Category: Sermon Notes

Identity

• How God sees us (what matters most)
• How we see ourselves (self awareness)
• How others see us (community)

Purpose

• Life Roles (Who we are)  (Husband / Wife / Child / ?)
• Vocations (What we do) (Work / Student)
• Contribution (What we leave) (Serving others / what we leave behind /our Legacy)

‭2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV‬ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Identity and purpose are often deeply interconnected:

Identity Influences Purpose: Who you are often determines what you find important and what you decide to do with your life. For example, someone who identifies strongly with creativity may find purpose in artistic expression or innovation.

Purpose Shapes Identity: Conversely, the roles and objectives people take on can shape their identity. For instance, dedicating oneself to teaching can strengthen one’s identity as an educator and lifelong learner.

Purpose and Context of the Letter

Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians to address several key themes and concerns for the early Christian community in Ephesus. This community was a mix of Jewish and Gentile believers, and one of Paul’s primary goals was to foster unity among them, emphasizing that both groups were equal in Christ.

Unity in Christ: Ephesians is well-known for its emphasis on unity. Paul wanted to stress that both Jews and Gentiles were reconciled to God through the death of Christ and are part of the same spiritual family. This is evident in Ephesians 2:14-16, where Paul discusses how Christ has broken down the dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles.

Identity in Christ: Paul was concerned with helping believers understand their new identity in Christ. This includes themes of being chosen by God, redeemed, and sealed with the Holy Spirit. He elaborated on how this new identity should shape their behavior and relationships within the community.

Living as Christians: Another key aspect of Ephesians is the practical guidance on Christian living. Paul instructed the Ephesians on how to live out their faith in their daily lives, emphasizing moral purity, domestic harmony, and mutual submission among believers, as well as spiritual warfare.

Ephesians 2:10 Direct Context

In Ephesians 2:10, Paul is reinforcing:

• The message that salvation is a gift from God, not a result of human effort
  • Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”).
• By stating that believers are “created in Christ Jesus for good works,” Paul emphasizes that their salvation should result in a life transformed by and dedicated to God, which is a natural response to the grace they have received.

The Passage

Ephesians 2:10 ‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. ‘

His Handiwork

The Greek word translated as “handiwork” is “poiēma,” from which we derive the English word “poem.” It suggests something artfully created and designed with purpose and care. In the context of this verse, it implies that believers are the result of God’s creative action and intentional design, much like a work of art.

To be God’s handiwork means to be created and fashioned by God with specific intent, reflecting His glory through one’s existence and actions, and living out a life of purpose that He has individually prepared. This concept is a cornerstone of Christian identity and purpose, grounding believers in the knowledge of their divine origin and destiny.

Created in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This verse reinforces the idea that in Christ, believers undergo a profound transformation.

Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This expresses the notion of dying to one’s old self and living a new life through faith in Jesus.

To Do Good Works

James 2:17-18 – “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” James emphasizes that faith should manifest in actions, reinforcing the Ephesians passage about living out faith through good works.

Prepared in Advance To Do

Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

‭Psalms 139:16 NIV‬ Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Therefore

‭Hebrews 12:1 NIV‬ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 

‭1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV‬ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 

‭Philippians 3:14 NIV‬ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 

Note: Paul’s primary emphasis in Ephesians 2:10 is on the transformative power of God’s work in believers through Christ. His concern is that believers recognize:

We Must Remember That It Is:

God’s Initiative: Salvation and the ensuing good works are initiated by God, not by human merit or effort.

Purposeful Creation: Believers are created anew in Christ specifically to engage in good works, underscoring the idea that Christian faith is inherently active and practical.

Preordained Path: The good works that believers are to engage in have been prepared by God beforehand, suggesting that each believer has a God-given path to follow, which aligns with His will and purposes.

Through these teachings, Paul wanted to ensure that the Ephesians understood their faith as a dynamic and living response to God’s grace, aimed at uniting them in purpose and action under the lordship of Christ.

Key Takeaways

Identity in Christ: Believers are uniquely crafted by God, which affirms their worth and the intentionality behind their creation.

Purposeful Living: Being created for good works implies that Christian life is not passive but actively engaged in practices that reflect God’s goodness and love.

