36. Os Gemidos da Criação (Rm 8.18-25)

Opening and Introduction

The speaker introduces the reading from the book of Romans, chapter 8, verses 18-25. Greetings are extended to the audience, emphasizing the joy of gathering for worship.

Reading from Romans 8:18-25

• The speaker highlights that present sufferings cannot be compared to the future glory that will be revealed in believers.

• Creation eagerly awaits the revelation of God's children, indicating a transition from corruption to freedom and glory.

• Both creation and believers long for redemption, expressing hope and anticipation for liberation and adoption as children of God.

Central Theme of Romans Chapter 8

The central theme revolves around the assurance of salvation in Christ Jesus. This chapter concludes a series starting from justification in Christ (chapter 5), sanctification (chapter 6), liberation from condemnation (chapter 7), to certainty in God's work for believers (chapter 8).

Assurance of Salvation in Christ

• Paul emphasizes that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, assuring believers of their forgiven status before God.

• The chapter focuses on the ministry of the Holy Spirit, highlighting how believers are secure in Christ with no condemnation or judgment awaiting them.

Security Through the Holy Spirit

The passage underscores believers' security through forgiveness and eternal life granted by God. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in affirming this truth within individuals.

Security Affirmed by the Holy Spirit

• Believers' confidence stems from the Holy Spirit's application of truths about forgiveness and freedom from sin.

• The presence of the Holy Spirit redirects thoughts towards godly matters rather than worldly concerns, ensuring a life free from sin's dominion.

Assurance Beyond Present Sufferings

Believers can find assurance amidst present sufferings by anticipating future glory revealed by God. Paul contrasts current hardships with future glory to emphasize their insignificance.

Finding Assurance Amidst Sufferings

• Present sufferings pale in comparison to future glory; believers receive a foretaste through the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of eternal blessings.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of enduring suffering in the world as a Christian and draws parallels to childbirth to illustrate the idea of enduring present sufferings for future glory.

Understanding Suffering as a Christian

• The speaker emphasizes comparing the future glory awaiting believers with present sufferings to find strength in enduring hardships.

• Drawing from personal experiences of witnessing childbirth, the speaker highlights how enduring pain is manageable when one anticipates the joy that follows.

• Analogizing childbirth pains to worldly sufferings, the speaker explains that just as a mother endures labor for the joy of her child's birth, Christians endure present sufferings for future heavenly glory.

• Paul's certainty that present sufferings cannot be compared to future glory underscores the theme of endurance and hope amidst trials.

• The discussion expands to encompass all forms of suffering experienced by humanity, including persecution, diseases, tragedies, anxieties, financial losses, and death.

New Section

This section delves into the origins of suffering in human existence based on biblical narratives and explores how sin led to a world marked by pain and hardship.

Origins of Human Suffering

• Referencing Genesis, the speaker traces back suffering to Adam and Eve's disobedience in eating from the tree of knowledge, resulting in God cursing both humanity and creation.

• God's curse on Earth post-fall signifies a shift from paradise to a harsh reality where humans face struggles and labor while women endure childbirth pains.

• The explanation extends to why God cursed all creation due to man's role as its steward; humanity's fall impacted not only individuals but also all aspects of existence.

• Paul's discourse in Chapter 8 reflects on creation groaning under corruption caused by sin—both Adam's transgression and individual sins contribute to worldly suffering.

• The presence of evil spirits further compounds human misery through oppression and corruption, adding layers of anguish beyond inherent consequences of sin.

New Section

This segment explores how despite pervasive suffering in the world due to sin, glimpses of God's mercy are evident through remnants of His original creation amid temporary pleasures contrasted with eternal glory promised for believers.

Dichotomy Between Suffering and Glory

• Acknowledging God’s mercy amidst Earth’s curse reveals remnants like beautiful landscapes, pleasant climates, delicious fruits alongside fleeting joys that do not negate underlying suffering.

Glory Revealed in Us

In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of glory that will be revealed in believers. This glory surpasses present sufferings and is linked to the future coming of Jesus Christ.

