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"The firstfruits of the Spirit..."

Text: Romans 8:23

COMPREHENDING PROFOUND TRUTHS

How may we comprehend profound truths from the Lord’s Word? Thank God for the ministry of the Holy Spirit who reveals great truths, enlightening us and enabling us to fathom deep truths.

“For we know that the whole creation groans
and labours with birth pangs together until now.
Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,
even we ourselves groan within ourselves,
eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.”
Romans 8:22-23

1. “For we know”

a) Paul writes about certain and definite knowledge.

b) This knowledge was well-comprehended in a most mature manner.

2. “That the whole creation groans and labours with birth pangs together”

a) A striking imagery was employed- that of a woman in labour.

b) This was the way Paul expressed the earnest longing of all creation for God’s deliverance from the bondage of corruption.

3. “Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit”

a) Paul certainly possessed this deep and profound knowledge.

b) But this deep knowledge was not exclusive to him; those who were mature spiritually had this same wonderful assurance of hope associated with this understanding.

c) Then there was the special “firstfruits of the Spirit”.

i) The term “firstfruits” is a reference to the first ripened fruit of a harvest.

ii) The Holy Spirit is involved in this profound discussion of creation longing for deliverance.

iii) Every true believer should experience the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit.

iv) As we see these changes we experience the reality of the concept of “firstfruits of the Spirit”.

v) We are then assured that there will be a full harvest (total deliverance from corruption).

4. “We ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body”

a) Every enlightened and wise believer longs for and eagerly awaits full redemption of the body.

b) In principle, we are redeemed and adopted as children of God.

c) There remains one more mighty act of God to be experienced.

d) This mortal body, so badly affected by the corruption of sin will be gloriously changed.

e) God will give us a sinless resurrection body!