Divine Planning: The idea that these works are prepared in advance shows that God is intimately involved in the life of each believer, guiding and equipping them for the tasks He has set out.

In 1 Kings 19:5-21, we find Elijah at a pivotal point of personal crisis. After a victorious confrontation against the prophets of Baal, Elijah faces severe discouragement and flees from Queen Jezebel’s threats. This passage offers a profound look at how God meets His prophet in his moment of despair.

The Message

Verses 5-7: “Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat.’ He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.'”

Commentary: God’s provision of food and water for Elijah is reminiscent of His care for the Israelites in the wilderness, providing manna and quail (Exodus 16:35). This demonstrates God’s holistic care, acknowledging the physical basis needed for spiritual and emotional well-being.

Divine Intervention:God first addressed Elijah’s physical needs. While he slept under the broom tree, an angel touched him and provided food and water for him (1 Kings 19:5-7). This act of care shows the importance of attending to physical well-being as part of spiritual health.

Verses 8-9: “So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into a cave and spent the night.”

Commentary:Elijah’s journey mirrors the Israelites’ 40 years in the desert (Numbers 14:33) and Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-2), symbolizing a period of purification and preparation for a divine encounter.

Verses 11-13: “The LORD said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”

Commentary: This encounter emphasizes that God’s presence is not confined to dramatic displays. It parallels Moses’ experience on the same mountain, where God also used natural phenomena to reveal Himself (Exodus 19:18-20), but here emphasizes the still small voice, highlighting a personal and gentle communication.

God’s Gentle Presence: After his initial rest and nourishment, Elijah traveled to Mount Horeb and took shelter in a cave. Here, God revealed Himself not in dramatic displays as on Mount Carmel, but in a “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12). This encounter reminds Elijah (and readers) that God is not only found in extraordinary events but also in quiet, subtle ways.

Verses 15-18: “The LORD said to him, ‘Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet.”

Commentary: God’s instructions for Elijah to anoint new leaders and a prophetic successor not only provide direction but also show that Elijah’s mission must continue beyond his lifetime, similar to Jesus commissioning His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20.

Recommissioning:Following this gentle encounter, God gave Elijah new tasks, including anointing new kings and appointing Elisha as his prophetic successor (1 Kings 19:15-16). This recommissioning helped redirect Elijah’s focus from his fears and failures to purposeful action and reaffirmed that his life and mission were far from over.

Verse 21: “So Elisha left the oxen and ran after Elijah. Then he took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water with it.”

Commentary: Elisha’s immediate response signifies his readiness to embrace the prophetic call. The transfer of the cloak from Elijah to Elisha symbolizes passing the mantle of prophetic authority, reminiscent of Moses passing leadership to Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).

Community and Succession: By instructing Elijah to anoint Elisha as his successor, God addressed Elijah’s sense of isolation by providing him a companion and successor in his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:19-21). This partnership not only alleviated his loneliness but also ensured the continuity of his work.

Key Takeaways

• God’s Comprehensive Care: This passage illustrates that God cares for His servants’ physical and spiritual needs, ensuring they are fully equipped for their divine missions.
• God’s Presence in Subtlety: Elijah’s experience teaches that divine revelations are not limited to dramatic events but can also occur in quiet, subtle ways.
• Continuity of God’s Work: Through the commissioning of successors and new leaders, the story emphasizes that the work of God is larger than any single individual and is meant to continue across generations.
• Immediate Obedience: The readiness of Elisha to follow Elijah’s call underscores the importance of immediate and decisive action when responding to God’s purposes.

More Than Conquerors

Love (31–39). The Spirit of God makes the love of God real to us (5:5; John 14:23–27). The Father is for us (vv. 31–32), the Son is for us (v. 34), and the Spirit is for us (vv. 26–27). Nothing can separate us from His love. Is there any reason why we should not be “more than conquerors”?

“The Holy Spirit longs to reveal to you the deeper things of God. He longs to love through you. He longs to work through you. Through the blessed Holy Spirit you may have: strength for every duty, wisdom for every problem, comfort in every sorrow, joy in His overflowing service.” T. J. Bach

Romans 8:31: God’s Unfailing Support

Verse: “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Cross-Reference: Psalm 118:6 – “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Application: Embrace a life of bold faith, knowing God’s unparalleled support makes opposition null.

