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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; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27 As a reminder to Christians, our covenant union with Christ is sealed with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, just as the grace of God saves us through Christ without any help from our weak and fallen bodies, similarly, even our prayers are mediated through the Holy Spirit. We should not be so arrogant as to petition God outside of Christ and removed from the Spirit, because the answer will most certainly be a resounding NO. However, as the Holy Spirit of God forever dwells in all who believe, then only through Him will we pray as we should according to His will.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.   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. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, through perseverance, we wait eagerly for it. Romans 8:24-25 How hope is discussed in the New Testament differs from how we usually understand it. In English, hope often refers to an expectation for something uncertain. However, when Paul uses the word hope in Greek, he means an expectation for something certain. This hope is the foundation of Christian faith because we are confident that everything God has promised will be fulfilled. Therefore, Christians eagerly wait for the fulfillment of these promises.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 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. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, through perseverance, we wait eagerly for it. Romans 8:23 This statement from Paul is an excellent example of why we shouldn't base an entire theology on a single verse. At first glance, it may seem like Paul is saying that Christians are still waiting to be adopted by God. However, when we read his letters to the Ephesians, Galatians, and earlier in Romans, we know that he writes differently. In those letters, he states that Christians, sealed by the Spirit, are already adopted sons of God through Jesus Christ. So, what is Paul saying then? If we read the surrounding text, we can see that Paul is saying that the adoption will be finalized upon our bodies’ redemption upon the Son’s return. Until then, we eagerly wait with great anticipation and hope, knowing that even though we have already been saved, we will still struggle and suffer with sin until the end.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 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. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, through perseverance, we wait eagerly for it. Romans 8:22 Paul uses the illustration of a woman experiencing the pain of labor to emphasize that the entire creation suffers similarly, as a result of humanity's fall in the garden. However, it is important to understand that Paul’s context is that no amount of suffering can be compared to the glory that will be revealed when Christ returns and restores everything.

For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 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. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, through perseverance, we wait eagerly for it. Romans 8:20 For the time being, the entire creation remains useless, which is not its own doing. This condition has come about by God's word. Everything has been subjected to pain and suffering as a result of our fall into sin. We chose to go against God's will; now everything is suffering. However, despite our mistakes, God still loves His creation. He sent His Son to die a painful death so that all of creation could be set free from the bondage of sin and into the glory of God. Through the gospel, God offers us the opportunity to experience the magnificent glory of heaven, which is far beyond any earthly blessing.

For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 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. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, through perseverance, we wait eagerly for it. Romans 8:19 In his discourse, the apostle Paul accentuates that redemption is not limited to humans but extends to the entire creation. This is an instance where Paul uses personification, in which human attributes are ascribed to something non-human, as seen in Psalms 98:8-9. One may have observed how animals react to humans in the wild, where they bolt at the first sight of us, and even fish dart for cover when they perceive our shadow on the surface of the water. Or the devastation caused by weather, volcanos, shifts in the earth, and deadly disease. This was not how creation was initiated. When humanity fell in the garden, all of creation fell as well. Hence, all of creation eagerly anticipates the revelation of God’s glory in humanity once more.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18 Paul, who suffered beatings, stonings, and numerous imprisonments for spreading the message of Christ, had a deep understanding of pain. However, he believed that the future held something much greater for believers, something that made the present suffering pale in comparison. Paul’s words remind us that even in the midst of pain and hardship, there is hope for a future that is so great, that nothing else can compare.

So then, brothers and sisters, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— for if you are living in accord with the flesh, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:14 Christians may wonder how to know if the grace of God has been poured out upon them. One way to be sure is if the Spirit is leading them. But what does that actually mean? Sometimes people phrase it differently: what does God have in store for my life? The answer to that question goes beyond the context of Paul’s statement. We cannot know God’s plan for our lives horizontally, and the Bible reminds us not to worry about that. Being led by the Spirit is a vertical concept, which means that the Spirit helps believers become more righteous as a reflection of Christ. Righteousness is only found in Jesus Christ, and the context of this epistle is centered around Him. So, let's go back to the original question: how can we tell if the Spirit is leading us? How can we know we are children of God? The answer is a small ray of light. You won’t find it by looking for perfect obedience. You won’t find it by looking for the perfect love of God either. However, if there is a tiny ray of light in the darkness of your heart shining on the things of God, then the Spirit is in you. And whatever work He begins in you, He will complete; that is a promise.

So then, brothers and sisters, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— for if you are living in accord with the flesh, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons and daughters of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” Romans 14-15 All those who are led by the Spirit are considered children of God through adoption. Paul’s teachings emphasize the influence of two different spirits: the spirit of the flesh and the Spirit of grace. The spirit of the flesh operates horizontally, representing the old self, the unregenerate, and the one in bondage to sin. On the other hand, the Spirit of Grace operates vertically as the new self, the regenerated, the one who is born again into a new life through Jesus Christ. The new self has the incredible privilege of addressing God as Father, not in a silly or careless manner, but with deep respect and reverence. God Bless, and Merry Christmas!

The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:16-17 This passage reinforces the importance of following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is evident from these verses that our assurance of salvation and spiritual growth is not based on our works. Instead, it is based on God’s testimony to our spirit that we belong to Him. We primarily find this testimony in the Bible, which provides us with peaceful assurance when we need it. Similarly, we turn to prayer when we need to find rest in Christ. As Christians, we are the beneficiaries of the promise of redemption through the seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15), which was made in eternity past and is our ultimate hope.

Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if, through the power of the Spirit, you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:12-14 The declaration of “no condemnation” (V. 1) and the warning given in these verses should ring in the ears of every Christian. Douglas Moo states, “Security without responsibility breeds passivity, but responsibility without security leads to anxiety.”

But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)  And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Romans 8:9-11 Yes, even with Christ in us, the Christian body is still dead because of sin. The penalty for sin is death. Yet, we can have confidence in eternal life because we have been made right with God through Jesus Christ. This is past tense for all Christians. We have been sanctified, made holy, once and for all time through Christ. The progressive spiritual growth of the Christian is not about us; it is all about others.