.560 --> 00:03:12.219 Christ came to suffer that we might be saved and to be glorified. 00:03:13.560 --> 00:03:15.479 John Murray once said, 00:03:16.439 --> 00:03:20.259 There is no sharing in Christ's glory unless there is sharing in his sufferings. 00:03:21.259 --> 00:03:25.120 Sufferings and then glory was the order appointed for Christ himself. 00:03:25.120 --> 00:03:31.599 It could not be otherwise in terms of his messianic undertaking and design. 00:03:32.500 --> 00:03:36.759 The same order applies to those who are heirs with him. 00:03:37.460 --> 00:03:37.939 End quote. 00:03:39.400 --> 00:03:41.300 Provided we suffer with him, 00:03:41.700 --> 00:03:45.480 most certainly includes persecution. 00:03:46.180 --> 00:03:51.800 But I also think it includes all of the unpleasantry of living in a fallen world. 00:03:51.800 --> 00:03:58.100 We are on the heels of Paul's expressed anguish over his battle with his flesh. 00:03:59.020 --> 00:04:00.880 We experience the same, 00:04:01.480 --> 00:04:05.540 longing to be finally delivered from these bodies. 00:04:06.740 --> 00:04:08.480 If you don't experience that, 00:04:08.620 --> 00:04:13.439 if you don't desire to be fully set free from sin in your life, 00:04:13.880 --> 00:04:16.879 I just wonder if perhaps you're a Christian at all. 00:04:16.879 --> 00:04:22.939 Christians have the spirit of Christ and desire to live like Christ. 00:04:24.219 --> 00:04:28.139 We are daily bombarded with the tragedy of others' sin. 00:04:28.579 --> 00:04:32.540 This world is in an absolutely desperate state. 00:04:33.540 --> 00:04:39.120 We will see in today's text that all of the creation exists under the curse. 00:04:39.339 --> 00:04:42.100 So, every ache and pain, 00:04:42.259 --> 00:04:44.040 every sniffle, cough and fever, 00:04:44.560 --> 00:04:46.560 every life lost too soon, 00:04:46.879 --> 00:04:49.420 every weed pulled from a garden, 00:04:50.199 --> 00:04:53.579 every day that's too cold or day that's too hot, 00:04:54.600 --> 00:04:57.519 we also suffer these things. 00:04:58.019 --> 00:05:02.199 Living in a place that's not as it should be. 00:05:03.379 --> 00:05:08.779 I believe that Christians ought to be all at once the saddest people on earth, 00:05:09.040 --> 00:05:12.439 for we see the brokenness of it. 00:05:12.439 --> 00:05:16.339 I find as I grow in Christlikeness, 00:05:16.339 --> 00:05:21.339 I am sadder about the state of the place in which I live, 00:05:21.480 --> 00:05:23.420 but also, at the same time, 00:05:23.800 --> 00:05:27.019 we should be the happiest people on earth. 00:05:27.540 --> 00:05:28.839 For we have a promise, 00:05:29.220 --> 00:05:32.519 made by the one who can keep that promise, 00:05:32.639 --> 00:05:37.040 that it will all one day be made right. 00:05:37.040 --> 00:05:39.980 So, I hope as you mature in Christ, 00:05:40.140 --> 00:05:42.600 both your sadness for the state of the world 00:05:42.600 --> 00:05:48.460 and your happiness for the surety of the promise grow together. 00:05:48.459 --> 00:05:52.399 So, it's that suffering as well. 00:05:52.579 --> 00:05:55.939 It's the persecution to be sure and clear, 00:05:56.099 --> 00:05:59.120 but it's everything that comes with living in a world 00:05:59.120 --> 00:06:01.799 in such desperate brokenness. 00:06:02.519 --> 00:06:06.079 The prophet Isaiah says of this promise keeper, 00:06:06.359 --> 00:06:08.199 one, the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:06:08.279 --> 00:06:11.459 in Isaiah chapter 53, verse 3 and 4, 00:06:11.459 --> 00:06:15.379 He was despised and rejected by men, 00:06:16.120 --> 00:06:18.819 a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. 00:06:19.279 --> 00:06:21.519 And as one from whom men hide their faces, 00:06:21.680 --> 00:06:25.439 he was despised and we esteemed him not. 00:06:26.099 --> 00:06:28.759 Certainly, there's persecution seen there. 00:06:29.479 --> 00:06:30.000 Verse 4, 00:06:30.139 --> 00:06:35.560 Surely, he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. 00:06:36.179 --> 00:06:37.459 Yet we esteemed him stricken, 00:06:37.459 --> 00:06:40.859 smitten by God and afflicted. 00:06:40.860 --> 00:06:43.139 Jesus suffered. 00:06:43.520 --> 00:06:44.759 He suffered rejection. 00:06:45.400 --> 00:06:46.980 He suffered bodily. 00:06:47.500 --> 00:06:50.199 He suffered the cursed creation. 00:06:50.900 --> 00:06:54.400 But he was glorified. 00:06:55.199 --> 00:07:01.420 May we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. 00:07:02.340 --> 00:07:03.860 So now, with all of this in mind, 00:07:03.860 --> 00:07:09.680 there's this tension built there in which we live. 00:07:09.680 --> 00:07:12.980 Let's read and study today's text. 00:07:13.280 --> 00:07:17.280 So Romans chapter 8, verse 18 through 27. 00:07:18.019 --> 00:07:19.840 Before I read it, I'd like to remind you, beloved, 00:07:19.939 --> 00:07:22.220 that this is God's word to us. 00:07:22.699 --> 00:07:25.840 It was written for his glory and for our good. 00:07:26.220 --> 00:07:28.879 And so we would all do well to listen to it 00:07:28.879 --> 00:07:30.600 in order to believe its promises 00:07:30.600 --> 00:07:32.600 and to obey its commands. 00:07:34.200 --> 00:07:37.640 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time 00:07:37.640 --> 00:07:39.860 are not worth comparing with the glory 00:07:39.860 --> 00:07:41.720 that is to be revealed to us. 00:07:42.379 --> 00:07:44.939 For the creation waits with eager longing 00:07:44.939 --> 00:07:47.020 for the revealing of the sons of God. 00:07:47.620 --> 00:07:50.280 For the creation was subjected to futility, 00:07:50.680 --> 00:07:53.420 not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, 00:07:53.420 --> 00:07:56.379 in hope that the creation itself will be set free 00:07:56.379 --> 00:07:57.800 from its bondage to corruption 00:07:57.800 --> 00:08:01.259 and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 00:08:01.840 --> 00:08:03.620 For we know that the whole creation 00:08:03.620 --> 00:08:07.280 has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 00:08:07.800 --> 00:08:09.120 And not only the creation, 00:08:09.620 --> 00:08:10.580 but we ourselves, 00:08:10.920 --> 00:08:12.819 who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, 00:08:13.020 --> 00:08:16.639 groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, 00:08:16.960 --> 00:08:18.540 the redemption of our bodies. 00:08:18.540 --> 00:08:21.420 For in this hope we were saved. 00:08:22.080 --> 00:08:24.260 Now hope that is seen is not hope. 00:08:24.860 --> 00:08:26.540 For who hopes for what he sees? 00:08:27.220 --> 00:08:29.260 But if we hope for what we do not see, 00:08:29.400 --> 00:08:31.379 we wait for it with patience. 00:08:32.360 --> 00:08:34.740 Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. 00:08:35.379 --> 00:08:37.820 For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, 00:08:37.879 --> 00:08:40.159 but the Spirit himself intercedes for us 00:08:40.159 --> 00:08:42.480 with groanings too deep for words. 00:08:43.279 --> 00:08:44.639 And he who searches hearts 00:08:44.639 --> 00:08:46.399 knows what is the mind of the Spirit, 00:08:46.399 --> 00:08:49.100 because the Spirit intercedes for the saints 00:08:49.100 --> 00:08:51.860 according to the will of God. 00:08:53.399 --> 00:08:55.319 Now, he begins, right, 00:08:55.539 --> 00:08:57.299 again doing this for, 00:08:57.600 --> 00:08:59.319 building an argument for, 00:08:59.500 --> 00:09:03.059 I consider that the sufferings of this present time 00:09:03.059 --> 00:09:05.459 are not worth comparing with the glory 00:09:05.459 --> 00:09:06.939 that is to be revealed to us. 00:09:07.840 --> 00:09:08.799 Many commentators, 00:09:08.919 --> 00:09:13.220 I've got just a stack of commentaries on Romans, 00:09:13.220 --> 00:09:15.279 and many of them suggest that in verse 18, 00:09:15.279 --> 00:09:18.179 Paul places the suffering of this present time 00:09:18.179 --> 00:09:19.620 on one side of a scale, 00:09:19.860 --> 00:09:22.000 and the glory that is to be revealed to us 00:09:22.000 --> 00:09:23.519 on the other side of the scale, 00:09:23.860 --> 00:09:26.459 to find that that scale tips dramatically 00:09:26.459 --> 00:09:27.759 for the latter. 00:09:28.860 --> 00:09:30.019 And their point stands. 00:09:30.120 --> 00:09:31.679 They're not wrong in saying it, 00:09:31.740 --> 00:09:33.819 but I want to suggest that even further, 00:09:33.980 --> 00:09:35.120 even higher than that, 00:09:35.439 --> 00:09:36.360 that what Paul is stating 00:09:36.360 --> 00:09:38.339 is that it isn't even worth the effort 00:09:38.339 --> 00:09:40.439 of going through the exercise. 00:09:40.440 --> 00:09:42.900 He's saying so clearly 00:09:42.900 --> 00:09:45.480 you need not set these things on a scale. 00:09:45.480 --> 00:09:47.420 The glory that is to be revealed to us 00:09:47.420 --> 00:09:49.660 so vastly outweighs 00:09:49.660 --> 00:09:51.600 the sufferings of this present time 00:09:51.600 --> 00:09:54.860 that they are not worth comparing. 