Romans 8:32: Assurance of God’s Provision

Verse: “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”

Cross-Reference: Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

Application: Trust in God’s willingness to provide for your every need, rooted in His sacrificial love.

Romans 8:33-34: Our Righteous Standing

Verse: “Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”

Cross-Reference: Hebrews 7:25 – “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

Application: Rest in the assurance of your salvation and the effectiveness of Christ’s intercession on your behalf.

Romans 8:35-37: Love That Overcomes

Verse: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Cross-Reference: John 16:33 – “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Application: Stand firm amid trials, empowered by the victory and love of Christ that surpass all obstacles.

Romans 8:38-39: The Inseparability from God’s Love

Verse: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Cross-Reference: Ephesians 3:18-19 – “…may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…”

Application: Find peace and courage in the unbreakable bond of love between you and God through Christ.

Key Takeaways:

• Unmatched Support: God’s support is unparalleled; knowing He is for us should inspire unwavering confidence in His providence.
• Providential Love: The sacrificial gift of Jesus is the utmost evidence of God’s love and a promise of His provision in our lives.
• Righteous Assurance: Our justified status and Christ’s intercession provide a firm foundation for our faith, free from condemnation.
• Victorious Love: The love of Christ empowers us to overcome any trial, affirming our identity as more than conquerors.
• Eternal Security: The certainty that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ offers enduring peace and assurance.

Romans 8:31-39, with its profound themes of divine support, love, and security, stands as a monumental assurance of the believer’s position in Christ. It encourages a life lived in confidence of God’s unwavering commitment to His people.

‭Mark 16:1-7 NIV‬ When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. [2] Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb [3] and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” [4] But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. [5] As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. [6] “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. [7] But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ ”

He arose (1–8). Because they forgot His resurrection promises, the women were in sorrow and worrying about the future: “Who will roll away the stone?” When they learned that Jesus was alive, their first response was fear and not faith; but then they became the first heralds of the Resurrection. The angel had a special word for Peter (v. 7) who was no doubt still grieving his sins. The living Christ gives you something to rejoice in, something to talk about, and something to look forward to. He goes before you!

Easter is of paramount importance to Christians for several reasons, reflecting the core of Christian faith and theology.

Here are three central reasons to rejoice in Easter:

Resurrection of Jesus Christ:

• Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion.
• This event is the fulfillment of the promises made in the Old Testament and the definitive proof of Jesus’ divine nature.
• The resurrection is central to Christian belief because it demonstrates Jesus’ victory over sin and death, affirming the belief in life after death for all who believe in Him (1 Corinthians 15:17-20).

Foundation of Christian Faith:

• The Apostle Paul stated that if Christ has not been raised, the Christian faith is futile, and believers are still in their sins (1 Corinthians 15:17).
• The resurrection is thus foundational to the Christian faith; it validates Jesus’ teachings, His sacrificial death for the sins of humanity, and His claims of divinity.
• Without the resurrection, the crucifixion would be the end of the story, making the hope of salvation and eternal life void.

Promise of Eternal Life:

• Easter embodies the promise of eternal life for Christians.
• The resurrection of Jesus is seen as the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep (died in faith), promising believers resurrection and eternal life with God.
• This hope of resurrection and new life begins now through spiritual renewal and transformation and culminates in the believer’s own resurrection to eternal life (John 11:25-26).
• Easter, therefore, is not just a historical event to be remembered; it is a current reality that influences how Christians live their lives, offering hope, joy, and the promise of redemption and renewal.

For The Believer, Easter Means:

• God can move mountains
• Split seas
• Restore life
• Roll away stones

The Message:

Peter (the redeemed) states it well:

1 Peter 1:3‭-‬9 NIV

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Note: The new birth is the work of the Holy Spirit not human will (see Jn 3:3–8).

