Romans 8 Memorization, Part 5

It has been a little difficult to get back on track since vacation, but I am recommitted to my memorization of Romans chapter 8, and by tomorrow's recitation, I should be passed the half-way mark.  That's key to my personal transition from "you can do this" to "you will do this."  And I'm looking forward to memorizing the more familiar passages in the second half of the chapter. 

Romans 8:18-22:

For I consider 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 creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.

Paul is reminding us in the first verse that any suffering for Christ's sake is a small price to pay for the glorious riches that await us because of that suffering.  What a great hope that is -  our earthly suffering will end, but the glory of heaven is eternal! 

I love the personification describing the groans and labors of creation. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary on Romans explains:   "The first groan is the personified lament coming from the created universe as it now exists in the corrupted condition caused by the Fall.  Apokaradokia (anxious longing) is an especially vivid word that literally refers to watching with outstretched head, and suggests standing on tiptoes with the eyes looking ahead with intent expectancy. The prefix apo adds the idea of fixed absorption and concentration on that which is anticipated.  The creation is standing on tiptoes, as it were, as it waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God (p.452).  After the Fall of Adam and Eve, creation was cursed; man's sin brought corruption in the form of decay, disease, pain, death, disasters and other forms of evil.  But Paul says that there is hope for natural creation, it will be set free from corruption when it is restored by God. At that time, believers in Christ will also be set free from sin and their flesh.  The Apostle John wrote:  Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be.  We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is (I John 3:2).