The Nature of Glory Revealed

• The speaker references passages from Isaiah and Peter to explain how God will renew the earth, creating a new heaven and earth.

• This renewal involves purifying and transforming the universe into a place of righteousness for those saved through Jesus Christ.

• The glory to be revealed surpasses current sufferings, emphasizing its incomparable nature according to Paul's assurance.

Expectation of Sons of God

This part delves into Paul's mention of three aspects regarding how future glory surpasses present sufferings, focusing on the revelation of the sons of God.

Revelation of Sons of God

• Paul highlights that not all humanity are considered children of God but only those who believe in Jesus Christ.

• The true children of God are those who have been forgiven and justified through faith in Jesus Christ.

Creation Awaits Redemption

Here, the discussion centers on how creation eagerly anticipates the revelation of the sons of God as a moment when believers will be presented in their redeemed state.

Creation's Expectation

• Creation eagerly awaits the revealing moment when believers will be seen as they truly are – redeemed, resurrected, sinless, immortal, and ready for eternity.

Understanding Paul's Teachings on Creation and Redemption

In this section, the speaker delves into Paul's teachings regarding creation, corruption, and redemption as outlined in the Bible.

The Revelation of the Sons of God

• Paul discusses the anticipation of liberation from corruption and captivity.

• : Creation awaits freedom from bondage.

• : Current sufferings pale in comparison to future glory promised by God.

The Liberation of Creation

• The speaker explains how creation longs for redemption from decay and corruption.

• : Creation groans in hope for deliverance.

• : All creation is subject to decay due to sin's impact.

Expectation of Freedom through Christ

• Emphasizes that creation will be liberated alongside believers upon Christ's return.

• : Creation eagerly anticipates release from corruption.

• : Analogizes creation's state to a wounded animal awaiting liberation.

The Role of Spirituality in Suffering

This segment explores how spirituality does not shield believers from worldly suffering according to Paul's teachings.

Suffering Despite Spiritual Connection

• Believers, despite having the Holy Spirit, still experience suffering in the present world.

• : Possession of the Holy Spirit does not exempt believers from hardship.

• : Believers share in suffering with all humanity despite spiritual connection.

Misconceptions about Spiritual Protection

• Dispels misconceptions that faith shields individuals from worldly afflictions.

• : Rejects prosperity gospel notions that faith eliminates suffering.

Desilusão com o Cristianismo

The speaker discusses how individuals become disillusioned with Christianity due to false promises made by prophets and pastors, leading to a growing number of disenchanted individuals in Brazil.

Disillusionment with Christianity

• Many people in Brazil are disappointed not with the true Gospel but with the false version presented to them.

• Human suffering is inherent due to sin, and placing happiness in worldly things leads to disappointment.

• True joy comes from focusing on the future glory rather than temporary worldly pleasures.

O Papel do Espírito Santo

The speaker delves into the concept of the Holy Spirit as portrayed by Paul, emphasizing its role as a foretaste of heavenly blessings and virtues.

Role of the Holy Spirit

• The Holy Spirit serves as a representation of what awaits believers in the celestial realm.

• Attributes transmitted by the Holy Spirit include holiness, joy, communion with God, brotherhood, peace, purity, altruism, and genuine love.

Aguardando a Redenção

The discussion centers on believers' anticipation for adoption as children of God and redemption of their bodies through resurrection.

Anticipation for Redemption

• Christian life is characterized by hopeful anticipation for adoption as children of God and bodily redemption through resurrection.

Understanding the Importance of Redemption and Resurrection

In this section, the speaker delves into the significance of redemption and resurrection in Christianity, emphasizing the holistic nature of salvation that encompasses both soul and body.

The Significance of Christ's Resurrection

• True Christianity is not solely focused on the soul but also involves the body, as Christ died not only to redeem souls but also bodies.

• Redemption is incomplete without the redemption of our bodies; physical resurrection is crucial for complete salvation.