00:09:55.700 --> 00:09:57.300 Don't take any of our time 00:09:57.300 --> 00:09:59.640 to even consider which one 00:09:59.640 --> 00:10:01.760 has more weightiness. 00:10:02.080 --> 00:10:03.580 The weight of glory 00:10:03.580 --> 00:10:06.540 is much, much heavier. 00:10:06.539 --> 00:10:09.379 This word glory means 00:10:09.379 --> 00:10:12.139 splendor and honor. 00:10:12.959 --> 00:10:15.679 God deserves glory. 00:10:15.860 --> 00:10:17.259 God is glorious, 00:10:17.519 --> 00:10:21.419 and he bestows glory on his people. 00:10:22.439 --> 00:10:24.500 It is the bright hope that awaits us 00:10:24.500 --> 00:10:28.159 as we walk the din of this world. 00:10:29.599 --> 00:10:30.299 John MacArthur, 00:10:30.559 --> 00:10:31.919 in his commentary on this text, 00:10:32.000 --> 00:10:32.240 says, 00:10:32.319 --> 00:10:33.519 As followers of Christ, 00:10:33.519 --> 00:10:36.019 our sufferings come from men. 00:10:36.539 --> 00:10:38.599 Whereas our glory comes from God. 00:10:39.439 --> 00:10:41.039 Our suffering is earthly, 00:10:41.199 --> 00:10:43.000 whereas our glory is heavenly. 00:10:43.919 --> 00:10:45.419 Our suffering is short, 00:10:45.599 --> 00:10:47.599 whereas our glory is forever. 00:10:48.360 --> 00:10:50.139 Our suffering is trivial, 00:10:50.360 --> 00:10:52.419 whereas our glory is limitless. 00:10:53.120 --> 00:10:55.159 Our suffering is in our mortal 00:10:55.159 --> 00:10:56.459 and corrupted bodies, 00:10:56.620 --> 00:10:57.899 whereas our glory will be 00:10:57.899 --> 00:10:59.139 in our perfected 00:10:59.139 --> 00:11:01.659 and imperishable bodies. 00:11:02.219 --> 00:11:03.179 End quote. 00:11:03.179 --> 00:11:04.419 And so, 00:11:04.739 --> 00:11:09.079 we await this future state. 00:11:10.000 --> 00:11:11.159 The price is small, 00:11:11.419 --> 00:11:13.759 and the reward is grand. 00:11:14.719 --> 00:11:17.079 But it doesn't always feel that way, 00:11:17.219 --> 00:11:18.059 does it? 00:11:18.759 --> 00:11:21.120 We so long to see its fruition 00:11:21.120 --> 00:11:25.879 that our days often feel incredibly long. 00:11:25.879 --> 00:11:28.580 We join with John 00:11:28.580 --> 00:11:30.960 as he records the words of Jesus 00:11:30.960 --> 00:11:33.799 in Revelation chapter 22 and verse 20. 00:11:34.519 --> 00:11:38.120 Surely I am coming soon. 00:11:38.899 --> 00:11:40.580 And we reply with him, 00:11:41.080 --> 00:11:41.460 Amen. 00:11:42.100 --> 00:11:44.500 Come, Lord Jesus. 00:11:45.159 --> 00:11:46.460 If you are a Christ follower 00:11:46.460 --> 00:11:48.519 and you have not had one of those days, 00:11:48.759 --> 00:11:49.559 they are coming. 00:11:49.559 --> 00:11:51.719 You would just be happy 00:11:51.719 --> 00:11:53.579 for the Lord to part the skies 00:11:53.579 --> 00:11:55.459 and come back now. 00:11:56.619 --> 00:11:58.619 And we are not the only ones 00:11:58.619 --> 00:12:00.579 awaiting this glorious day 00:12:00.579 --> 00:12:02.359 of our glorification. 00:12:03.519 --> 00:12:04.439 Note with me, 00:12:05.079 --> 00:12:06.339 in today's text, 00:12:06.759 --> 00:12:08.599 a uniting word. 00:12:09.339 --> 00:12:10.000 In verse 22, 00:12:10.299 --> 00:12:12.039 you see the word groaning. 00:12:12.859 --> 00:12:14.099 In verse 23, 00:12:15.079 --> 00:12:15.599 groan. 00:12:15.600 --> 00:12:17.940 And in verse 26, 00:12:18.720 --> 00:12:19.500 groanings. 00:12:19.840 --> 00:12:23.200 All the same root Greek word. 00:12:23.759 --> 00:12:25.920 Which brings us to our simple outline 00:12:25.920 --> 00:12:28.399 for the rest of our time together. 00:12:28.940 --> 00:12:29.879 Number one, 00:12:30.800 --> 00:12:33.779 the creation groans for glory. 00:12:34.800 --> 00:12:35.659 Number two, 00:12:36.159 --> 00:12:39.200 Christians groan for glory. 00:12:39.800 --> 00:12:40.980 And number three, 00:12:41.580 --> 00:12:44.379 the Spirit groans for glory. 00:12:44.379 --> 00:12:46.159 So firstly, 00:12:46.279 --> 00:12:47.879 in verses 19 through 22, 00:12:48.139 --> 00:12:51.559 the creation groans for glory. 00:12:51.620 --> 00:12:52.659 Let me read it again 00:12:52.659 --> 00:12:53.980 so it's fresh in our minds. 00:12:54.120 --> 00:12:55.259 For the creation, 00:12:55.419 --> 00:12:56.240 this is verse 19, 00:12:56.399 --> 00:12:58.399 waits with eager longing 00:12:58.399 --> 00:12:59.299 for the revealing 00:12:59.299 --> 00:13:00.799 of the sons of God. 00:13:01.340 --> 00:13:02.740 For the creation was subjected 00:13:02.740 --> 00:13:03.720 to futility, 00:13:03.960 --> 00:13:04.600 not willingly, 00:13:04.740 --> 00:13:05.500 but because of him 00:13:05.500 --> 00:13:06.460 who subjected it, 00:13:06.980 --> 00:13:08.779 in hope that the creation itself 00:13:08.779 --> 00:13:09.659 would be set free 00:13:09.659 --> 00:13:11.000 from its bondage to corruption 00:13:11.000 --> 00:13:12.840 and obtain the freedom 00:13:12.840 --> 00:13:13.639 of the glory 00:13:13.639 --> 00:13:14.799 of the children of God. 00:13:15.379 --> 00:13:17.100 For we know that the whole creation 00:13:17.100 --> 00:13:18.659 has been groaning together 00:13:18.659 --> 00:13:20.899 in the pains of childbirth 00:13:20.899 --> 00:13:22.159 until now. 00:13:23.539 --> 00:13:25.379 God is the only thing 00:13:25.379 --> 00:13:26.639 not created. 00:13:27.460 --> 00:13:27.819 Therefore, 00:13:27.960 --> 00:13:28.899 we must think for a moment 00:13:28.899 --> 00:13:30.639 about what created things 00:13:30.639 --> 00:13:32.179 Paul is referring to. 00:13:33.059 --> 00:13:33.879 He does not mean 00:13:33.879 --> 00:13:34.819 the heavenly host, 00:13:35.100 --> 00:13:35.840 for they are not 00:13:35.840 --> 00:13:37.039 part of the curse. 00:13:38.000 --> 00:13:38.840 Neither does he mean 00:13:38.840 --> 00:13:39.679 the fallen angels, 00:13:39.679 --> 00:13:41.559 for they do not desire good 00:13:41.559 --> 00:13:42.919 and their condemnation 00:13:42.919 --> 00:13:44.519 is final. 00:13:45.599 --> 00:13:46.599 He isn't referring 00:13:46.599 --> 00:13:47.599 to Christ followers 00:13:47.599 --> 00:13:48.659 as he will mention them 00:13:48.659 --> 00:13:49.259 separately 00:13:49.259 --> 00:13:50.799 in the following verses. 00:13:50.959 --> 00:13:51.839 And he can't be referring 00:13:51.839 --> 00:13:52.539 to unbelievers 00:13:52.539 --> 00:13:53.399 because they also 00:13:53.399 --> 00:13:56.319 do not desire good. 00:13:57.419 --> 00:13:58.059 So, 00:13:58.259 --> 00:13:59.279 what's left over? 00:14:00.259 --> 00:14:01.019 Paul here is speaking 00:14:01.019 --> 00:14:03.299 of the non-rational part 00:14:03.299 --> 00:14:04.879 of God's creation. 00:14:05.259 --> 00:14:06.159 Plants and animals, 00:14:07.039 --> 00:14:09.219 soil and seas. 00:14:09.599 --> 00:14:11.079 What we would look out 00:14:11.079 --> 00:14:13.019 and perhaps call nature. 00:14:14.139 --> 00:14:15.120 And what Paul does with it 00:14:15.120 --> 00:14:16.799 is he personifies it, 00:14:17.079 --> 00:14:17.979 which is a practice 00:14:17.979 --> 00:14:19.359 that's not foreign 00:14:19.359 --> 00:14:20.679 to the scripture. 00:14:20.679 --> 00:14:22.399 We see it 00:14:22.399 --> 00:14:25.120 waiting eagerly, 00:14:25.399 --> 00:14:26.759 longing for something 00:14:26.759 --> 00:14:28.219 to come to pass, 00:14:28.419 --> 00:14:31.000 groaning in the pains 00:14:31.000 --> 00:14:32.599 of childbirth. 00:14:32.919 --> 00:14:33.899 And he's simply 00:14:33.899 --> 00:14:34.699 giving us a picture 00:14:34.699 --> 00:14:36.479 of what the whole world 00:14:36.479 --> 00:14:37.739 is desiring to see 00:14:37.739 --> 00:14:39.359 come to be. 00:14:40.039 --> 00:14:40.599 So again, 00:14:41.000 --> 00:14:41.659 this personification 00:14:41.659 --> 00:14:42.659 of nature happens 00:14:42.659 --> 00:14:43.319 and let me just show you 00:14:43.319 --> 00:14:44.039 one other example 00:14:44.039 --> 00:14:45.240 from Isaiah 55 00:14:45.240 --> 00:14:46.939 and verse 12 00:14:46.939 --> 00:14:48.399 where Isaiah writes, 00:14:48.500 --> 00:14:49.379 for you shall go out 00:14:49.379 --> 00:14:51.000 in joy and be led forth 00:14:51.000 --> 00:14:51.820 in peace. 00:14:52.360 --> 00:14:53.179 The mountains 00:14:53.179 --> 00:14:53.740 and the hills 00:14:53.740 --> 00:14:54.299 before you 00:14:54.299 --> 00:14:55.340 shall break forth 00:14:55.340 --> 00:14:56.000 into singing 00:14:56.000 --> 00:14:57.399 and all the trees 00:14:57.399 --> 00:14:58.120 of the field 00:14:58.120 --> 00:15:00.320 shall clap their hands. 00:15:00.399 --> 00:15:01.279 And if your mind 00:15:01.279 --> 00:15:02.139 just broke into song 00:15:02.139 --> 00:15:02.500 then you are 00:15:02.500 --> 00:15:03.379 of my generation. 00:15:04.659 --> 00:15:05.220 So, 00:15:05.439 --> 00:15:06.879 this personified nature, 00:15:07.059 --> 00:15:07.759 Paul says, 00:15:08.179 --> 00:15:10.379 waits with eager longing 00:15:10.379 --> 00:15:13.080 for our glorification. 