Bible, Eternity, Faith, Hope, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

WHAT IS THIS HOPE?

ROMANS 8:24

“For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees?”

I have hoped for a lot of things in my life. When I was younger, I hoped for toys at Christmas having dogeared about a hundred pages in the old Sears and Roebuck Christmas catalog. Who remembers that? Then I hoped for a car, a girlfriend, a job, etc. It seems I was hoping all the time. But you know what? When I got those things, I stopped hoping for them. Why? Because now I had them. Now I could see them.

Paul says something similar today in verse 24 of chapter 8. But the Greek text is a little tricky here. We need to make sure we understand it. First of all, there is no preposition in front of the first “hope.” It should read, “For hope…” The verb “saved” is in the Aorist which points back to a certain point. So, it should read as the NASB has it above or perhaps as “we were saved.” Put that all together. “For hope we were saved.” The second phrase is pretty clear, but let’s look at the last phrase. The verbs “hopes” and “sees” are both in the Present tense. So, they could be translated as “hoping” and “seeing.” It could therefore read, “for who is hoping for what he is seeing.”

APPLICATION

Okay, enough Greek for today. Right? Sorry about that, but sometimes the English just isn’t clear enough. But Paul’s message is. We hope for our future glorification. That’s what that first phrase says. “For hope we were saved.” For what hope? For the hope of eternity with Christ. For the hope of knowing Him fully one day. But it is a certain hope because He promised. Hebrews 11:1 tell us, “Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen.” I love how Watchman Nee defines this. He refers to J.N. Darby’s New Translation which reads, “Faith is the substantiating of things hoped for.” Faith isn’t just a substance or certainty. It’s making this hope real.

So, I ask you, “What are you hoping for?” Well, Carl, I hope I make it to heaven. I’ve heard so many people who claim to be followers of Christ make that remark. How silly! Our eternal home is more than a hope. Our faith has substantiated that. Christ has promised us a home. Stop hoping and start believing.

What else are you hoping for? Good health? Good kids? Wealth? Listen, start placing all your faith in Him. He will decide what is best for you, not your hoping. Do you believe He wants what is best for you? Start trusting Him. Remember, hope that is seen is not hope. We have seen Jesus! He has saved us – period. All hope is settled by our faith in Him. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

My hope is built on nothing less that Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Adoption, Bible, Family, Holy Spirit, Redemption, Scripture

THE PRIVILEGE OF ADOPTION

ROMANS 8:23

“And not only that, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our body.”

I worked for over three decades in the field of Child Welfare. This ministry included working with Foster and Adoption programs in the Southeast United States. Adoption is a beautiful thing. It gives a child who needs a permanent, loving home a place to call home and the opportunity to become part of a family. But even after the court papers are signed and all the legal hoops are jumped through, that child does not receive the full benefits of being adopted until they go home with their new parent(s). Then they get their new home and family.

Paul explains the same is true for us as believers. Yes, we are adopted as children of God at salvation. We become His child, but we do not receive the full benefit of adoption until our arrival in heaven when our old mortal bodies are glorified and where we will live eternally. Nothing can change the fact of our adoption while we are here. We know exactly where we are going when our “number” is called. We will receive that full adoption.

APPLICATION

The phrase “adoption as sons” is the Greek word huiothesia, which is only used five times in the New Testament, all my Paul, and three of those times appear here in Romans (8:15, 23; 9:4). The words “and daughters” are not in the Greek text, thus the use of italics. Paul is not excluding females. Their inclusion as children of God is implied in the Greek word huiothesia. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are in His family through this adoption.

Through my years working with children, I saw a number of failed adoptions. Children were placed with a family, but due to the child’s behavior or other circumstances, the adoption fell apart. The rejection this child feels is enormous and has lasting impacts on their life. Our spiritual adoption as sons and daughters of God can never be rejected. God knows all our sins, all the dirt on us and still loves us as His own. Isn’t that comforting?

While these verses may never be brought up in a discussion about eternal security, they most certainly apply. God’s adoption of us can never and will never be broken. Paul even writes in Ephesians 1:5, “He predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,…” If God decided before the foundation of the world to adopt us into His family, I don’t think He’s going to change His mind, do you? Live like you belong.

