Daily Devotions
Romans
"Subjected to futility..."
Text: Romans 8:20
THE SEARCH FOR MEANING IN LIFE
When God made man, He made him out of the dust of the ground (Cf. Genesis 2:7). From the time God created man, the search for meaning in life began. The following questions have always been raised by the thinking individual?
1. What does it mean to be a human being?
2. What is the purpose of life?
3. Is there a destiny to be fulfilled?
4. Are there universal principles that govern life and the universe?
PROFOUND TWIN PRINCIPLES OF LIFE
Paul revealed two very profound principles that help us understand life better in the following text.
“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly,
but because of Him who subjected it in hope.”
Romans 8:20
1. The principle of “subjection to futility”
a) This principle was studied deeply by King Solomon.
b) He was affected deeply as he sought to fathom the principle of being subjected to futility.
c) Solomon’s own words were “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity”. (Cf. Ecclesiastes 1:2)
d) The sense of futility is heightened by the realization that man will have to die one day.
i) Wealth does not prolong life indefinitely.
ii) Wisdom is unable to give life forever.
iii) Power also does not extend life.
2. The principle of “subjection in hope”
a) Faith in God enables an individual to believe in His promise of eternal life.
b) However this eternal life with all its glory is not fully realized in our lifetime on earth.
c) Hope is all we have.
But a strong faith makes hope come alive!