00:15:13.919 --> 00:15:14.679 And the idea 00:15:14.679 --> 00:15:15.120 of waiting 00:15:15.120 --> 00:15:16.659 with eager longing 00:15:16.659 --> 00:15:17.240 in Greek 00:15:17.240 --> 00:15:18.179 is like a person 00:15:18.179 --> 00:15:20.359 standing on their tiptoes 00:15:20.359 --> 00:15:21.879 leaning forward 00:15:21.879 --> 00:15:23.839 with great expectation. 00:15:24.019 --> 00:15:25.099 This is the picture 00:15:25.099 --> 00:15:26.039 that we have here. 00:15:26.500 --> 00:15:27.679 Leaning forward 00:15:27.679 --> 00:15:28.959 for this arrival 00:15:28.959 --> 00:15:30.779 of some long-awaited 00:15:30.779 --> 00:15:32.759 wonderful event. 00:15:33.199 --> 00:15:33.959 This is what this 00:15:33.959 --> 00:15:36.159 eager longing 00:15:36.159 --> 00:15:37.239 looks like 00:15:37.239 --> 00:15:38.120 in the Greek. 00:15:38.779 --> 00:15:39.439 The creation 00:15:39.439 --> 00:15:41.059 awaits this event. 00:15:41.719 --> 00:15:42.699 Our glory, 00:15:42.859 --> 00:15:43.599 the revealing 00:15:43.599 --> 00:15:45.559 of the sons of God 00:15:45.559 --> 00:15:47.679 because it was 00:15:47.679 --> 00:15:48.879 subjected 00:15:48.879 --> 00:15:50.399 to futility. 00:15:50.399 --> 00:15:50.799 Right? 00:15:51.279 --> 00:15:51.539 And Paul, 00:15:51.599 --> 00:15:51.839 it's clear 00:15:51.839 --> 00:15:52.939 it didn't choose 00:15:52.939 --> 00:15:53.879 the futility. 00:15:54.199 --> 00:15:54.319 Right? 00:15:54.519 --> 00:15:56.279 God subjected it 00:15:56.279 --> 00:15:58.439 to futility. 00:15:58.739 --> 00:15:58.879 Right? 00:15:59.079 --> 00:15:59.579 And we can read 00:15:59.579 --> 00:16:00.179 about when this 00:16:00.179 --> 00:16:01.119 happens in 00:16:01.119 --> 00:16:02.199 Genesis chapter 3 00:16:02.199 --> 00:16:03.119 verse 17 00:16:03.119 --> 00:16:04.679 through 19 00:16:04.679 --> 00:16:06.539 as it's tied up 00:16:06.539 --> 00:16:08.019 in Adam's 00:16:08.019 --> 00:16:08.859 curse. 00:16:09.679 --> 00:16:10.539 God there says 00:16:10.539 --> 00:16:11.159 to Adam, 00:16:11.479 --> 00:16:11.839 because you have 00:16:11.839 --> 00:16:12.539 listened to the voice 00:16:12.539 --> 00:16:13.239 of your wife 00:16:13.240 --> 00:16:14.379 and have eaten 00:16:14.379 --> 00:16:14.940 of the tree 00:16:14.940 --> 00:16:16.480 of which I commanded you. 00:16:16.680 --> 00:16:17.799 You shall not eat of it. 00:16:18.620 --> 00:16:19.860 Cursed is the ground 00:16:19.860 --> 00:16:20.940 because of you. 00:16:21.500 --> 00:16:22.759 In pain you shall eat of it 00:16:22.759 --> 00:16:23.659 all the days 00:16:23.659 --> 00:16:24.340 of your life. 00:16:25.120 --> 00:16:25.919 Thorns and thistles 00:16:25.919 --> 00:16:26.740 it shall bring forth 00:16:26.740 --> 00:16:27.060 for you 00:16:27.060 --> 00:16:27.759 and you shall eat 00:16:27.759 --> 00:16:29.279 the plants of the field. 00:16:29.899 --> 00:16:30.919 By the sweat of your face 00:16:30.919 --> 00:16:31.700 you shall eat bread 00:16:31.700 --> 00:16:32.399 till you return 00:16:32.399 --> 00:16:32.940 to the ground 00:16:32.940 --> 00:16:33.519 for out of it 00:16:33.519 --> 00:16:34.080 you were taken 00:16:34.080 --> 00:16:35.419 for you are dust 00:16:35.419 --> 00:16:36.440 and to dust 00:16:36.440 --> 00:16:38.000 you shall return. 00:16:38.919 --> 00:16:39.200 Right? 00:16:39.299 --> 00:16:40.700 The creation itself. 00:16:40.860 --> 00:16:40.960 Right? 00:16:41.019 --> 00:16:42.200 It was plentiful. 00:16:42.200 --> 00:16:43.259 It was paradise 00:16:43.259 --> 00:16:44.720 before the fall. 00:16:45.020 --> 00:16:45.040 Right? 00:16:45.080 --> 00:16:45.960 The creation worked 00:16:45.960 --> 00:16:47.480 exactly as the creation 00:16:47.480 --> 00:16:49.600 was meant to work. 00:16:50.520 --> 00:16:51.759 But because of the sin of man 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:54.360 it was subjected to 00:16:54.360 --> 00:16:55.620 this futility 00:16:55.620 --> 00:16:57.400 that we presently live in. 00:16:57.600 --> 00:16:58.320 And to be clear 00:16:58.320 --> 00:16:59.140 we have remnants 00:16:59.140 --> 00:17:00.580 of God's wonderful 00:17:00.580 --> 00:17:02.180 created work. 00:17:02.379 --> 00:17:02.460 Right? 00:17:02.480 --> 00:17:03.320 We live in a particularly 00:17:03.320 --> 00:17:04.500 beautiful place 00:17:04.500 --> 00:17:05.720 to stand in awe 00:17:05.720 --> 00:17:06.860 of our creator 00:17:06.860 --> 00:17:07.819 God. 00:17:08.220 --> 00:17:09.259 If you begin to get down 00:17:09.259 --> 00:17:10.740 into the mess of it 00:17:10.740 --> 00:17:11.920 it's messy out there. 00:17:11.920 --> 00:17:12.820 It's not functioning 00:17:12.820 --> 00:17:14.080 quite like 00:17:14.080 --> 00:17:15.060 it was designed 00:17:15.060 --> 00:17:16.279 to function. 00:17:16.900 --> 00:17:17.640 Paul says that 00:17:17.640 --> 00:17:18.539 that creation 00:17:18.539 --> 00:17:20.500 desires the day 00:17:20.500 --> 00:17:22.019 when all things 00:17:22.019 --> 00:17:23.180 will be made new. 00:17:24.420 --> 00:17:25.620 Now I want to read to you 00:17:25.620 --> 00:17:26.240 a quote 00:17:26.240 --> 00:17:27.400 from Martin Lloyd-Jones. 00:17:27.740 --> 00:17:28.240 Interestingly 00:17:28.240 --> 00:17:29.400 out of MacArthur's 00:17:29.400 --> 00:17:30.180 commentary on this 00:17:30.180 --> 00:17:31.580 because I couldn't find it 00:17:31.580 --> 00:17:32.279 in the Lloyd-Jones 00:17:32.279 --> 00:17:32.820 commentary. 00:17:33.160 --> 00:17:33.980 I looked and looked 00:17:33.980 --> 00:17:34.300 and looked 00:17:34.300 --> 00:17:34.820 and I said 00:17:34.820 --> 00:17:35.600 I think MacArthur 00:17:35.600 --> 00:17:36.060 quoted him. 00:17:36.059 --> 00:17:37.139 So this is MacArthur 00:17:37.139 --> 00:17:38.839 quoting Lloyd-Jones 00:17:38.839 --> 00:17:40.980 and he muses 00:17:40.980 --> 00:17:41.379 I think 00:17:41.379 --> 00:17:42.960 rather insightfully 00:17:42.960 --> 00:17:44.819 about this idea 00:17:44.819 --> 00:17:45.879 of the creation 00:17:45.879 --> 00:17:47.119 groaning 00:17:47.119 --> 00:17:48.079 and longing 00:17:48.079 --> 00:17:49.879 for this to happen. 00:17:50.000 --> 00:17:50.879 So listen to this 00:17:50.879 --> 00:17:51.220 quote 00:17:51.220 --> 00:17:52.799 I wonder 00:17:52.799 --> 00:17:53.819 whether the phenomenon 00:17:53.819 --> 00:17:55.279 of the spring 00:17:55.279 --> 00:17:56.279 supplies us 00:17:56.279 --> 00:17:57.559 with a part answer. 00:17:58.500 --> 00:17:58.900 Nature 00:17:58.900 --> 00:17:59.839 every year 00:17:59.839 --> 00:18:00.420 as it were 00:18:00.420 --> 00:18:01.299 makes an effort 00:18:01.299 --> 00:18:02.279 to renew itself 00:18:02.279 --> 00:18:03.279 to produce 00:18:03.279 --> 00:18:04.319 something permanent. 00:18:04.319 --> 00:18:05.819 it has come out 00:18:05.819 --> 00:18:06.460 of the death 00:18:06.460 --> 00:18:07.139 and the darkness 00:18:07.139 --> 00:18:07.939 of all that is 00:18:07.939 --> 00:18:08.819 so true 00:18:08.819 --> 00:18:09.559 of the winter. 00:18:10.500 --> 00:18:11.079 In the spring 00:18:11.079 --> 00:18:11.639 it seems to be 00:18:11.639 --> 00:18:12.179 trying to produce 00:18:12.179 --> 00:18:13.159 a perfect creation 00:18:13.159 --> 00:18:14.079 to be going through 00:18:14.079 --> 00:18:15.599 some kind of birth pangs 00:18:15.599 --> 00:18:16.659 year by year 00:18:16.659 --> 00:18:17.980 but unfortunately 00:18:17.980 --> 00:18:19.720 it does not succeed 00:18:19.720 --> 00:18:20.859 for spring 00:18:20.859 --> 00:18:21.740 leads only to summer 00:18:21.740 --> 00:18:22.419 whereas summer 00:18:22.419 --> 00:18:23.519 leads to autumn 00:18:23.519 --> 00:18:24.480 and autumn 00:18:24.480 --> 00:18:25.439 to winter. 00:18:26.460 --> 00:18:27.179 Poor old nature 00:18:27.179 --> 00:18:28.099 tries every year 00:18:28.099 --> 00:18:29.220 to defeat the vanity 00:18:29.220 --> 00:18:30.240 the principle 00:18:30.240 --> 00:18:30.939 of death 00:18:30.939 --> 00:18:31.579 and decay 00:18:31.579 --> 00:18:32.579 and disintegration 00:18:32.579 --> 00:18:33.240 that is in it 00:18:33.240 --> 00:18:34.859 but it cannot do so. 00:18:35.259 --> 00:18:35.960 It fails 00:18:35.960 --> 00:18:36.920 every time. 00:18:37.759 --> 00:18:38.720 It still goes on 00:18:38.720 --> 00:18:39.579 trying as if it 00:18:39.579 --> 00:18:40.359 feels things 00:18:40.359 --> 00:18:41.099 should be different 00:18:41.099 --> 00:18:41.539 and better 00:18:41.539 --> 00:18:42.900 but it never succeeds. 00:18:43.599 --> 00:18:44.759 So it goes on 00:18:44.759 --> 00:18:45.640 groaning 00:18:45.640 --> 00:18:46.720 and travailing 00:18:46.720 --> 00:18:47.339 in pain 00:18:47.339 --> 00:18:47.839 together 00:18:47.839 --> 00:18:48.759 until now. 00:18:49.339 --> 00:18:50.680 It has been doing so 00:18:50.680 --> 00:18:52.599 for a very long time 00:18:52.599 --> 00:18:53.859 but nature 00:18:53.859 --> 00:18:55.019 still repeats 00:18:55.019 --> 00:18:55.960 the effort 00:18:55.960 --> 00:18:57.500 annually. 