Father, You are my Father! You have made me Your child through adoption through Your Son.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Childbirth, Creation, Groanings, Romans, Scripture, Suffering, Uncategorized

GROANINGS AND LABOR PAINS

ROMANS 8:22

“For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.”

If you are like me, you have probably experienced some groans and sufferings in your lifetime. Whether they be from physical pain or emotional pain, those groans and sufferings are real. What can make those even worse is if they are experienced by more than one person. When the terrorist attacks happened back on September 11, 2001, the whole nation groaned and suffered. It was a deep groan and deep suffering. You probably still remember where you were the moment that happened.

Paul uses a word today that is used only here in the New Testament. The word is sustenazó which comes from sun (together) and stenazo (groan). That preposition sun is that inseparable togetherness. You are bound by this groaning. Paul is saying in today’s verse that all creation is bound together in this groaning and suffering. Then Paul uses another “one-time” word. The phrase “suffers the pains of childbirth together” is one Greek word – sunódinó. It also has the preposition sun. It is joined to odino (birth pains, labor). What a great word picture Paul paints for us.

APPLICATION

Since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, creation has been groaning. There would have been no earthquakes, volcano eruptions, floods, hurricanes or tornadoes if man had not sinned. Not only did Adam and Eve begin to experience the decay of death, but so did creation. Thorns and thistles grew where once there was just beautiful meadows or fruit trees.

How does this apply to us? We are decaying as I write these words. There is nothing we can do to stop our physical decay. We can take a thousand multivitamins and spend thousands of dollars on doctors and therapies, but we will all still die. Our bodies simply break down. I know I feel mine breaking down every day.

But we do have a remedy for our spiritual body, our spirit and even our soul. Jesus gives us a new birth. We are regenerated through His Holy Spirit. He transforms our minds (Romans 12:1-2). He transforms our spirits and knits it together with His. He transforms even our souls (our personalities). Think about that last one. Don’t tell me you don’t see that in that person who gets saved. They stop telling those off-color jokes. They stop looking at stuff they shouldn’t look at. They stop being the person they were before Christ. Our groanings and sufferings may continue physically, but spiritually we have no need for that anymore. Hallelujah, praise His name.

Thank You, Father God, for hearing my groans and seeing my sufferings. You have rescued me and given me a new life.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Chains, Freedom, Romans, Scripture, Slaves

FREEDOM

ROMANS 8:21

“that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”

Oh, this verse rocks my world. Doesn’t it yours? Just think about what freedom means? I have to quote Gill’s Exposition here. Get ready. This will rock you too. Gill’s says this freedom is “a freedom from the dominion of sin and Satan, from the law and bondage of it, in the free use of Gospel ordinances, in liberty of access to God, and a freedom from the fear of death, and a glorious liberty it is; or the liberty of glory the saints shall enjoy in the other world, which will lies in a freedom from the prison of the flesh, from the body of sin and death, from all sorrows and afflictions, from all reproaches and persecutions, from the temptations of Satan, from doubts, fears, and unbelief, and in the full vision of God through Christ, and in a free conversation with angels and saints.”

This is what Paul is saying in today’s verse. Woohoo! We are destined for an eternal freedom. The word “freedom” is the Greek word eleutheria which means the “liberating reality that believers possess in Christ.” (Topical Lexicon) So, let me ask you this question. Are you walking in that freedom today? Or are you still walking around like you are chained to the sin nature in you?

APPLICATION

Peter says it well in 2 Peter 2:20. “For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome,” Is that you? I pray not. We are to walk in victory, brothers and sisters, not to sin. Which is easier, to walk free or chained?

Paul writes the Galatians in Galatians 5:1 with the same message. “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Do you get it now? Stop strapping yourself down by the yoke of slavery to sin. Will you walk perfectly? Of course not! No one can. But we do not walk this path alone. Christ, through the power of His Holy Spirit, has broken the chains that bind us.

Chris Tomlin writes these lyrics in his song “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone).” 

My chains are gone; I’ve been set free. 