• John 3:3 NIV. Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. ”

6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

• Philippians 4:4‭-‬5 NIV Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Closing

Here’s a brief overview of key witnesses and what is known or traditionally believed about their fates:

Mary Magdalene: According to the Gospels, she was the first to see Jesus after his resurrection (Mark 16:9, John 20:11-18). Tradition says she spent the remainder of her life preaching the gospel before dying a natural death.

Peter: The first of the apostles to see Jesus after his resurrection (Luke 24:34, 1 Corinthians 15:5). According to Christian tradition, Peter was martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero, crucified upside down at his request, as he did not feel worthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.

The Twelve Apostles: Although Judas Iscariot was no longer among them, the remaining apostles saw Jesus on multiple occasions after his resurrection (Luke 24:36-49, John 20:19-29). Most of the apostles are believed to have been martyred for their faith, except for John, who is traditionally thought to have died of old age in exile.

Thomas: Initially doubting the resurrection, Thomas believed after seeing Jesus and touching his wounds (John 20:24-29). Tradition holds that Thomas preached the gospel in India and was martyred there.

James: Jesus appeared to his brother James (1 Corinthians 15:7). James became a leader in the early church in Jerusalem and was eventually martyred.

Paul: Although not a witness to the resurrection, Paul experienced a vision of the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19), which led to his conversion. He became a pivotal figure in the spread of Christianity and was eventually martyred in Rome.

The accounts of these encounters and the lives of those who witnessed the resurrected Jesus have been a foundational part of Christian tradition and belief.

Close

The phrase “to all who call upon His name” closely echoes a passage found in Romans 10:13 of the New Testament, which states:

“For, ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'”

This verse is a quotation from Joel 2:32 in the Old Testament, which similarly states:

“And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, even among the survivors whom the LORD calls.”

The King (Matthew 21:1–11). The people were blind to their Scriptures (Zech. 9:9). They praised Him with Psalm 118:26 but overlooked verses 22–23, which Jesus quoted later (v. 42). Beware knowing the Bible but not knowing the Lord when He is at work in your midst.

The Message

Matthew 21:6‭-‬11 NIV

6  The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”  10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”  The crowds answered, 11 “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

• Luke 19:41‭-‬42 NIV As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.

There were five crowds within the large crowd….

• The Curious CrowdThey followed Him on Palm Sunday because they wanted to know what He was going to do this time. They were curious about what was in it for them.

• The Confused Crowd The confused crowd is illustrated in Matthew 21:10-11, “When Jesus came to Jerusalem, everyone in the city was excited and asked, “Who can this be? The crowd answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Of all the things Jesus did, this one-line description was all they could say. Even though they were following Him, they were still confused about who Jesus was. The confused group today refers to God as “the man upstairs” or as a higher power.

• The Pretenders They were in the crowd on Palm Sunday pretending to be committed to Jesus. They were pretending, but they were not fully sold out.  Pretenders go through the motion, but their hearts are lukewarm. They are great pretender just to impress others and to get their approval.

• The Opposers The fourth group included the opposers like the Pharisees and the Sadducees. For three years they had done everything they could to oppose what Jesus was doing. They rebuked Him for healing on the Sabbath and for taking an ox out the ditch. They forgot Him because His disciples ate food without washing their hands. Ultimately they conspired to have Jesus killed…

• The Committed CrowdHowever, this is the smallest group. A committed person is one who follows Jesus‘ instructions without questioning Him or His motives and without murmuring and complaining.
  • Matthew 21:6-7, “The disciples left and did what Jesus had told them to do. They brought the donkey and its colt and laid some clothes on their backs.”

Reflections in All Cases

• They missed God’s timing

As Jesus ascended toward Jerusalem, a large multitude gathered around Him. This crowd understood that Jesus was the Messiah; what they did not understand was that it wasn’t time to set up the kingdom yet

• The power of the religious blinded their spiritually

In their praise of Jesus, the Jewish crowds were quoting Psalm 118:25–26, an acknowledged prophecy of the Christ. The allusion to a Messianic psalm drew resentment from the religious leaders present

• However, God’s plan was in motion

Some 450 to 500 years prior to Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, the prophet Zechariah had prophesied the event we now call Palm Sunday: “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! / Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! / See, your king comes to you, / righteous and victorious, / lowly and riding on a donkey, / on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9)

The people wanted their earthly objectives met at the expense of God’s eternal plans

• The crowds looked for a Messiah who would rescue them politically and free them nationally, but Jesus had come to save them spiritually. First things first, and mankind’s primary need is spiritual, not political, cultural, or national salvation.

