Hope & Glory
Sermon Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Faith, Hope & Love
Romans 8:18-30 (ESV)
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Sermon Outline
Hope involves patient waiting (v25) with assurance that we will one day see the glorious things we currently long for (v18).
1. Hidden Glory
v21 “in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God”
v19 “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God”
v20 “For the creation was subjected to futility”
2. Longing for Glory
v22 “the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now”
v23 “not only the creation, but we ourselves… groan inwardly”
v26 “groanings too deep for words”
3. Revelation of Glory
v23 “the first fruits of the Spirit”
v26 “the Spirit helps us in our weakness… with groanings”
v29-30 “predestined to be conformed to the image of his son… those whom he justified he also glorified”
v18 “not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us”
Questions for Reflection
What is glory? How would you describe it? What challenges or limitations are there in trying to articulate, with words, what glory is?
When have you experienced a sense of glory? What were key features of that experience?
Where do you see God’s glory in our world?
How does corruption hinder us from seeing God’s goodness and glory in our world?
How does corruption lead to futility? When, or under what circumstances, do you grapple with a sense of futility? How can you find hope in those times?
Do you long for glory? What does that look like (the nature of the longing, what you desire, etc.)?
What are some ways to patiently endure when your struggles are such that you can’t put into words what you are experiencing, thinking or feeling? What role does groaning play in those times?
How does the presence of God’s Spirit bring hope? What can you do when you don’t feel God’s presence?
Why does Paul say that the present sufferings of the world are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed? What difficulties do you have with that? How can this outlook really ground you with hope?
What can you do – what practices, what mindset, what changes – to make progress on sensing, seeking, and rejoicing in God’s glory?
Prayer of Confession
Our great and glorious God, we need your forgiveness. In seeking our own glory, we have failed to reflect your glory in the world. In failing to see your glory, we have had to grapple with futility and hopelessness. Our groanings have been filled with resentment and blame. You have put the desire for your glory deep within us, but we have been ruled by other desires. Forgive us these things, and all the ways we have not honored you, or lived out of the high calling to serve you in this world. Sustain us as we wait patiently for the revelation of your glory. Amen.