My God, my Savior has ransomed me 

And like a flood His mercy rains 

Unending love, Amazing grace 

Walk in victory today and every day. He has set us free!

Thank You, Lord, for the freedom I have today and forever!

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Flesh, Glory, Heaven, Romans, Scripture, Sin

HARD WORDS TO HEAR

ROMANS 8:20

“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope”

Do you remember as a child when your parents said, “This is for your own good”? Usually, that involved a spanking or some type of discipline for you to learn by. I never understood (or believed) that until I had children of my own and found myself saying the same thing. Sometimes the only way we can learn valuable lessons is go through a trial or perhaps even discipline. (Hebrews 12:11)

Today’s verse is a little difficult to comprehend at first glance. Can I boil it down for you? As followers of Christ, we are subjected to sin and all the consequences of it. God could have chosen to save us and then take us directly to heaven. Instead, He left us here on earth for a reason. Why would He do that? Didn’t He know it would be difficult for us? Didn’t He know we would fail and lapse into sin from time to time? Didn’t He know we would face discouragement in the midst of these trials?

APPLICATION

You know I reference Albert Barnes a lot in my blogs. Well, he gives some good reasons why God allows us to remain here and to be subjected to sin after we are saved. Look at these examples he gives: “1. Christians are subjected to this state to do good to their fellow sinners. 2. By their remaining here the power of the gospel is shown in overcoming their sin; in meeting their temptations; in sustaining them in trial; and in thus furnishing living evidence to the world of the power and excellency of that gospel. 3. It furnishes occasion for some interesting exhibitions of character – for hope, and faith, and love, and for increasing and progressive excellence. 4. It is a proper training for heaven. 5. It is fit and proper that he should engage here in the service of Him who has redeemed him.”

Now, these examples Barnes gives are not straight from Scripture, but each could be shown true in Scripture. For whatever reason God has chosen to leave us here, it is good because He is good and all that He does is good. We may not understand it now, but we can trust in His goodness. God is preparing us all for a future glory. Doesn’t that give you hope?

As you go through your own life lessons, lean on the truth of God’s Word. He has given us freedom from the penalty of sin and the power to refrain from it. He has not saved us to make us suffer here in our sinful, fleshy bodies. No, He has saved us to be a shining example of His power through fallen man. Trust in His power, not your own, to overcome the sinful desires in your life. He is able!

Lord, I so desire to be with You in glory but use me while I am here to show Your glory to others.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Anticipation, Bible, Glory, Revelation, Romans, Scripture, Waiting

EAGERLY AWAITING

ROMANS 8:19

“For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God.”

I watched this movie recently about a young girl who ran cross country. She overcame some great obstacles, including battling asthma, to win a state championship. Even though that race is a long distance race, it was won at the very end by just inches as she fell forward across the finish line in front of the previous state champion runner. It was literally a photo finish.

Why do I bring that up? Because the Greek word used by Paul which is translated “eagerly” gives us that picture. It’s the word apokaradokía “(from apó, ‘away from’; kara, ‘the head’; and dokéō, ‘thinking’) – properly, thinking forward (literally with head out-stretched), referring to eager, intense expectation.” (HELPS Word-studies). The word is used twice (here in today’s verse and Philippians 1:20). Paul’s use of the word here shows his keen desire for us to see the future of our glorified bodies. He can hardly contain himself.

APPLICATION

In Philippians 1:20 Paul uses apokaradokía when he writes, “according to my eager expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” Not only do we see our glorified bodies being eagerly sought, but we also anticipate that our current bodies are a means in which Christ is exalted. Don’t you just love that? We are to be always eagerly anticipating Christ’s work in our lives, now and in the future.

Can you honestly say that you’re eagerly anticipating these things? We all look forward to heaven, but most of us are in no hurry to get there. The older I get, the more my head strains toward that finish line. Don’t get me wrong. I love my life and what Christ is doing in and through me. But I am more and more ready for that day when I will see my Savior face to face. How about you?

More importantly, though, I have to ask myself if I am as eager to see Christ exalted in my mortal flesh, this earthly body. Every day I should strain myself towards that goal so that I can draw others to Him. I have to admit that I don’t do that as often. My prayer for you and for me is that we will be so busy straining our heads to exalt Jesus that the coming glory we will experience will just be icing on the cake. Will you join me?

