Three Groans

[Rom 8:18-22; 23-25; 25-30]

These verses are dealing with the real problem of pains and sufferings.

Rom 8:22-26 (NASB) – [22] For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. [23] And not only that, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our body. [24] For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? [25] But if we hope for what we do not see, through perseverance we wait eagerly for it. [26] Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;

“whole creation groans” [G4959], to groan. To groan, or sigh together. The opposite of rejoice or to feel satisfaction with; to rejoice with.

This is reminds me of what my dad used to say when both of my little brothers cried at the same time. He would say, “harmonize if you want to, it won’t change anything”! All of creation is harmonizing with and sighs and groans.

“even we ourselves groan” [G4727], narrow, contracted (as when one is squeezed or pressed by circumstances). To groan, sigh, used of persons in distress, affliction. While waiting to put on our incorruptible bodies (Rom 8:23; 2Cor 5:2,4; Heb 13:17). The opposite of praise, to sing hymns of praise.

“intercedes for us with groaning” [G4726], to groan. A groaning, sighing, as of the oppressed. “God heard their groaning, and remembered His covenant (Acts 7:34); referring to prayers to God expressed incoherently (Rom 8:26). The opposite of exultation.

Three Groans of Romans

Creation groans (vv. 18-22). When God finished his creation, it was a good creation (Gen 1:31), but today it is a groaning creation. There is suffering and death; there is pain, all of which is the result of Adam’s sin. It is not the fault of creation. Note the words that Paul used to describe the predicament of “the rotten here and now:” suffering (Rom 8:18), vanity (Rom 8:20), bondage (Rom 8:21), decay (Rom 8:21), and pain (Rom 8:22). However, this groaning is not a useless thing: Paul compared it to a woman in travail. There is pain, but the pain will end when the child is delivered. One day creation will be delivered, and the groaning creation will become a glorious creation! The believer does not focus on today’s suffering; he looks forward to tomorrow’s glory (Rom 8:18; 2Cor 4:15-18). Today’s groaning bondage will be exchanged for tomorrow’s glorious liberty!¹

We believers grown (vv. 23-25). The reason we groan is because we have experienced “the first fruits of the Spirit,” a taste of the glory to come. Just as the nation of Israel tasted the firstfruits of Canaan when the spies returned (Num 13:23-27), so we Christians have tasted of the blessings of heaven through the ministry of the Spirit. This makes us want to see the Lord, receive a new body, and live with Him and serve Him forever. We are waiting for “the adoption,” which is the redemption of the body when Christ returns (Phil 3:20-21). This is the thrilling climax to “the adoption” that took place at conversion when “the Spirit of adoption” gave us an adult standing in God’s family. When Christ returns, we shall enter into our full inheritance.

Meanwhile, we wait and hope. “For we are saved by that hope” (Rom 8:24, lit. trans.). What hope? “That blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13). The best is yet to come! Believers should not get frustrated as we see and experience suffering and pain in this world. We know that the temporary suffering will one day give way to eternal glory.

The Holy Spirit groans (vv. 25-30). God is concerned about the trials of his people. When he was ministering on earth, Jesus groaned when He saw what sin was doing to mankind (Mk 7:34; Jn 11:33,38). Today, Holy Spirit groans with us and feels the burdens of our weaknesses and suffering. But the Spirit does more than grown. He prays for us in His groaning so that we are led into the will of God. We don’t always know God’s will. We don’t always know how to pray, but Holy Spirit intercedes and enables us to live in the will of God in spite of suffering. The Spirit “shares the burden.”

We do not faint in times of suffering and trial because we know that God is at work in the world (Rom 8:28), and that He has a perfect plan (Rom 8:29). God has two purposes in His plan: our good and His glory. His plan makes us become like Jesus! It started in eternity past when he chose us in Christ Jesus (Eph 1:4-5). God’s plan is going to deliver the goods!

He predetermined that one day we would be like His Son.

Note: Predestination applies only to saved people. Nowhere are we taught that God predestines people to be eternally condemned. If they are condemned, it is because of their refusal to trust Christ (Jn 3:18-21).

Prayer:

Lord, those whom You chose, You called (2Thes 2:13-14); and when we responded to Your call, You justified us, and You also glorified us. This means that believers have already been glorified in Christ (Jn 17:22); and we wait for the full revelation of this glory at the coming of the Lord (Rom 8:21-23). Amen.

Decree:

How can we ever be discouraged or frustrated when we already share Your glory? Our suffering today only guarantees that much more glory when Jesus returns!

God bless you my friend,

— Dwight Hammond

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¹Wiersbe, Warren. The Weirsbe Bible Commentary: New Testament (Colorado Springs: Cook, 2007), 431.