They failed to realize God’s ways are not our ways

• They could neither see nor understand the cross. That’s why, “as [Jesus] approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies . . . will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you” (Luke 19:41–47).

We worship him on Sunday then reason like the world on Monday

• It is a tragic thing to see the Savior but not recognize Him for who He is. The crowds who were crying out “Hosanna!” on Palm Sunday were crying out “Crucify Him!” later that week (Matthew 27:22–23).

We Should Remember: There is coming a day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10–11). The worship will be real then.

• Philippians 2:10‭-‬11 NIV that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

John records a scene in heaven that features the eternal celebration of the risen Lord: “There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands”

• Revelation 7:9, emphasis added These palm-bearing saints will shout, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb” (verse 10), and who can measure sum of their joy?

We can be in the crowd that mattersThere is good news for everyone on Palm Sunday and on other days as well. There is one crowd we all should want to be in. That’s the crowd that will be caught up with Jesus in the air when He comes back to take us home to glory.

• Romans 10:9-11 f you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. ¹¹ As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

I want to be there…  How about you?

Guidance (26–30). God’s purpose is to make His children like His Son, and He will succeed. The Spirit intercedes for us and guides us as we pray, and the circumstances of life work for our good, no matter how painful they may be.

Romans 8:26-30 continues to unfold the riches of life in the Spirit, highlighting the Holy Spirit’s assistance in our weaknesses, the intercession on our behalf, God’s purpose in our lives, and the assurance of our future glory.

Romans 8:26-27 – The Spirit’s Intercession

‭‭Romans 8:26-27 NIV‬‬ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. [27] And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Note: When Paul transitions to verse 26 with “In the same way,” he is connecting the believers’ experience of hope and suffering with the work of the Holy Spirit.

• Essentially, Paul is saying that just as our hope sustains us through suffering, the Holy Spirit helps us in our current weakness, particularly when we struggle with prayer.
• “In the same way” indicates that the Spirit’s assistance is another aspect of how God supports and sustains us in our present condition, amidst our groaning and longing for redemption.

• Ephesians 6:18 – “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”     

Application: This teaches us about the nature of prayer and reliance on the Spirit, encouraging us to engage in prayer even when we feel unable or unsure of what to pray for, trusting in the Spirit’s intercession on our behalf.     

Explanation: Sometimes, we’re so upset or confused that we don’t even know what to pray for. During these times, the Holy Spirit steps in and helps us out. It’s like having a friend who knows exactly what we’re going through and talks to God on our behalf, making sure our deepest needs are communicated, even without words.

Romans 8:28 – God Works for Our Good

‭‭Romans 8:28 NIV‬‬ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

• Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”     

Application: It encourages believers to trust in God’s sovereign and good plan for their lives, even in adversity, knowing that their circumstances are being used by God for a greater purpose.     

Explanation: This famous verse reassures us that no matter what happens—good or bad—God has a way of turning it around for our benefit, especially for those who love Him and are living according to His plan. It’s like knowing that even if things look messy now, there’s a good ending waiting for us.

Romans 8:29-30 – Foreknown, Predestined, Called, Justified, Glorified

Romans 8:29-30 NIV‬‬ For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

• Ephesians 1:4-5 – “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—”     

Application: This provides deep assurance to believers of their secure position in Christ and the comprehensive scope of God’s saving work, encouraging them to live in light of their identity and destiny in Christ.      

Explanation:

• Foreknown and Predestined: God knows us deeply and has chosen us for a special purpose—to become more like Jesus, showing love and kindness.
• Called: God invites us to follow Him, not just as a general call to everyone, but with a personal invitation to each of us to be part of His family.
• Justified: When we accept God’s invitation, He forgives our mistakes and sees us as if we’ve never done anything wrong.
• Glorified: In the end, God has an amazing future planned for us, where we’ll be honored and free from all the pain and troubles of this world.

