mySundaySermons

Romans 8:12-25

 So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ–if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.  [NRSA]

First, Paul tells us we have an obligation – not to the flesh, but to the Spirit. To live according to the flesh is to live a self-serving life, focused on our own wants and desires. However, Paul urges us to live by the Spirit, putting to death the misdeeds of the body.

When we live by the Spirit, we become children of God. We no longer live in fear, for we have been adopted into God’s family.

Next, Paul speaks of suffering. Yes, we suffer, but our current suffering is a precursor to the glory that will be revealed in us. Our sufferings are nothing compared to the glory that awaits us. This perspective not only gives us hope but also a capacity to endure, for we know there is a greater purpose and promise that surpasses all our trials and tribulations.

In verses 19-22, Paul talks about the creation itself. All of creation waits in eager expectation, groaning under the weight of sin and decay, for the revelation of God’s children. This reminds us that our liberation in Christ is not merely a personal or human liberation, but it has cosmic implications.

So here are in the struggling, suffering, wearisome phase. We love the flesh and yet we are called to love the life in the Spirit.

Reminds me a poem, from school days, Between Two Loves, my T. A. Daly.

I have a love for Angela,

I love Carlotta, too.

I no can marry both of them..,

So what am I going to do.

Angela is a pretty girl,

She has hair, so black, so curl

And teeth so white as anything

And she has a voice to sing

That will make our heart feel like it must

Jump up and dance or it will bust..

And all the time she sings, her eyes

They smile like Italian skies,

And making flirting looks at you,

But that is all that she can do.

Carlotta does not have a song,

But she is twice as big, and strong

As Angela, and she doesn’t look

So beautiful, but she can cook.

You ought see her carry wood!

I tell you what, it would do you good

When she is somebody’s wife

She will work so hard, you bet my life.!

She is never getting tired, too—

But that is all that she can do.

Oh! My! I wish that Angela

Was strong to carry wood.

Or else Carlotta had a song

And looked pretty good.

I’ve got a love for Angela, and

I love Carlotta too.

I cannot marry both of them

So am I going to do?

When we, the children of God, are revealed, creation itself will be set free from its bondage. Our redemption impacts more than just ourselves.

Finally, we come to verses 24-25, which remind us that hope is the anchor of our faith. The nature of hope is to anticipate something we do not yet have. We may not see the fullness of God’s promise now, but we are called to live in hope, waiting patiently for the fulfillment of His word.

So, how then should we live, given these profound truths?

• We must live as children of God, adopted into His family, and heirs to His promises.
• Let us put to death the misdeeds of the flesh and live by the Spirit.
• Let us not lose heart in times of suffering, but remember that it pales in comparison to the glory that awaits us.
• Let us remember that our redemption has a wider impact than our personal lives – it resonates with all of creation.
• And above all, let us live in hope and patience, waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Remember this: We are called to be part of something bigger, part of God’s divine plan to liberate creation and reveal His glory. Our lives have purpose and meaning, and they matter in the grand narrative of God’s love and redemption.

This hope of redemption, the expectation of this glory, is what sustains us in times of trouble. Hope, as Paul points out, is for what we do not yet have. And because we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently. Hope is not a frail and fleeting emotion; it is a robust anchor, holding us firm, steady, and secure amidst the storms of life.

If you ever hear me say that I will be running a marathon, it is either April Fools Day or I have lost my mind. But there are other marathons than those run on foot.

• Our denomination continues in a season of crisis.
• Our families are running marathons of strained relationships,
•  financial uncertainties, and
• long battles with illness and heartache.

This passage reminds us that our journey of faith is not a leisurely stroll but a marathon of endurance. It’s a race where our true reward is not instant gratification but the promise of ultimate glory. Therefore, let us walk in the Spirit, regardless of the challenges that lay before us. Let us remember that we are God’s children, co-heirs with Christ, and no amount of present suffering can compare with the glory that awaits us.

May God bless you, and may He grant us the strength and courage to live as His children, not shackled by our flesh but liberated by the Spirit, full of hope and eager anticipation for the glory that is to be revealed in us. Amen.