00:18:58.319 --> 00:18:58.620 Maybe 00:18:58.620 --> 00:18:59.799 now the seasons 00:18:59.799 --> 00:19:00.519 will serve us 00:19:00.519 --> 00:19:01.259 in that way 00:19:01.259 --> 00:19:02.039 to think about 00:19:02.039 --> 00:19:03.359 how nature 00:19:03.359 --> 00:19:04.059 itself 00:19:04.059 --> 00:19:04.899 is awaiting 00:19:04.899 --> 00:19:06.859 our glory. 00:19:08.079 --> 00:19:08.539 Now Paul doesn't 00:19:08.539 --> 00:19:09.339 detail for us 00:19:09.339 --> 00:19:10.500 how creation 00:19:10.500 --> 00:19:11.159 itself will be 00:19:11.159 --> 00:19:11.619 set free 00:19:11.619 --> 00:19:12.539 from its bondage 00:19:12.539 --> 00:19:13.119 to corruption 00:19:13.119 --> 00:19:14.279 and obtain 00:19:14.279 --> 00:19:14.779 the freedom 00:19:14.779 --> 00:19:15.440 of the glory 00:19:15.440 --> 00:19:16.920 of the children 00:19:16.920 --> 00:19:17.759 of God 00:19:17.759 --> 00:19:18.240 and we get 00:19:18.240 --> 00:19:18.879 some clues 00:19:18.879 --> 00:19:19.359 to that 00:19:19.359 --> 00:19:20.279 in other places 00:19:20.279 --> 00:19:21.639 in the New Testament 00:19:21.639 --> 00:19:23.119 but he doesn't do so 00:19:23.119 --> 00:19:23.859 because this really 00:19:23.859 --> 00:19:24.639 isn't his 00:19:24.639 --> 00:19:26.200 driving point. 00:19:26.420 --> 00:19:27.279 His point 00:19:27.279 --> 00:19:27.639 is that 00:19:27.639 --> 00:19:29.159 even the creation 00:19:29.159 --> 00:19:30.319 awaits 00:19:30.319 --> 00:19:31.480 the same 00:19:31.480 --> 00:19:32.039 restoration 00:19:32.039 --> 00:19:33.419 that we 00:19:33.419 --> 00:19:34.519 await. 00:19:34.919 --> 00:19:35.619 We are in good 00:19:35.619 --> 00:19:36.139 company 00:19:36.139 --> 00:19:37.779 because the creation 00:19:37.779 --> 00:19:39.059 groans 00:19:39.059 --> 00:19:40.720 for our glory. 00:19:42.179 --> 00:19:42.659 So secondly 00:19:42.659 --> 00:19:43.980 Christians 00:19:43.980 --> 00:19:45.119 groan 00:19:45.119 --> 00:19:46.559 for glory 00:19:46.559 --> 00:19:47.179 and we see this 00:19:47.179 --> 00:19:48.099 in verse 23, 00:19:48.359 --> 00:19:48.939 24 00:19:48.939 --> 00:19:50.539 and 25. 00:19:50.759 --> 00:19:51.359 There Paul says 00:19:51.359 --> 00:19:52.240 and not only 00:19:52.240 --> 00:19:52.899 the creation 00:19:52.899 --> 00:19:54.599 but we ourselves 00:19:54.599 --> 00:19:55.519 who have the first 00:19:55.519 --> 00:19:56.359 fruits of the spirit 00:19:56.359 --> 00:19:57.779 groan inwardly 00:19:57.779 --> 00:19:59.240 as we wait eagerly 00:19:59.240 --> 00:19:59.839 for adoption 00:19:59.839 --> 00:20:00.319 as sons 00:20:00.319 --> 00:20:00.960 the redemption 00:20:00.960 --> 00:20:02.379 of our bodies. 00:20:03.299 --> 00:20:04.019 For in this hope 00:20:04.019 --> 00:20:04.759 we were saved. 00:20:04.899 --> 00:20:06.119 Now hope that is seen 00:20:06.119 --> 00:20:06.920 is not hope 00:20:06.920 --> 00:20:07.940 for who hopes 00:20:07.940 --> 00:20:08.920 for what he sees? 00:20:09.559 --> 00:20:10.440 But if we hope 00:20:10.440 --> 00:20:11.639 for what we do not see 00:20:11.639 --> 00:20:13.079 we wait for it 00:20:13.079 --> 00:20:14.420 with patience. 00:20:15.759 --> 00:20:16.319 Christians 00:20:16.319 --> 00:20:17.799 groan 00:20:17.799 --> 00:20:19.180 for glory. 00:20:19.779 --> 00:20:20.599 Those who have 00:20:20.599 --> 00:20:21.819 the first fruits 00:20:21.819 --> 00:20:23.200 of the spirit 00:20:23.200 --> 00:20:23.559 which 00:20:23.559 --> 00:20:24.920 I take to mean 00:20:24.920 --> 00:20:25.940 that the ongoing 00:20:25.940 --> 00:20:26.859 work of the spirit 00:20:26.859 --> 00:20:28.139 to lead believers 00:20:28.139 --> 00:20:28.819 in holiness 00:20:28.819 --> 00:20:30.619 is but a shadow 00:20:30.619 --> 00:20:32.199 of the greater reality 00:20:32.199 --> 00:20:33.959 that waits us. 00:20:34.819 --> 00:20:36.119 So hear me again. 00:20:36.919 --> 00:20:37.419 If you don't have 00:20:37.419 --> 00:20:38.079 a longing 00:20:38.079 --> 00:20:39.439 in your heart 00:20:39.439 --> 00:20:40.839 to turn from 00:20:40.839 --> 00:20:41.679 the things of the world 00:20:41.679 --> 00:20:43.019 and turn to the things 00:20:43.019 --> 00:20:43.759 of God 00:20:43.759 --> 00:20:45.379 which waxes 00:20:45.379 --> 00:20:45.919 and wanes 00:20:45.919 --> 00:20:47.179 it's never perfect 00:20:47.179 --> 00:20:47.899 it doesn't maintain 00:20:47.899 --> 00:20:49.159 a certain dial 00:20:49.159 --> 00:20:50.539 and never gets dialed down 00:20:50.539 --> 00:20:51.799 and never gets dialed up 00:20:51.799 --> 00:20:53.299 but generally speaking 00:20:53.299 --> 00:20:55.079 if you don't desire 00:20:55.079 --> 00:20:56.500 to put off 00:20:56.500 --> 00:20:57.539 the old self 00:20:57.539 --> 00:20:58.379 and put on 00:20:58.379 --> 00:20:59.339 the new 00:20:59.339 --> 00:21:01.319 you may not 00:21:01.319 --> 00:21:01.980 have the spirit. 00:21:02.099 --> 00:21:02.740 This is the work 00:21:02.740 --> 00:21:03.679 the primary work 00:21:03.679 --> 00:21:04.179 of the spirit 00:21:04.179 --> 00:21:05.159 in your life 00:21:05.159 --> 00:21:06.539 is to lead you 00:21:06.539 --> 00:21:08.099 in holiness. 00:21:09.500 --> 00:21:10.639 And if you're concerned 00:21:10.639 --> 00:21:11.579 about that this morning 00:21:11.579 --> 00:21:13.079 my call to you 00:21:13.079 --> 00:21:13.879 is simply to 00:21:13.879 --> 00:21:14.519 repent 00:21:14.519 --> 00:21:15.740 and believe. 00:21:16.379 --> 00:21:17.159 Turn from your sin 00:21:17.159 --> 00:21:18.039 and place your faith 00:21:18.039 --> 00:21:19.299 in Christ. 00:21:19.679 --> 00:21:20.259 That the gift 00:21:20.259 --> 00:21:20.659 of the spirit 00:21:20.659 --> 00:21:21.339 might be given to you 00:21:21.339 --> 00:21:22.379 that you would want 00:21:22.379 --> 00:21:23.639 to walk 00:21:23.639 --> 00:21:24.779 in his ways. 00:21:26.059 --> 00:21:26.980 Our conviction 00:21:26.980 --> 00:21:27.740 of sin 00:21:27.740 --> 00:21:30.019 seeing the ravages 00:21:30.019 --> 00:21:30.399 of sin 00:21:30.399 --> 00:21:30.939 in the lives 00:21:30.939 --> 00:21:31.519 of others 00:21:31.519 --> 00:21:33.059 our recognition 00:21:33.059 --> 00:21:34.019 that the whole 00:21:34.019 --> 00:21:34.720 of the world 00:21:34.720 --> 00:21:35.399 is under 00:21:35.399 --> 00:21:36.779 the curse 00:21:36.779 --> 00:21:38.099 is evidence 00:21:38.099 --> 00:21:39.339 that we have become 00:21:39.339 --> 00:21:40.519 spiritually sensitive 00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:41.259 to the state 00:21:41.259 --> 00:21:41.959 of things 00:21:41.959 --> 00:21:44.059 so we also 00:21:44.059 --> 00:21:44.859 along with 00:21:44.859 --> 00:21:46.000 the creation 00:21:46.000 --> 00:21:47.799 we groan. 00:21:47.799 --> 00:21:49.879 when you see 00:21:49.879 --> 00:21:50.980 another tragedy 00:21:50.980 --> 00:21:51.899 and it is difficult 00:21:51.899 --> 00:21:52.599 to avoid 00:21:52.599 --> 00:21:53.659 isn't it? 00:21:54.619 --> 00:21:55.799 The tragedy 00:21:55.799 --> 00:21:56.299 itself 00:21:56.299 --> 00:21:57.279 is tragic 00:21:57.279 --> 00:21:58.180 but the greater 00:21:58.180 --> 00:21:58.720 thing 00:21:58.720 --> 00:22:00.039 is that the whole 00:22:00.039 --> 00:22:00.799 world 00:22:00.799 --> 00:22:01.319 is under 00:22:01.319 --> 00:22:02.119 this 00:22:02.119 --> 00:22:03.099 curse 00:22:03.099 --> 00:22:04.299 and it should 00:22:04.299 --> 00:22:04.799 cause us 00:22:04.799 --> 00:22:05.799 such grief 00:22:05.799 --> 00:22:06.639 and then such 00:22:06.639 --> 00:22:07.359 desire 00:22:07.359 --> 00:22:07.980 to go 00:22:07.980 --> 00:22:08.919 and preach 00:22:08.919 --> 00:22:09.879 the good news 00:22:09.879 --> 00:22:11.319 of Jesus Christ 00:22:11.319 --> 00:22:12.079 as he's 00:22:12.079 --> 00:22:12.980 building his 00:22:12.980 --> 00:22:13.319 kingdom 00:22:13.319 --> 00:22:13.819 even 00:22:13.819 --> 00:22:15.119 now. 00:22:16.119 --> 00:22:17.259 So we groan 00:22:17.259 --> 00:22:17.799 when we see 00:22:17.799 --> 00:22:18.460 these things 00:22:18.460 --> 00:22:19.759 and I recognize 00:22:19.759 --> 00:22:20.279 that I have 00:22:20.279 --> 00:22:21.400 yet to carefully 00:22:21.400 --> 00:22:22.379 define this word 00:22:22.379 --> 00:22:23.019 that ties 00:22:23.019 --> 00:22:23.759 our text 00:22:23.759 --> 00:22:24.819 together 00:22:24.819 --> 00:22:25.339 although 00:22:25.339 --> 00:22:27.000 I think you 00:22:27.000 --> 00:22:27.480 likely 00:22:27.480 --> 00:22:28.980 get the idea. 00:22:29.500 --> 00:22:30.079 This is one of those 00:22:30.079 --> 00:22:30.940 places that the 00:22:30.940 --> 00:22:31.839 Greek word 00:22:31.839 --> 00:22:32.700 you read it 00:22:32.700 --> 00:22:32.960 and you go 00:22:32.960 --> 00:22:33.400 oh yeah 00:22:33.400 --> 00:22:34.119 that's really 00:22:34.119 --> 00:22:35.119 what I had in mind 00:22:35.119 --> 00:22:36.339 when I thought 00:22:36.339 --> 00:22:37.779 of groaning. 