Importance of Body in Christian Salvation

• Paul highlights the importance of bodily redemption for Christians, as it completes their adoption by God through Jesus Christ.

• Without bodily redemption through resurrection, believers cannot fully inherit God's prepared kingdom of New Heaven and Earth.

The Hope in Resurrection and Completion of Salvation

This segment explores the misconception within evangelical circles regarding death as an ultimate goal, contrasting it with the true Christian hope centered on resurrection.

Misconceptions About Death and Heaven

• Contrary to popular belief, death leading to heaven is not the final destination for Christians; true hope lies in bodily resurrection.

• The ultimate Christian hope is not dying to reach heaven but rather in anticipating the resurrection of the dead for complete salvation.

Stages of Salvation: Justification, Sanctification, Glorification

Here, a detailed breakdown of salvation stages - justification, sanctification, and glorification - is provided along with insights into God's transformative work within believers.

Three Stages of Salvation

• Initial salvation involves forgiveness (justification), followed by a process (sanctification) where God works on believers' sins through trials like suffering.

• Sanctification entails breaking sin's hold on individuals by revealing idols in their hearts through hardships.

Anticipation of Future Glory Through Resurrection

This part focuses on future deliverance from sin's presence at Jesus' return through believers' resurrection into incorruptible bodies.

Future Deliverance Through Resurrection

• The final stage of salvation occurs when believers are freed from sin's presence during Jesus' return via resurrection into perfect bodies.

Hope Anchored in Unseen Glory

The discussion centers around hope anchored in unseen glory rather than present circumstances or visible outcomes.

Hope Amidst Present Challenges

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of suffering in relation to the glory that awaits those who are in Christ. The importance of meditating on scriptures and focusing on the promises of God is emphasized.

Prioritizing Meditation on Scriptures

• Believers are encouraged to meditate on scriptures to gain perspective on suffering and the glory that awaits them.

• Meditating on God's promises can cultivate faith, hope, and patience in individuals.

• Reflecting on the future glory reserved for God's children helps diminish the significance of present sufferings.

New Section

This part delves into how suffering is a universal experience, affecting all creation. The speaker urges individuals not to dwell solely on their own suffering but to consider the broader context of pain in the world.

Understanding Universal Suffering

• All creation experiences suffering, emphasizing that individual struggles are not unique.

• Encouragement is given to look beyond personal suffering and acknowledge others' greater hardships worldwide.

New Section

Here, the discussion shifts towards understanding that suffering may not always be a consequence of personal sin. The idea of suffering as a form of correction rather than punishment is highlighted.

Perception Shift on Suffering

• Not all suffering stems from specific sins; it can be part of being in a fallen world.

• Viewing suffering as corrective rather than punitive aligns with God's role as a loving father guiding growth.

New Section

This segment addresses misconceptions about suffering related to sin and punishment. The narrative challenges harmful theological beliefs surrounding hardship.

Challenging Misconceptions

• Disputes common notions linking all forms of suffering directly to personal sins or divine retribution.

• Reference to Job's story counters simplistic views associating adversity solely with individual wrongdoing.

New Section

The focus here is on how some interpret suffering as a sign of spiritual deficiency or divine judgment. The narrative critiques such perspectives and offers alternative insights.

Critique of Misguided Comfort

• Criticism towards those who attribute all sufferings to personal failings or spiritual inadequacies.

Life and Hope

The speaker reflects on life, death, hope, and looking beyond the present world to a future filled with glory and hope in God.

Reflections on Life and Hope

• "Life to death is just a stepping stone; it's the next phase. We have hope; we are not like others. We look beyond, our eyes fixed on Glory as we walk in this world but with our eyes fixed on glory wanting it to be revealed. That's why we can have hearts full of hope, expectation, and peace that God applies tonight."

Seeking Forgiveness and Vision

• Encouragement to ask for forgiveness for murmuring, dissatisfaction, resentment, and criticism. Requesting a vision of God's glory and what He has prepared fills the heart with hope and expectation. A prayer for glorifying God.