Key Takeaways

1. The Holy Spirit Helps Us in Our Weakness

Even when we don’t know what to pray for, the Holy Spirit is right there, helping us by interceding for us with wordless groans. This shows the depth of God’s understanding and compassion for our struggles. 

2. God Works for Our Good

In every situation, God is working for the benefit of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This doesn’t mean everything that happens will be good, but that God can use every situation to bring about good in our lives. 

3. We Are Part of God’s Plan

Before we were even born, God knew us and had a plan for us. This plan includes being shaped into the likeness of Jesus, showing us that our lives have purpose and direction. 

4. God Calls and Justifies

God not only calls us to Himself but He also justifies us, meaning He declares us righteous in His sight. This is solely based on Jesus’ sacrifice, not on anything we’ve done. 

5. Our Glorious Future

God’s ultimate goal for us is glory. Despite the sufferings of this present time, believers have a glorious future to look forward to, a future that God has guaranteed. 

Application:

Trust in the Spirit’s Assistance: Remember that you’re never alone in your struggles. The Holy Spirit is always there to help, especially when you’re feeling weak or unsure how to pray. 

Rest in God’s Sovereignty: Take comfort in knowing that God is in control and is working things out for your good, even when circumstances seem challenging or unclear. 

Embrace Your Purpose: Live with the understanding that you are called to be like Jesus, and let this truth shape how you live and interact with others. 

Hold Onto Hope: Look forward to the glory that will be revealed in us, letting this hope sustain you through current trials and challenges. 

Romans 8:26-30 encourages believers with the assurance of the Spirit’s intercession, the certainty of God’s purposeful work in their lives, and the glorious future that awaits them. 

Hope (18–25). We are not frustrated by the suffering we experience or see in our world because we have hope. When Jesus returns, we will enter into glorious liberty! The Spirit is the beginning of the harvest and assures us that the best is yet to come.

Romans 8:22-25 deepens the discussion on suffering, hope, and redemption, focusing on the groaning of creation and the believers’ anticipation of future glory. This passage is rich with themes of: 

• endurance
• faith
• eschatological hope
  • The understanding of death, the Judgement, and final destiny of the soul.

The Message

Groaning of Creation (Verse 22)

‭‭Romans 8:22 NIV‬‬ We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 

The World’s Brokenness

• Practical Insight: Just like we observe in nature—natural disasters, environmental degradation, and the extinction of species—there’s a sense that things are not as they should be. Paul likens this to “groaning,” as if creation itself is longing for a change or a return to its original, unmarred state.

• Everyday Application: This perspective encourages us to recognize and engage with the world’s suffering, not as passive observers but as active participants seeking restoration, whether through environmental stewardship, social justice, or other means of caring for creation.

Cross-reference: Isaiah 65:17 – “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.”

• Insight: Paul uses the metaphor of creation groaning as in childbirth to describe the present state of the world. This imagery captures both the pain and the anticipation of new life, reflecting the tension between the current reality of suffering and the future hope of redemption. Creation’s groan is not just a sign of suffering but also a longing for transformation.

Believers’ Groaning and Hope (Verses 23-24)

‭‭Romans 8:23-24 NIV‬‬ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. [24] For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 

Our Inner Longing for Change

• Practical Insight:We, too, feel a deep-seated desire for things to be different, not just externally in the world, but also internally within ourselves. Whether it’s physical ailments, emotional wounds, or relational fractures, there’s an inward groaning for healing, wholeness, and redemption.

• Everyday Application: This insight invites us to be honest about our own areas of brokenness and to seek healing and transformation, not in isolation, but within the context of community and faith, recognizing that this process is part of a larger story of redemption.

Cross-references:

• 2 Corinthians 5:2 – “For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling.”
• ‭‭1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV‬‬ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
• ‭‭Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV‬‬ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

• Insight: Not only does creation groan, but believers also groan inwardly as they await their adoption as sons, the redemption of their bodies. This groaning signifies a deep spiritual longing for the fulfillment of God’s promises. The hope of resurrection and the completion of our adoption as God’s children are central to the Christian faith, a hope that is certain yet unseen.