00:22:38.400 --> 00:22:39.240 But groaning 00:22:39.240 --> 00:22:40.019 means to 00:22:40.019 --> 00:22:41.720 vocally indicate 00:22:41.720 --> 00:22:42.339 pain 00:22:42.339 --> 00:22:43.240 or discomfort 00:22:43.240 --> 00:22:44.460 or displeasure 00:22:44.460 --> 00:22:46.359 and is used 00:22:46.359 --> 00:22:46.759 in Greek 00:22:46.759 --> 00:22:48.220 almost always 00:22:48.220 --> 00:22:49.019 in reference 00:22:49.019 --> 00:22:49.500 to 00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:50.740 inarticulate 00:22:50.740 --> 00:22:52.119 vocalization. 00:22:52.839 --> 00:22:53.519 So it's not 00:22:53.519 --> 00:22:54.200 a careful 00:22:54.200 --> 00:22:54.799 argument 00:22:54.799 --> 00:22:55.759 that you feel 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:56.539 pain 00:22:56.539 --> 00:22:57.079 or discomfort 00:22:57.079 --> 00:22:58.359 or displeasure 00:22:58.359 --> 00:22:59.019 it's a 00:22:59.019 --> 00:22:59.819 noise 00:22:59.819 --> 00:23:01.400 that communicates 00:23:01.400 --> 00:23:02.700 that very thing. 00:23:02.819 --> 00:23:03.140 We have 00:23:03.140 --> 00:23:04.519 all groaned 00:23:04.519 --> 00:23:05.299 about something 00:23:05.299 --> 00:23:06.759 in our lives. 00:23:07.460 --> 00:23:07.920 But here 00:23:07.920 --> 00:23:08.599 in verse 23 00:23:08.599 --> 00:23:09.299 Paul says 00:23:09.299 --> 00:23:10.299 that we groan 00:23:10.299 --> 00:23:11.519 inwardly 00:23:11.519 --> 00:23:12.759 to be sure 00:23:12.759 --> 00:23:13.220 we probably 00:23:13.220 --> 00:23:14.059 also groan 00:23:14.059 --> 00:23:14.839 outwardly 00:23:14.839 --> 00:23:15.439 but here 00:23:15.439 --> 00:23:15.819 he's talking 00:23:15.819 --> 00:23:16.039 about 00:23:16.039 --> 00:23:17.079 an inward 00:23:17.079 --> 00:23:18.240 growing 00:23:18.240 --> 00:23:18.639 and I think 00:23:18.639 --> 00:23:19.459 he means to 00:23:19.459 --> 00:23:19.799 tie this 00:23:19.799 --> 00:23:20.359 to this idea 00:23:20.359 --> 00:23:20.759 of it being 00:23:20.759 --> 00:23:21.299 of the first 00:23:21.299 --> 00:23:21.980 fruits of the 00:23:21.980 --> 00:23:22.319 spirit 00:23:22.319 --> 00:23:23.139 that inside 00:23:23.139 --> 00:23:23.980 of us 00:23:23.980 --> 00:23:24.879 we are 00:23:24.879 --> 00:23:26.500 discontented 00:23:26.500 --> 00:23:27.539 with the state 00:23:27.539 --> 00:23:28.159 of the world 00:23:28.159 --> 00:23:29.000 in which we live 00:23:29.000 --> 00:23:30.019 and with 00:23:30.019 --> 00:23:31.000 ourselves. 00:23:31.839 --> 00:23:32.539 I think he's 00:23:32.539 --> 00:23:33.319 referring to that 00:23:33.319 --> 00:23:34.839 feeling of angst 00:23:34.839 --> 00:23:35.779 we often feel 00:23:35.779 --> 00:23:37.179 as Christians. 00:23:38.079 --> 00:23:39.019 It is a groaning 00:23:39.019 --> 00:23:40.240 that I hope 00:23:40.240 --> 00:23:41.480 that you have 00:23:41.480 --> 00:23:42.059 experienced 00:23:42.059 --> 00:23:42.880 a spirit 00:23:42.880 --> 00:23:43.319 wrought 00:23:43.319 --> 00:23:43.859 emotion 00:23:43.859 --> 00:23:45.140 that this 00:23:45.140 --> 00:23:45.799 world is 00:23:45.799 --> 00:23:46.700 not as 00:23:46.700 --> 00:23:47.500 it should 00:23:47.500 --> 00:23:48.460 be 00:23:48.460 --> 00:23:49.579 and perhaps 00:23:49.579 --> 00:23:50.039 the realization 00:23:50.039 --> 00:23:50.759 that you are 00:23:50.759 --> 00:23:52.000 part of the 00:23:52.000 --> 00:23:52.440 problem 00:23:52.440 --> 00:23:53.839 and I hope 00:23:53.839 --> 00:23:54.420 that it is 00:23:54.420 --> 00:23:55.220 accomplished 00:23:55.220 --> 00:23:57.259 accompanied 00:23:57.259 --> 00:23:57.740 excuse me 00:23:57.740 --> 00:23:58.539 by a spirit 00:23:58.539 --> 00:23:58.839 wrought 00:23:58.839 --> 00:23:59.400 eagerness 00:23:59.400 --> 00:24:01.120 for adoption 00:24:01.120 --> 00:24:02.319 as sons 00:24:02.319 --> 00:24:03.440 the redemption 00:24:03.440 --> 00:24:05.339 of our bodies. 00:24:06.539 --> 00:24:07.480 Last week 00:24:07.480 --> 00:24:08.000 we saw in 00:24:08.000 --> 00:24:08.819 Romans chapter 00:24:08.819 --> 00:24:09.420 8 and 00:24:09.420 --> 00:24:10.539 verse 15 00:24:10.539 --> 00:24:11.920 there Paul 00:24:11.920 --> 00:24:12.140 says 00:24:12.140 --> 00:24:12.360 for you 00:24:12.360 --> 00:24:12.600 did not 00:24:12.600 --> 00:24:13.019 receive the 00:24:13.019 --> 00:24:13.400 spirit of 00:24:13.400 --> 00:24:13.700 slavery 00:24:13.700 --> 00:24:14.039 to fall 00:24:14.039 --> 00:24:14.340 back 00:24:14.340 --> 00:24:14.900 into fear 00:24:14.900 --> 00:24:15.940 but you 00:24:15.940 --> 00:24:16.440 have 00:24:16.440 --> 00:24:17.160 received 00:24:17.160 --> 00:24:18.000 the spirit 00:24:18.000 --> 00:24:18.500 of adoption 00:24:18.500 --> 00:24:19.539 as sons 00:24:19.539 --> 00:24:20.480 by whom 00:24:20.480 --> 00:24:21.160 we cry 00:24:21.160 --> 00:24:21.920 Abba 00:24:21.920 --> 00:24:23.039 Father. 00:24:23.700 --> 00:24:24.120 So in 00:24:24.120 --> 00:24:24.759 verse 15 00:24:24.759 --> 00:24:25.440 we have 00:24:25.440 --> 00:24:26.019 the statement 00:24:26.019 --> 00:24:27.380 of an 00:24:27.380 --> 00:24:27.960 accomplished 00:24:27.960 --> 00:24:28.700 work. 00:24:29.080 --> 00:24:29.500 You have 00:24:29.500 --> 00:24:30.240 received 00:24:30.240 --> 00:24:30.820 the spirit 00:24:30.820 --> 00:24:31.259 of adoption 00:24:31.259 --> 00:24:32.180 as sons. 00:24:32.320 --> 00:24:32.759 You have 00:24:32.759 --> 00:24:33.100 been 00:24:33.100 --> 00:24:34.200 adopted. 00:24:35.200 --> 00:24:35.740 Here in 00:24:35.740 --> 00:24:36.360 verse 23 00:24:36.360 --> 00:24:37.840 we see the 00:24:37.840 --> 00:24:38.740 eager expectation 00:24:38.740 --> 00:24:39.640 of the task 00:24:39.640 --> 00:24:40.420 being 00:24:40.420 --> 00:24:41.700 accomplished. 00:24:42.019 --> 00:24:42.259 So an 00:24:42.259 --> 00:24:42.720 accomplished 00:24:42.720 --> 00:24:43.220 task 00:24:43.220 --> 00:24:43.859 that we're 00:24:43.859 --> 00:24:44.359 desiring 00:24:44.359 --> 00:24:45.120 to see 00:24:45.120 --> 00:24:46.599 be accomplished. 00:24:47.200 --> 00:24:48.039 The already 00:24:48.039 --> 00:24:48.680 and the 00:24:48.680 --> 00:24:50.259 not yet 00:24:50.259 --> 00:24:50.779 and this 00:24:50.779 --> 00:24:51.819 is the gap 00:24:51.819 --> 00:24:52.660 in which 00:24:52.660 --> 00:24:54.039 we live. 00:24:54.880 --> 00:24:55.680 We have 00:24:55.680 --> 00:24:56.220 been adopted 00:24:56.220 --> 00:24:57.519 and yet 00:24:57.519 --> 00:24:58.500 the full 00:24:58.500 --> 00:24:59.319 realization 00:24:59.319 --> 00:25:01.299 awaits us. 00:25:02.440 --> 00:25:03.120 Paul clarifies 00:25:03.120 --> 00:25:03.940 this with the 00:25:03.940 --> 00:25:04.420 phrase 00:25:04.420 --> 00:25:05.420 the redemption 00:25:05.420 --> 00:25:06.580 of our 00:25:06.580 --> 00:25:06.960 bodies. 00:25:07.259 --> 00:25:07.400 We're 00:25:07.400 --> 00:25:07.980 awaiting 00:25:07.980 --> 00:25:08.220 this 00:25:08.220 --> 00:25:08.740 adoption 00:25:08.740 --> 00:25:09.000 of 00:25:09.000 --> 00:25:09.279 sons, 00:25:09.460 --> 00:25:09.620 the 00:25:09.620 --> 00:25:10.259 redemption 00:25:10.259 --> 00:25:11.860 of our 00:25:11.860 --> 00:25:12.300 bodies. 00:25:13.279 --> 00:25:13.620 Bodies 00:25:13.620 --> 00:25:14.080 is a 00:25:14.080 --> 00:25:14.920 reference 00:25:14.920 --> 00:25:15.920 to all 00:25:15.920 --> 00:25:16.220 of our 00:25:16.220 --> 00:25:16.779 fallen 00:25:16.779 --> 00:25:17.800 humanness 00:25:17.800 --> 00:25:18.560 that remains 00:25:18.560 --> 00:25:20.200 with us. 00:25:20.680 --> 00:25:20.920 We 00:25:20.920 --> 00:25:21.980 experience 00:25:21.980 --> 00:25:22.740 the 00:25:22.740 --> 00:25:23.279 weightiness 00:25:23.279 --> 00:25:24.120 of this 00:25:24.120 --> 00:25:25.360 each and 00:25:25.360 --> 00:25:26.120 every day. 00:25:26.279 --> 00:25:26.600 This is 00:25:26.600 --> 00:25:27.420 where Paul 00:25:27.420 --> 00:25:28.740 finds himself 00:25:28.740 --> 00:25:30.060 leading into 00:25:30.060 --> 00:25:30.980 this argument. 00:25:30.980 --> 00:25:32.240 You may 00:25:32.240 --> 00:25:32.839 recall 00:25:32.839 --> 00:25:33.299 Romans 00:25:33.299 --> 00:25:34.160 chapter 7 00:25:34.160 --> 00:25:34.579 in verse 00:25:34.579 --> 00:25:35.620 24 00:25:35.620 --> 00:25:36.180 after he's 00:25:36.180 --> 00:25:36.720 talked about 00:25:36.720 --> 00:25:37.599 this wrestling 00:25:37.599 --> 00:25:38.140 to do the 00:25:38.140 --> 00:25:38.539 thing that he 00:25:38.539 --> 00:25:39.240 desires to do 00:25:39.240 --> 00:25:39.640 and yet not 00:25:39.640 --> 00:25:40.000 doing the 00:25:40.000 --> 00:25:40.339 thing that he 00:25:40.339 --> 00:25:40.819 desires to 00:25:40.819 --> 00:25:40.980 do. 00:25:41.059 --> 00:25:41.319 He says 00:25:41.319 --> 00:25:41.559 in verse 00:25:41.559 --> 00:25:41.980 24, 00:25:42.539 --> 00:25:42.819 Wretched 00:25:42.819 --> 00:25:43.660 man that 00:25:43.660 --> 00:25:44.259 I am, 00:25:44.599 --> 00:25:45.120 who will 00:25:45.120 --> 00:25:45.839 deliver me 00:25:45.839 --> 00:25:46.500 from this 00:25:46.500 --> 00:25:47.660 body of 00:25:47.660 --> 00:25:48.039 death? 