Romans 8:18-28

Romans 8:18-28 (WEB) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us. For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now. Not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in hope, but hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for that which he sees? But if we hope for that which we don’t see, we wait for it with patience. In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered. He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit’s mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God. We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.

🔑 Key Points

1. No Comparison

Present suffering is not real-but-imaginary — Paul knew suffering viscerally — but it is so immeasurably small that no ratio or proportion can describe it against the glory to be revealed in God's people. Any comparison would fall short.

3. Creation Will Be Redeemed

The whole creation groans with birth-pangs, but redemption extends beyond people: the creation itself will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the glorious liberty of God's children — a new heaven and new earth.

4. True Hope Is Certainty, Not Wishful Thinking

Biblical hope is not wishful uncertainty — it is faith looking forward, absolutely certain of God's promise. That certain hope is what steadies faith and produces perseverance in the midst of suffering.

5. Prayer Is Trinitarian

We do not know how to pray as we ought, so the Spirit Himself intercedes with unutterable groanings. Praying to the Father through the Son, assisted by the Spirit, aligns our prayers with God's will — and that is where answers come.

6. All Things Work Together for Good

Verse 28 is the grand conclusion: all of life's painful events are being woven together in a grand symphony for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. (Sproul previews this in Part 2: there are ultimately no tragedies for Christians.)

💬 Discussion Questions

Where in your life right now are you tempted to treat a present suffering as the final word, and how does 'not worthy to be compared' reframe it?
What is the difference between wishing for a good outcome and biblical hope — and how does that difference change the way you wait?
When you don't know how to pray, how does the promise of the Spirit's intercession change the way you approach prayer?

📖 The Passage