Hope and Patience (Verse 25)

‭‭Romans 8:25 NIV‬‬ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

The Role of Hope

• Practical Insight: Hope, in this passage, is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on God’s promises. It’s the assurance that despite the current reality of suffering and longing, there is a future where all things are made new and restored.
• Everyday Application: Cultivating hope means actively reminding ourselves of God’s promises and allowing them to shape our perspective and response to life’s challenges. It involves patience and perseverance, trusting that God is at work even when we don’t see immediate results.

Cross-reference: Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

• Insight: The nature of Christian hope is that it is for something not yet seen. True hope requires patience, the ability to wait with expectation for God’s promises to be fulfilled. This patience is not passive but is an active, faith-filled waiting that shapes how believers live in the present.

Patience in the Process

• Practical Insight: The passage suggests that waiting is an integral part of the Christian experience. This waiting isn’t passive but is characterized by patience and active anticipation of what God will do.
• Everyday Application:Practicing patience involves embracing the present moment with all its imperfections, engaging in acts of love and service even when they seem small or insignificant, and trusting that these efforts contribute to the larger narrative of God’s redemptive work.

Theological and Practical Implications

• Eschatological Perspective: Romans 8:22-25 provides a vital eschatological perspective, reminding believers that the present age is marked by suffering and groaning but is moving towards a glorious completion in God’s redemptive plan.
• Spiritual Longing: The passage validates the believers’ experience of longing and groaning for the completion of redemption as a natural response to the already-not-yet tension of God’s kingdom.
• Active Hope: The hope described in this passage is not passive but actively influences how believers engage with the world, endure suffering, and anticipate the future.
• Communal and Cosmic Redemption: The interconnectedness of creation’s groaning with the believers’ anticipation of redemption underscores the comprehensive scope of God’s salvation plan, which includes both the natural world and humanity.

In summary, Romans 8:22-25 eloquently speaks to the tension between current suffering and future glory, encouraging believers to embrace a hope that is both assured by faith and yet unseen, fostering patience and endurance as they await the full realization of their adoption as children of God and the redemption of creation. 

Liberty (12–17). We enter God’s family by the new birth, not by adoption (John 3); but adoption gives us an adult standing in His family. He deals with us as mature sons and daughters and not as “little children.” We can talk (“Abba, Father” [v. 15]), walk, and use our inheritance right now. We are free, but we are still debtors to the Lord (v. 12). 

Romans 8:12-17continues with themes of life through the Spirit, focusing on the believer’s transformation and adoption as children of God.

Obligation to Live According to the Spirit (Verses 12-13)

Romans 8:12‭-‬13 NIV Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

• Commentary: Paul emphasizes the believer’s responsibility to live not according to the flesh but by the Spirit. This living by the Spirit involves a moral and spiritual transformation, where the deeds of the body (sinful actions and desires) are put to death. This call to spiritual vitality is foundational to Christian living, highlighting a dynamic, ongoing process of sanctification empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Cross-reference:

• Galatians 5:24 – “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

Note: This reinforces the notion that believers, through their union with Christ, have decisively broken with the sinful nature and are called to live in the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Adoption as Children of God (Verses 14-15)

Romans 8:14‭-‬15 NIV For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

• Commentary: This passage highlights the profound relational change for believers—they are adopted as God’s children. The Spirit leads believers into a deep, intimate relationship with God, where they can address Him as “Abba, Father,” a term of endearment signifying closeness and confidence. This adoption into God’s family is a central aspect of the believer’s new identity in Christ, emphasizing not just a legal status but an experiential reality of God’s fatherly love and care.

Cross-reference:

• Galatians 4:6-7 – “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.”

Note: Echoes the theme of adoption and the intimate relationship with God as Father, emphasizing the transformation from slaves to sons and heirs, underlining the believer’s new identity and inheritance in Christ.

Inheritance and Suffering with Christ (Verses 16-17)

Romans 8:16‭-‬17 NIV The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

• Commentary: This section further develops the idea of believers’ new identity as God’s children, stressing the Spirit’s role in affirming this identity. It introduces the concept of inheritance, indicating that believers, as God’s children, are heirs to God’s promises, including eternal life and glory. However, this inheritance is also linked with suffering, suggesting that enduring suffering for Christ’s sake is part of the journey toward glorification.

