Lesson 4736

 (Lesson 4736) (01-22-25) Romans 8:16-23 

   “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” 

   In today’s quote, Paul explained that the Holy Spirit bears witness with the spirits of we the believers, affirming that we are children of God. As children, we are also heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, sharing in His future glory. Paul acknowledged that the present suffering believers experience is not worthy of comparison to the glory that is awaiting them. He described creation itself as eagerly waiting for the revealing of God’s children, groaning in anticipation of being liberated from its corruption. Paul further explained that believers, too, groan inwardly as they await the redemption of their bodies, when they will experience the fullness of their salvation in the presence of God the Father. ~