00:25:48.559 --> 00:25:48.980 He says 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:49.180 who? 00:25:49.940 --> 00:25:50.259 Jesus 00:25:50.259 --> 00:25:50.559 Christ 00:25:50.559 --> 00:25:51.059 our Lord. 00:25:51.279 --> 00:25:51.480 Romans 00:25:51.480 --> 00:25:51.940 8.1 00:25:51.940 --> 00:25:52.160 There is 00:25:52.160 --> 00:25:52.380 therefore 00:25:52.380 --> 00:25:52.920 now no 00:25:52.920 --> 00:25:53.539 condemnation 00:25:53.539 --> 00:25:53.980 for those 00:25:53.980 --> 00:25:54.200 who are 00:25:54.200 --> 00:25:55.120 in Christ 00:25:55.120 --> 00:25:56.019 Jesus. 00:25:56.519 --> 00:25:57.059 Praise 00:25:57.059 --> 00:25:57.440 be to 00:25:57.440 --> 00:25:57.819 God 00:25:57.819 --> 00:25:58.200 for his 00:25:58.200 --> 00:25:58.539 saving 00:25:58.539 --> 00:25:59.099 work in 00:25:59.099 --> 00:25:59.240 our 00:25:59.240 --> 00:25:59.660 lives 00:25:59.660 --> 00:26:00.380 because 00:26:00.380 --> 00:26:02.100 we're 00:26:02.100 --> 00:26:02.640 not 00:26:02.640 --> 00:26:03.880 perfect. 00:26:05.500 --> 00:26:06.120 Set 00:26:06.120 --> 00:26:06.320 free 00:26:06.320 --> 00:26:06.580 from the 00:26:06.580 --> 00:26:06.980 power of 00:26:06.980 --> 00:26:07.360 sin and 00:26:07.360 --> 00:26:08.080 yet we 00:26:08.080 --> 00:26:09.180 still 00:26:09.180 --> 00:26:10.540 sin. 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:12.080 Desiring 00:26:12.080 --> 00:26:12.560 not to 00:26:12.560 --> 00:26:12.860 sin, 00:26:13.740 --> 00:26:14.460 yet we 00:26:14.460 --> 00:26:15.600 still 00:26:15.600 --> 00:26:17.040 sin. 00:26:17.160 --> 00:26:17.320 Wretched 00:26:17.320 --> 00:26:17.900 man that 00:26:17.900 --> 00:26:18.560 I am, 00:26:18.840 --> 00:26:19.260 praise be 00:26:19.260 --> 00:26:20.040 to God 00:26:20.040 --> 00:26:21.100 that Christ 00:26:21.100 --> 00:26:22.040 will 00:26:22.040 --> 00:26:22.760 deliver me, 00:26:23.000 --> 00:26:23.480 has, 00:26:23.600 --> 00:26:24.040 and will 00:26:24.040 --> 00:26:24.620 finish 00:26:24.620 --> 00:26:26.400 the work. 00:26:27.860 --> 00:26:28.180 And so 00:26:28.180 --> 00:26:28.620 we ebb 00:26:28.620 --> 00:26:28.980 and we 00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:30.020 flow in 00:26:30.019 --> 00:26:30.240 our 00:26:30.240 --> 00:26:31.299 Christian 00:26:31.299 --> 00:26:31.920 experience 00:26:31.920 --> 00:26:32.420 and perhaps 00:26:32.420 --> 00:26:32.819 you have 00:26:32.819 --> 00:26:33.619 at times 00:26:33.619 --> 00:26:34.119 wondered 00:26:34.119 --> 00:26:35.220 as you 00:26:35.220 --> 00:26:35.859 took stock 00:26:35.859 --> 00:26:36.099 of your 00:26:36.099 --> 00:26:36.420 life, 00:26:36.539 --> 00:26:37.299 am I 00:26:37.299 --> 00:26:37.799 a Christian 00:26:37.799 --> 00:26:39.079 at all? 00:26:40.460 --> 00:26:40.839 Perhaps 00:26:40.839 --> 00:26:41.220 you felt 00:26:41.220 --> 00:26:41.740 like giving 00:26:41.740 --> 00:26:42.279 up and 00:26:42.279 --> 00:26:43.160 not following 00:26:43.160 --> 00:26:43.779 Christ 00:26:43.779 --> 00:26:45.119 any longer 00:26:45.119 --> 00:26:46.480 and I 00:26:46.480 --> 00:26:46.799 hope 00:26:46.799 --> 00:26:48.019 that he's 00:26:48.019 --> 00:26:48.579 kept you, 00:26:48.900 --> 00:26:49.299 that he's 00:26:49.299 --> 00:26:49.720 held you 00:26:49.720 --> 00:26:50.319 because you 00:26:50.319 --> 00:26:52.000 are his, 00:26:52.099 --> 00:26:52.460 that when 00:26:52.460 --> 00:26:53.200 you feel 00:26:53.200 --> 00:26:53.859 like you're 00:26:53.859 --> 00:26:54.480 faltering, 00:26:54.619 --> 00:26:55.240 you recognize 00:26:55.240 --> 00:26:55.879 that he 00:26:55.880 --> 00:26:56.680 never 00:26:56.680 --> 00:26:58.140 will. 00:27:00.260 --> 00:27:00.740 Another 00:27:00.740 --> 00:27:01.200 quotation 00:27:01.200 --> 00:27:01.980 for you, 00:27:02.040 --> 00:27:02.380 this is 00:27:02.380 --> 00:27:03.300 Thomas Watson 00:27:03.300 --> 00:27:03.660 who's a 00:27:03.660 --> 00:27:03.980 Puritan 00:27:03.980 --> 00:27:05.080 pastor. 00:27:06.200 --> 00:27:06.820 If my 00:27:06.820 --> 00:27:07.380 memory serves 00:27:07.380 --> 00:27:07.820 me well, 00:27:08.240 --> 00:27:09.080 it should 00:27:09.080 --> 00:27:09.380 because it 00:27:09.380 --> 00:27:09.780 only happened 00:27:09.780 --> 00:27:10.220 this week, 00:27:10.900 --> 00:27:11.360 the kids 00:27:11.360 --> 00:27:11.960 coloring sheets 00:27:11.960 --> 00:27:12.360 has a little 00:27:12.360 --> 00:27:12.780 drawing of 00:27:12.780 --> 00:27:13.340 Thomas Watson 00:27:13.340 --> 00:27:14.000 on the back 00:27:14.000 --> 00:27:14.280 of it 00:27:14.280 --> 00:27:15.120 this morning. 00:27:15.660 --> 00:27:16.320 Not by 00:27:16.320 --> 00:27:16.960 plan at 00:27:16.960 --> 00:27:17.180 all. 00:27:17.960 --> 00:27:18.400 He once 00:27:18.400 --> 00:27:19.160 said this, 00:27:19.160 --> 00:27:19.500 quote, 00:27:20.580 --> 00:27:21.460 the godly 00:27:21.460 --> 00:27:22.120 may act 00:27:22.120 --> 00:27:22.860 faintly 00:27:22.860 --> 00:27:23.540 in religion. 00:27:24.420 --> 00:27:25.160 The pulse 00:27:25.160 --> 00:27:25.480 of their 00:27:25.480 --> 00:27:26.100 affections 00:27:26.100 --> 00:27:26.720 may beat 00:27:26.720 --> 00:27:27.380 low. 00:27:28.259 --> 00:27:28.880 The exercise 00:27:28.880 --> 00:27:29.580 of grace 00:27:29.580 --> 00:27:30.080 may be 00:27:30.080 --> 00:27:30.500 hindered 00:27:30.500 --> 00:27:31.320 as when 00:27:31.320 --> 00:27:31.880 the course 00:27:31.880 --> 00:27:32.500 of water 00:27:32.500 --> 00:27:33.759 is stopped. 00:27:34.500 --> 00:27:34.960 Instead 00:27:34.960 --> 00:27:35.440 of grace 00:27:35.440 --> 00:27:36.080 working in 00:27:36.080 --> 00:27:36.700 the godly, 00:27:37.140 --> 00:27:37.480 corruption 00:27:37.480 --> 00:27:38.140 may work. 00:27:38.720 --> 00:27:39.000 Instead 00:27:39.000 --> 00:27:39.740 of patience, 00:27:40.200 --> 00:27:40.580 murmuring. 00:27:41.400 --> 00:27:41.740 Instead 00:27:41.740 --> 00:27:42.640 of heavenliness, 00:27:43.340 --> 00:27:43.759 earthliness. 00:27:44.980 --> 00:27:45.259 Thus 00:27:45.259 --> 00:27:45.980 lively and 00:27:45.980 --> 00:27:46.720 vigorous may 00:27:46.720 --> 00:27:47.500 corruption be 00:27:47.500 --> 00:27:47.820 in the 00:27:47.820 --> 00:27:48.259 regenerate. 00:27:48.340 --> 00:27:48.620 They may 00:27:48.619 --> 00:27:49.419 fall into 00:27:49.419 --> 00:27:50.219 enormous 00:27:50.219 --> 00:27:51.239 sins, 00:27:52.299 --> 00:27:52.759 but 00:27:52.759 --> 00:27:54.179 through 00:27:54.179 --> 00:27:54.859 their grace 00:27:54.859 --> 00:27:55.279 may be 00:27:55.279 --> 00:27:56.299 drawn low, 00:27:56.459 --> 00:27:56.779 though their 00:27:56.779 --> 00:27:57.199 grace may 00:27:57.199 --> 00:27:57.500 be drawn 00:27:57.500 --> 00:27:57.759 low, 00:27:57.839 --> 00:27:58.399 it is not 00:27:58.399 --> 00:27:59.819 drawn dry. 00:28:00.519 --> 00:28:01.199 Though grace 00:28:01.199 --> 00:28:01.639 may be 00:28:01.639 --> 00:28:02.259 abated, 00:28:02.679 --> 00:28:03.399 it is not 00:28:03.399 --> 00:28:04.639 abolished. 00:28:05.500 --> 00:28:05.779 Grace 00:28:05.779 --> 00:28:06.359 may suffer 00:28:06.359 --> 00:28:07.159 an eclipse, 00:28:07.879 --> 00:28:08.339 not a 00:28:08.339 --> 00:28:08.859 dissolution. 00:28:09.819 --> 00:28:10.259 A believer 00:28:10.259 --> 00:28:10.899 may fall 00:28:10.899 --> 00:28:11.439 from some 00:28:11.439 --> 00:28:12.039 degrees of 00:28:12.039 --> 00:28:12.459 grace, 00:28:12.759 --> 00:28:13.599 but not 00:28:13.599 --> 00:28:14.659 from the 00:28:14.659 --> 00:28:15.059 state 00:28:15.059 --> 00:28:16.339 of grace. 00:28:16.339 --> 00:28:16.419 grace. 00:28:18.139 --> 00:28:18.579 So we 00:28:18.579 --> 00:28:19.559 feel this 00:28:19.559 --> 00:28:20.899 already 00:28:20.899 --> 00:28:21.679 and the 00:28:21.679 --> 00:28:23.399 not yet. 00:28:24.480 --> 00:28:24.919 Wretched 00:28:24.919 --> 00:28:25.519 man that 00:28:25.519 --> 00:28:25.939 I am, 00:28:26.019 --> 00:28:26.399 who will 00:28:26.399 --> 00:28:26.879 deliver me 00:28:26.879 --> 00:28:28.240 from this 00:28:28.240 --> 00:28:28.720 body of 00:28:28.720 --> 00:28:29.059 death? 00:28:29.859 --> 00:28:30.359 Listen to 00:28:30.359 --> 00:28:30.819 King David 00:28:30.819 --> 00:28:32.439 say similar 00:28:32.439 --> 00:28:33.019 things in 00:28:33.019 --> 00:28:34.159 Psalm 38. 00:28:34.399 --> 00:28:34.839 I'm going to 00:28:34.839 --> 00:28:35.439 kind of jump 00:28:35.439 --> 00:28:35.839 through the 00:28:35.839 --> 00:28:36.099 text. 00:28:36.179 --> 00:28:36.419 This is 00:28:36.419 --> 00:28:36.980 verse 4, 00:28:37.099 --> 00:28:37.639 verse 9 and 00:28:37.639 --> 00:28:37.899 10, 00:28:38.039 --> 00:28:38.619 verse 17 and 00:28:38.619 --> 00:28:38.899 18, 00:28:39.019 --> 00:28:39.220 and verse 00:28:39.220 --> 00:28:39.899 21 and 00:28:39.899 --> 00:28:40.579 22. 