Cross-reference:

• 2 Timothy 2:12 – “If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us.”

2 Timothy 2:11‭-‬13 NIV Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

Note: Highlights the connection between suffering/endurance and future glorification with Christ, reflecting the notion that sharing in Christ’s sufferings is integral to sharing in his glory, as mentioned in Romans 8:17.

These themes in Romans 8:12-17—living by the Spirit, adoption as God’s children, and the intertwined experience of suffering and future glory—paint a comprehensive picture of the Christian life as one of transformation, relational intimacy with God, and hope amidst trials. 

Life (1–11). When God saved you, He gave you a new life, not a new law; as you yield to that life, you obey His law. Keep your mind centered on the things of the Lord (Col. 3:1–4) and seek to please God in all things. Let the Spirit live His life in you.

• ‭‭Colossians 3:1-4 NIV‬‬ Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. [3] For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

• ‭‭Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV‬‬ And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Romans 8:1-11 is a profound passage in the New Testament that delves into the themes of life in the Spirit versus life in the flesh. This passage can be broken down into several key themes for commentary:

No Condemnation in Christ (Verse 1-2)

‭‭Romans 8:1-2 NIV‬‬  Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, [2] because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Paul begins with a powerful declaration of the gospel’s promise:

• Those who are in Christ Jesus are freed from condemnation.
• The “law of the Spirit of life” refers to the new way of living empowered by the Holy Spirit, contrasting with the “law of sin and death,” which represents the Old Testament Law that, because of human weakness, could not save.
• This sets the foundation for understanding Christian identity as inherently connected to the life-giving Spirit of God.

• John 3:17 – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

Fulfillment of the Law Through Christ (Verse 3-4)

‭‭Romans 8:3-4 NIV‬‬ For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, [4] in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

• The law was powerless to save humanity due to the weakness of human flesh. However, God, sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, condemned sin in the flesh.
• This act fulfilled the righteous requirement of the law, so that those who walk according to the Spirit are not living according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
• This highlights the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice, not just to forgive sin but to enable a life that fulfills God’s righteous decrees.

• Matthew 5:17 – “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

Life in the Flesh Versus Life in the Spirit (Verse 5-8)

‭‭Romans 8:5-8 NIV‬‬ Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. [6] The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. [7] The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. [8] Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

• Paul contrasts two ways of life: one governed by the sinful nature (“the flesh”) and one governed by the Spirit.
• This distinction is not just about behavior but about the fundamental orientation of one’s life.
• To “set the mind on the flesh” is death, but to “set the mind on the Spirit” is life and peace.
• This emphasizes the transformative and guiding role of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life.

• Galatians 5:16-17 – “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”

The Spirit of God Living in Believers (Verse 9-11)

‭‭Romans 8:9-11 NIV‬‬  You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. [10] But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. [11] And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

• This section underscores the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as the defining characteristic of being a Christian.
• The Spirit dwelling in believers means they belong to Christ and possess a new nature defined by life and peace.
• Furthermore, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead will also give life to mortal bodies, pointing to the future resurrection and the ultimate hope of believers.

• 1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”

Application

Romans 8:1-11 calls believers to recognize their new identity in Christ, free from condemnation and empowered to live a life led by the Spirit.

• It challenges Christians to shift their focus from the flesh to the Spirit, ensuring their lives are marked by the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
• This passage offers profound hope, emphasizing the transformative power of the gospel and the promise of eternal life.

Wisdom questions to ask:

• What are my motives (13–18)? 
• Is there bitterness in your heart or envy? 
• Are you speaking from God’s wisdom or the wisdom of the world? 
• Are you a peacemaker or a troublemaker? 

If your heart is right before God (Heb. 4:12), He will use your words to produce the right kind of fruit. 

• James 1:5 NIV If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 3:13‭-‬18 NIV

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.

• James 1:22 NIV Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
• James 1:19‭-‬20 NIV My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit,impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

• Galatians 5:22‭-‬23 NIV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

• Matthew 5:9 NIV Blessed are the peacemakers,  for they will be called children of God.

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