• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"The first fruits of the Spirit..."

Text: Romans 8:23

DEEPENING OF UNDERSTANDING

The apostle Paul must have been aware of the fact that not many believed and felt as he did! However, he knew that the knowledge he had acquired was from the Lord and it was important for believers to acquire that same deep understanding of the Christian Hope. To this end he wrote an insightful word in the following text.

“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 8:23

1. The idea of firstfruits

a) Firstfruits refer to first fruits to ripen.

b) If the firstfruits are good the farmer eagerly awaits the full harvest.

2. “The firstfruits of the Holy Spirit”

a) This is a reference to the changes that have already begun to take place in the new believer in Christ.

b) There are very real and often dramatic changes after conversion

i) Old sinful habits are set aside.

ii) New and good habits appear.

c) Harvest time must refer to the day when the Lord Jesus gives us a new resurrection body (Cf. 1 Corinthians 15).

3. “Eagerly waiting the adoption, the redemption of our body”

a) In principle we have already received “adoption”.

i) We may call God “Father”.

ii) God regards us as His children.

b) A greater reality is in mind here.

i) Adoption in fullness includes having a resurrection body.

ii) The fullness of redemption will take place when Christ returns for us.