17 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.18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[a] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits 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? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Romans 8:17-25

26 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. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who[b] have been called according to his purpose. 29 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.

Romans 8:26-29

1. The Future Transformation

• John 16, “In this world you will have tribulations but take heart (be at peace), for I have overcome the world.”
• Romans 8:19-21. 19 “For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[a] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”

Who is doing the groaning?

A. Creation groans

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

B. We Groan

• Romans 8:23 “Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits 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? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
• Philippians 1:29 “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him but also to suffer for Him.”

C. The Spirit Himself groans

• Romans 8:26 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”.

2. The Transformation now:

• Romans 8:28-29 8” And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[b] have been called according to his purpose29. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His son.”

God’s purpose has never changed. God wants to transform you and make you like Jesus