00:28:40.579 --> 00:28:41.539 But listen to 00:28:41.539 --> 00:28:42.599 what he 00:28:42.599 --> 00:28:42.920 says. 00:28:43.720 --> 00:28:44.319 My 00:28:44.319 --> 00:28:44.899 iniquities 00:28:44.899 --> 00:28:45.299 have gone 00:28:45.299 --> 00:28:46.059 over my 00:28:46.059 --> 00:28:46.720 head like 00:28:46.720 --> 00:28:47.159 a heavy 00:28:47.159 --> 00:28:47.559 burden. 00:28:47.960 --> 00:28:48.240 They are 00:28:48.240 --> 00:28:49.299 too heavy 00:28:49.299 --> 00:28:50.379 for me. 00:28:51.379 --> 00:28:52.000 O Lord, 00:28:52.139 --> 00:28:52.839 all my 00:28:52.839 --> 00:28:53.420 longing is 00:28:53.420 --> 00:28:53.920 before you. 00:28:54.000 --> 00:28:54.159 My 00:28:54.159 --> 00:28:55.059 sighing is 00:28:55.059 --> 00:28:55.700 not hidden 00:28:55.700 --> 00:28:56.379 from you. 00:28:57.039 --> 00:28:57.759 My heart 00:28:57.759 --> 00:28:58.779 throbs. 00:28:59.339 --> 00:29:00.180 My strength 00:29:00.180 --> 00:29:01.119 fails me. 00:29:01.399 --> 00:29:01.720 And the 00:29:01.720 --> 00:29:02.180 light of my 00:29:02.180 --> 00:29:03.059 eyes, it 00:29:03.059 --> 00:29:03.740 has also 00:29:03.740 --> 00:29:04.539 gone from 00:29:04.539 --> 00:29:04.740 me. 00:29:05.859 --> 00:29:06.319 I am 00:29:06.319 --> 00:29:06.740 ready to 00:29:06.740 --> 00:29:07.720 fall, and 00:29:07.720 --> 00:29:08.420 my pain 00:29:08.420 --> 00:29:08.980 is ever 00:29:08.980 --> 00:29:09.579 before me. 00:29:09.579 --> 00:29:11.299 I confess 00:29:11.299 --> 00:29:12.000 my iniquity. 00:29:12.159 --> 00:29:12.500 I am 00:29:12.500 --> 00:29:14.319 sorry for 00:29:14.319 --> 00:29:14.839 my sin. 00:29:15.799 --> 00:29:16.519 Do not 00:29:16.519 --> 00:29:16.980 forsake 00:29:16.980 --> 00:29:17.419 me, O 00:29:17.419 --> 00:29:17.720 Lord. 00:29:17.819 --> 00:29:18.299 O my 00:29:18.299 --> 00:29:18.980 God, be 00:29:18.980 --> 00:29:19.720 not far 00:29:19.720 --> 00:29:20.299 from me. 00:29:21.139 --> 00:29:21.419 Make 00:29:21.419 --> 00:29:22.179 haste to 00:29:22.179 --> 00:29:22.659 help me, 00:29:23.179 --> 00:29:23.379 O 00:29:23.379 --> 00:29:23.799 Lord, 00:29:24.480 --> 00:29:25.019 my 00:29:25.019 --> 00:29:26.419 salvation. 00:29:27.720 --> 00:29:28.059 Do you 00:29:28.059 --> 00:29:29.439 hear the 00:29:29.439 --> 00:29:30.240 groaning 00:29:30.240 --> 00:29:31.139 inwardly as 00:29:31.139 --> 00:29:32.000 we wait 00:29:32.000 --> 00:29:32.699 eagerly for 00:29:32.699 --> 00:29:33.519 adoption of 00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:34.059 sons, the 00:29:34.059 --> 00:29:35.039 redemption of 00:29:35.039 --> 00:29:36.740 our bodies 00:29:36.740 --> 00:29:37.839 in these 00:29:37.839 --> 00:29:38.259 texts? 00:29:38.259 --> 00:29:38.359 us. 00:29:39.879 --> 00:29:40.379 Notice 00:29:40.379 --> 00:29:41.200 that Paul 00:29:41.200 --> 00:29:41.640 places 00:29:41.640 --> 00:29:42.720 emphasis on 00:29:42.720 --> 00:29:43.359 our full 00:29:43.359 --> 00:29:43.960 and final 00:29:43.960 --> 00:29:44.700 deliverance 00:29:44.700 --> 00:29:45.220 from our 00:29:45.220 --> 00:29:45.660 fallen 00:29:45.660 --> 00:29:46.900 humanness. 00:29:47.779 --> 00:29:48.000 It is 00:29:48.000 --> 00:29:48.559 certainly good 00:29:48.559 --> 00:29:49.059 to long 00:29:49.059 --> 00:29:49.759 for all 00:29:49.759 --> 00:29:50.220 things to 00:29:50.220 --> 00:29:50.680 be made 00:29:50.680 --> 00:29:52.019 new, but 00:29:52.019 --> 00:29:52.240 he is 00:29:52.240 --> 00:29:52.700 pressing 00:29:52.700 --> 00:29:54.359 us being 00:29:54.359 --> 00:29:55.019 made 00:29:55.019 --> 00:29:55.779 new. 00:29:56.799 --> 00:29:57.119 This 00:29:57.119 --> 00:29:58.299 will matter 00:29:58.299 --> 00:29:59.059 greatly as 00:29:59.059 --> 00:29:59.460 his argument 00:29:59.460 --> 00:30:00.339 proceeds in 00:30:00.339 --> 00:30:00.779 the coming 00:30:00.779 --> 00:30:01.859 verses. 00:30:02.900 --> 00:30:03.299 Mankind 00:30:03.299 --> 00:30:04.099 is the 00:30:04.099 --> 00:30:05.079 crowning of 00:30:05.079 --> 00:30:05.680 God's 00:30:05.680 --> 00:30:06.640 creation. 00:30:06.640 --> 00:30:07.259 God 00:30:07.259 --> 00:30:09.460 is 00:30:09.460 --> 00:30:10.580 doing. 00:30:10.580 --> 00:30:10.740 We are 00:30:10.740 --> 00:30:11.240 made in 00:30:11.240 --> 00:30:11.860 his image 00:30:11.860 --> 00:30:12.380 and meant 00:30:12.380 --> 00:30:12.680 to be 00:30:12.680 --> 00:30:13.700 propagators 00:30:13.700 --> 00:30:14.420 of his 00:30:14.420 --> 00:30:14.800 glory. 00:30:14.920 --> 00:30:15.040 We are 00:30:15.040 --> 00:30:15.320 meant to 00:30:15.320 --> 00:30:16.080 spread his 00:30:16.080 --> 00:30:17.600 image and 00:30:17.600 --> 00:30:17.980 glory 00:30:17.980 --> 00:30:19.259 everywhere. 00:30:20.280 --> 00:30:20.800 Notice in 00:30:20.800 --> 00:30:21.280 verse 21 00:30:21.280 --> 00:30:21.600 that the 00:30:21.600 --> 00:30:21.920 creation 00:30:21.920 --> 00:30:22.540 itself will 00:30:22.540 --> 00:30:22.940 be set 00:30:22.940 --> 00:30:23.480 free from 00:30:23.480 --> 00:30:24.020 its bondage 00:30:24.020 --> 00:30:24.540 to corruption 00:30:24.540 --> 00:30:25.759 and obtain 00:30:25.759 --> 00:30:26.780 the freedom 00:30:26.780 --> 00:30:27.780 of the 00:30:27.780 --> 00:30:28.920 glory of 00:30:28.920 --> 00:30:29.360 the children 00:30:29.360 --> 00:30:30.540 of God. 00:30:30.860 --> 00:30:31.300 We are 00:30:31.300 --> 00:30:31.940 the most 00:30:31.940 --> 00:30:32.580 important 00:30:32.580 --> 00:30:33.360 redemptive 00:30:33.360 --> 00:30:34.100 thing that 00:30:34.100 --> 00:30:35.340 God is 00:30:35.339 --> 00:30:35.819 doing. 00:30:36.299 --> 00:30:36.899 It affects 00:30:36.899 --> 00:30:37.759 all the 00:30:37.759 --> 00:30:38.139 other 00:30:38.139 --> 00:30:39.759 things. 00:30:41.119 --> 00:30:41.759 Now what 00:30:41.759 --> 00:30:42.079 does all 00:30:42.079 --> 00:30:42.500 of this 00:30:42.500 --> 00:30:43.220 mean 00:30:43.220 --> 00:30:44.539 for us? 00:30:45.399 --> 00:30:45.939 Praise 00:30:45.939 --> 00:30:46.519 God that 00:30:46.519 --> 00:30:47.839 Paul tells 00:30:47.839 --> 00:30:48.159 us. 00:30:48.419 --> 00:30:48.980 We have 00:30:48.980 --> 00:30:49.559 no need 00:30:49.559 --> 00:30:50.039 to look 00:30:50.039 --> 00:30:50.439 elsewhere 00:30:50.439 --> 00:30:51.359 in the 00:30:51.359 --> 00:30:51.679 text. 00:30:51.859 --> 00:30:52.119 We don't 00:30:52.119 --> 00:30:52.759 have to 00:30:52.759 --> 00:30:53.559 philosophize 00:30:53.559 --> 00:30:54.079 about it 00:30:54.079 --> 00:30:54.899 at all. 00:30:54.980 --> 00:30:55.379 He tells 00:30:55.379 --> 00:30:56.220 us right 00:30:56.220 --> 00:30:56.939 here in 00:30:56.939 --> 00:30:57.419 the text 00:30:57.419 --> 00:30:59.179 verse 24 00:30:59.179 --> 00:31:00.019 and 25. 00:31:01.019 --> 00:31:01.359 He says 00:31:01.359 --> 00:31:01.899 for in 00:31:01.899 --> 00:31:02.740 this 00:31:02.740 --> 00:31:03.740 hope 00:31:03.740 --> 00:31:04.720 we were 00:31:04.720 --> 00:31:05.199 saved. 00:31:05.339 --> 00:31:06.659 What 00:31:06.659 --> 00:31:07.019 hope? 00:31:07.119 --> 00:31:07.459 What hope 00:31:07.459 --> 00:31:07.639 is he 00:31:07.639 --> 00:31:07.919 talking 00:31:07.919 --> 00:31:08.240 about? 00:31:08.339 --> 00:31:08.500 He's 00:31:08.500 --> 00:31:08.740 talking 00:31:08.740 --> 00:31:08.959 about 00:31:08.959 --> 00:31:09.259 the 00:31:09.259 --> 00:31:09.779 hope 00:31:09.779 --> 00:31:10.959 of 00:31:10.959 --> 00:31:11.319 glory. 00:31:12.319 --> 00:31:12.779 It's 00:31:12.779 --> 00:31:13.399 in the 00:31:13.399 --> 00:31:13.919 hope of 00:31:13.919 --> 00:31:14.419 glory, 00:31:14.619 --> 00:31:15.079 the very 00:31:15.079 --> 00:31:16.119 reason 00:31:16.119 --> 00:31:17.599 that we 00:31:17.599 --> 00:31:17.799 were 00:31:17.799 --> 00:31:18.279 saved. 00:31:19.399 --> 00:31:19.659 And then 00:31:19.659 --> 00:31:19.879 he goes 00:31:19.879 --> 00:31:20.119 on to 00:31:20.119 --> 00:31:20.519 say now, 00:31:20.679 --> 00:31:21.139 hope that 00:31:21.139 --> 00:31:21.859 is seen 00:31:21.859 --> 00:31:23.199 is not 00:31:23.199 --> 00:31:23.500 hope. 00:31:24.379 --> 00:31:25.039 For who 00:31:25.039 --> 00:31:25.519 hopes for 00:31:25.519 --> 00:31:25.919 what he 00:31:25.919 --> 00:31:26.579 sees? 00:31:26.659 --> 00:31:26.939 Which is a 00:31:26.939 --> 00:31:27.399 rhetorical 00:31:27.399 --> 00:31:28.199 question. 00:31:28.619 --> 00:31:28.819 Of course, 00:31:28.859 --> 00:31:29.099 if the 00:31:29.099 --> 00:31:29.539 thing is 00:31:29.539 --> 00:31:29.819 already 00:31:29.819 --> 00:31:30.159 here, 00:31:30.240 --> 00:31:30.480 you have 00:31:30.480 --> 00:31:30.939 no hope 00:31:30.939 --> 00:31:31.179 that it 00:31:31.179 --> 00:31:31.279 will 00:31:31.279 --> 00:31:31.619 arrive. 00:31:31.699 --> 00:31:31.759 It 00:31:31.759 --> 00:31:32.099 has 00:31:32.099 --> 00:31:33.019 already 00:31:33.019 --> 00:31:33.059 ! 00:31:33.059 --> 00:31:34.099 a 00:31:34.099 --> 00:31:34.379 wife. 00:31:34.380 --> 00:31:34.760 Remember, 00:31:34.880 --> 00:31:34.980 we're 00:31:34.980 --> 00:31:35.360 waiting 00:31:35.360 --> 00:31:35.620 with 00:31:35.620 --> 00:31:35.940 eager 00:31:35.940 --> 00:31:36.600 expectation 00:31:36.600 --> 00:31:37.220 for 00:31:37.220 --> 00:31:37.760 our 00:31:37.760 --> 00:31:38.160 glory 00:31:38.160 --> 00:31:39.060 to 00:31:39.060 --> 00:31:39.680 arrive. 00:31:40.920 --> 00:31:41.220 But then 00:31:41.220 --> 00:31:41.420 he says 00:31:41.420 --> 00:31:41.760 in verse 00:31:41.760 --> 00:31:42.420 25, 00:31:42.540 --> 00:31:42.740 but if 00:31:42.740 --> 00:31:43.640 we hope 00:31:43.640 --> 00:31:44.040 for what 00:31:44.040 --> 00:31:44.400 we do 00:31:44.400 --> 00:31:44.680 not 00:31:44.680 --> 00:31:45.080 see, 00:31:45.860 --> 00:31:46.480 we wait 00:31:46.480 --> 00:31:47.000 for it 00:31:47.000 --> 00:31:48.140 with 00:31:48.140 --> 00:31:48.740 patience. 00:31:50.020 --> 00:31:50.580 Patient 00:31:50.580 --> 00:31:50.940 hope. 00:31:51.460 --> 00:31:51.780 What do 00:31:51.780 --> 00:31:52.120 we do 00:31:52.120 --> 00:31:53.340 with all 00:31:53.340 --> 00:31:53.880 of this? 00:31:54.480 --> 00:31:54.900 As we 00:31:54.900 --> 00:31:55.260 live in 00:31:55.260 --> 00:31:55.480 this 00:31:55.480 --> 00:31:56.460 in-between 00:31:56.460 --> 00:31:57.620 time, 00:31:58.240 --> 00:31:58.520 having 00:31:58.520 --> 00:31:59.580 been 00:31:59.580 --> 00:31:59.960 delivered 00:31:59.960 --> 00:32:00.460 from our 00:32:00.460 --> 00:32:00.800 sin, 00:32:01.020 --> 00:32:01.220 been 00:32:01.220 --> 00:32:01.940 saved, 00:32:02.060 --> 00:32:02.260 having 00:32:02.259 --> 00:32:02.579 been 00:32:02.579 --> 00:32:03.160 adopted, 00:32:03.420 --> 00:32:03.759 and yet 00:32:03.759 --> 00:32:04.400 awaiting 00:32:04.400 --> 00:32:06.079 the full 00:32:06.079 --> 00:32:06.879 culmination 00:32:06.879 --> 00:32:07.920 of all 00:32:07.920 --> 00:32:08.140 of the 00:32:08.140 --> 00:32:08.500 promises 00:32:08.500 --> 00:32:09.000 of God 00:32:09.000 --> 00:32:09.859 for us. 00:32:11.000 --> 00:32:11.500 Patient 00:32:11.500 --> 00:32:13.339 hope. 00:32:14.119 --> 00:32:14.740 Does 00:32:14.740 --> 00:32:15.119 patient 00:32:15.119 --> 00:32:15.480 hope 00:32:15.480 --> 00:32:16.220 characterize 00:32:16.220 --> 00:32:17.579 your 00:32:17.579 --> 00:32:17.960 Christian 00:32:17.960 --> 00:32:18.400 walk? 00:32:19.259 --> 00:32:19.879 It 00:32:19.879 --> 00:32:20.160 doesn't 00:32:20.160 --> 00:32:20.359 always 00:32:20.359 --> 00:32:20.759 characterize 00:32:20.759 --> 00:32:21.299 mine, 00:32:21.480 --> 00:32:21.859 to be 00:32:21.859 --> 00:32:22.079 sure. 00:32:22.640 --> 00:32:22.879 I 00:32:22.879 --> 00:32:23.339 see a 00:32:23.339 --> 00:32:23.619 lot 00:32:23.619 --> 00:32:23.819 of 00:32:23.819 --> 00:32:24.279 Christians 00:32:24.279 --> 00:32:25.400 who 00:32:25.400 --> 00:32:25.660 do 00:32:25.660 --> 00:32:25.980 not 00:32:25.980 --> 00:32:26.500 have 00:32:26.500 --> 00:32:27.319 patient 00:32:27.319 --> 00:32:28.319 hope. 00:32:28.759 --> 00:32:29.039 They're 00:32:29.039 --> 00:32:29.259 in 00:32:29.259 --> 00:32:29.819 turmoil, 00:32:30.259 --> 00:32:30.579 and they're 00:32:30.579 --> 00:32:31.339 anxious, 00:32:31.339 --> 00:32:32.720 unsure 00:32:32.720 --> 00:32:33.579 of what 00:32:33.579 --> 00:32:33.740 the 00:32:33.740 --> 00:32:34.199 future 00:32:34.199 --> 00:32:35.339 holds. 00:32:36.279 --> 00:32:36.759 Avoiding 00:32:36.759 --> 00:32:37.199 at every 00:32:37.199 --> 00:32:37.639 turn 00:32:37.639 --> 00:32:38.220 suffering 00:32:38.220 --> 00:32:39.179 in this 00:32:39.179 --> 00:32:39.699 life. 00:32:41.240 --> 00:32:41.679 We've 00:32:41.679 --> 00:32:41.759 got to 00:32:41.759 --> 00:32:42.039 encounter 00:32:42.039 --> 00:32:42.639 everything 00:32:42.639 --> 00:32:43.039 that we 00:32:43.039 --> 00:32:43.539 encounter 00:32:43.539 --> 00:32:44.199 with 00:32:44.199 --> 00:32:45.259 patient 00:32:45.259 --> 00:32:46.619 hope. 00:32:47.220 --> 00:32:47.819 Paul in 00:32:47.819 --> 00:32:48.220 just a bit 00:32:48.220 --> 00:32:48.459 is going 00:32:48.459 --> 00:32:48.720 to tell 00:32:48.720 --> 00:32:48.899 us, 00:32:48.959 --> 00:32:49.539 because we 00:32:49.539 --> 00:32:49.879 know 00:32:49.879 --> 00:32:51.039 that for 00:32:51.039 --> 00:32:51.279 those who 00:32:51.279 --> 00:32:51.619 love God, 00:32:51.759 --> 00:32:52.859 all things 00:32:52.859 --> 00:32:54.059 work for 00:32:54.059 --> 00:32:54.299 our 00:32:54.299 --> 00:32:55.179 good. 00:32:56.299 --> 00:32:56.679 We've 00:32:56.679 --> 00:32:56.819 got to 00:32:56.819 --> 00:32:57.059 be able 00:32:57.059 --> 00:32:58.019 to settle 00:32:58.019 --> 00:32:58.919 into these 00:32:58.919 --> 00:32:59.720 great 00:32:59.720 --> 00:33:00.279 truths, 00:33:00.279 --> 00:33:01.220 to 00:33:01.220 --> 00:33:01.639 rehearse 00:33:01.639 --> 00:33:01.819 them 00:33:01.819 --> 00:33:01.920 in 00:33:01.920 --> 00:33:02.079 our 00:33:02.079 --> 00:33:02.519 minds 00:33:02.519 --> 00:33:02.940 over 00:33:02.940 --> 00:33:03.139 and 00:33:03.139 --> 00:33:03.399 over, 00:33:03.519 --> 00:33:03.759 to 00:33:03.759 --> 00:33:04.059 speak 00:33:04.059 --> 00:33:04.339 these 00:33:04.339 --> 00:33:04.779 truths 00:33:04.779 --> 00:33:05.200 to 00:33:05.200 --> 00:33:05.379 one 00:33:05.379 --> 00:33:05.720 another, 00:33:05.720 --> 00:33:06.539 that our 00:33:06.539 --> 00:33:07.160 eyes 00:33:07.160 --> 00:33:07.460 would be 00:33:07.460 --> 00:33:07.759 set 00:33:07.759 --> 00:33:08.720 heavenward, 00:33:08.980 --> 00:33:09.639 beyond 00:33:09.639 --> 00:33:10.200 this 00:33:10.200 --> 00:33:10.740 life that 00:33:10.740 --> 00:33:11.119 is but 00:33:11.119 --> 00:33:11.440 a 00:33:11.440 --> 00:33:11.779 vapor, 00:33:11.899 --> 00:33:12.160 and to 00:33:12.160 --> 00:33:12.359 the 00:33:12.359 --> 00:33:13.000 eternity 00:33:13.000 --> 00:33:13.799 of 00:33:13.799 --> 00:33:14.299 glory 00:33:14.299 --> 00:33:15.319 that 00:33:15.319 --> 00:33:15.639 awaits 00:33:15.639 --> 00:33:16.139 us. 00:33:17.339 --> 00:33:18.079 For I 00:33:18.079 --> 00:33:18.379 consider 00:33:18.379 --> 00:33:18.819 that the 00:33:18.819 --> 00:33:19.319 present 00:33:19.319 --> 00:33:19.779 sufferings 00:33:19.779 --> 00:33:20.680 of this 00:33:20.680 --> 00:33:21.079 time are 00:33:21.079 --> 00:33:21.819 not even 00:33:21.819 --> 00:33:22.259 worth 00:33:22.259 --> 00:33:23.259 comparing 00:33:23.259 --> 00:33:24.279 with the 00:33:24.279 --> 00:33:24.660 glory 00:33:24.660 --> 00:33:25.519 that is 00:33:25.519 --> 00:33:25.720 to be 00:33:25.720 --> 00:33:26.160 revealed 00:33:26.160 --> 00:33:27.299 to us. 00:33:27.299 --> 00:33:28.980 we will 00:33:28.980 --> 00:33:29.799 suffer 00:33:29.799 --> 00:33:30.419 in 00:33:30.419 --> 00:33:31.279 this 00:33:31.279 --> 00:33:31.680 life. 00:33:32.299 --> 00:33:32.680 But because 00:33:32.680 --> 00:33:32.980 of these 00:33:32.980 --> 00:33:33.180 sure 00:33:33.180 --> 00:33:33.659 promises 00:33:33.659 --> 00:33:34.539 of 00:33:34.539 --> 00:33:34.960 Christ, 00:33:35.579 --> 00:33:36.319 we wait 00:33:36.319 --> 00:33:37.460 patiently 00:33:37.460 --> 00:33:38.579 because 00:33:38.579 --> 00:33:39.559 we wait 00:33:39.559 --> 00:33:41.659 hopefully. 00:33:43.659 --> 00:33:44.379 Now I 00:33:44.379 --> 00:33:44.619 have a 00:33:44.619 --> 00:33:44.740 third 00:33:44.740 --> 00:33:45.019 point. 00:33:46.819 --> 00:33:47.759 And there's 00:33:47.759 --> 00:33:48.159 too much in 00:33:48.159 --> 00:33:48.440 this third 00:33:48.440 --> 00:33:48.799 point to 00:33:48.799 --> 00:33:49.099 cram it 00:33:49.099 --> 00:33:49.460 into this 00:33:49.460 --> 00:33:49.700 morning. 00:33:49.859 --> 00:33:49.960 I'm 00:33:49.960 --> 00:33:50.279 looking at 00:33:50.279 --> 00:33:50.659 the time 00:33:50.659 --> 00:33:51.720 as we 00:33:51.720 --> 00:33:52.039 speak. 00:33:52.599 --> 00:33:52.759 So I'm 00:33:52.759 --> 00:33:52.859 going to 00:33:52.859 --> 00:33:53.119 hang on 00:33:53.119 --> 00:33:53.299 to my 00:33:53.299 --> 00:33:53.480 third 00:33:53.480 --> 00:33:53.799 point. 00:33:53.799 --> 00:33:54.519 The 00:33:54.519 --> 00:33:54.779 Spirit 00:33:54.779 --> 00:33:55.319 groans 00:33:55.319 --> 00:33:55.639 for 00:33:55.639 --> 00:33:55.960 glory. 00:33:56.599 --> 00:33:56.980 And we'll 00:33:56.980 --> 00:33:57.659 add it to 00:33:57.659 --> 00:33:58.119 next week 00:33:58.119 --> 00:33:58.859 or set it 00:33:58.859 --> 00:34:00.079 aside by 00:34:00.079 --> 00:34:00.440 itself. 00:34:00.559 --> 00:34:00.859 And we'll 00:34:00.859 --> 00:34:01.980 end off 00:34:01.980 --> 00:34:02.419 with this 00:34:02.419 --> 00:34:02.839 idea. 00:34:04.720 --> 00:34:05.159 The 00:34:05.159 --> 00:34:05.700 Christ 00:34:05.700 --> 00:34:06.139 follower, 00:34:06.659 --> 00:34:07.279 the one 00:34:07.279 --> 00:34:07.539 who has 00:34:07.539 --> 00:34:08.139 the first 00:34:08.139 --> 00:34:08.880 fruits of 00:34:08.880 --> 00:34:09.440 the Spirit 00:34:09.440 --> 00:34:11.179 groans 00:34:11.179 --> 00:34:11.860 along with 00:34:11.860 --> 00:34:12.500 creation 00:34:12.500 --> 00:34:13.880 patiently 00:34:13.880 --> 00:34:15.239 with hope. 00:34:15.239 --> 00:34:16.059 Let's pray 00:34:16.059 --> 00:34:16.360 together.