Lord, I am stretching forth to reach all that You have for me, both now and later.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Eternal Life, Glory, Romans, Scripture, Suffering

SUFFERINGS AND GLORY

ROMANS 8:18

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Have you every endured some kind of suffering knowing that in the end it would be worth it? Take weight-lifting for instance. We push ourselves and cause momentary pain in our muscles so that we can get stronger and be able to do what we want to do physically. I remember vividly how Coach Powell pushed us in the weight room as football players. We didn’t appreciate all those off season hours in the gym until we hit the field in the fall. Then our strength we had built through pain paid off.

Paul knew all about suffering. He had endured his fair share of it. In 2 Corinthians 6:4-5 he shares some of his experiences of suffering. “4 but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in difficulties, 5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in mob attacks, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger,…” Did you notice how he started that? He said, “as servants of God.” You have to remember this through the suffering.

APPLICATION

We have to also remember why we even have suffering. Matthew Henry says it well. “Sin has been, and is, the guilty cause of all the suffering that exists in the creation of God. It has brought on the woes of earth; it has kindled the flames of hell. As to man, not a tear has been shed, not a groan has been uttered, not a pang has been felt, in body or mind, that has not come from sin.” So, as long as we are in this mortal body, we are open to suffering because of sin. This sin may or may not be of our own making. But all suffering is a teacher.

But Paul doesn’t stop with his talk of suffering. No! He says it doesn’t compare with “the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Hallelujah! Picture a scale you would use to weigh out seed or grain. On one side you have the weights you use to measure the amount of seed or grain you put on the opposite side. When the scale is balanced, you know you have the correct amount of weight. Sufferings will never outweigh our coming glory. Paul says they are incomparable.

The image of a mother right after birth of a baby just popped into my head. The intense suffering of childbirth gives way to indescribable joy as she holds that little life. That, beloved, is what Paul is saying in today’s verse. Any and all suffering we may endure will quickly fade away as we receive the glory He has promised. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.

Dear Lord, let my sufferings remind me of the coming glory.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Children, Christ, Father, Heirs, Inheritance, Romans, Scripture

HEIRS OR JOINT HEIRS

ROMANS 8:17

“and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”

You and I read often about adult children who inherit millions for dollars from their parents only to blow it within a short period of time. Because they did nothing to earn it, they don’t have an appreciation what it cost their parents. They feel entitled to it. Many very successful celebrities have pledged to leave the majority of his wealth to charity to encourage their children to make their own money. Aren’t you glad God doesn’t think that way?

In today’s verse, Paul tells us just how blessed we are. Because we are children of God, we are “heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.” In this phrase we see “heirs” mentioned three times. But we need to look closely at the original language to see a truth that is not easily revealed in the English translations.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “heir” is kléronomos which means to distribute by lot. Land or possessions were divided by casting lots to decide who got what. All legitimate claims would be settled this way. So, the thing (money, land, servants) in question would be divided.

In our verse today, it seems that Paul writes “heirs” first and then goes on to clarify the inheritance. Each mention of being heirs intensifies. First, it’s just “heirs.” Then he writes “heirs indeed of God.” The little Greek word for “indeed” is not translated in the New American Standard. But this little word intensifies the phrase. It could read, “also heirs, heirs indeed of God…”

And then we get to the next escalation in Paul’s words. He changes the Greek word from kléronomos to sygklēronómos which comes “from sýn, ‘closely identified with’ and klēronómos.” (HELPS Word-studies). I believe the Topical Lexicon defines sygklēronómos well. “The term translated ‘fellow heir’ underscores a covenant reality in which more than one party receives the same promised inheritance. Rather than dividing an estate, the gospel announces an undiminished inheritance in Christ that is fully possessed by every believer. The word therefore does not point to proportion but to participation: each recipient enjoys the whole blessing because the inheritance is Christ Himself.” This word is used three other times in the New Testament (Ephesians 3:6; Hebrews 11:9 and 1 Peter 3:7).

Now, do you see? We aren’t just heirs. We are joint-heirs. We all share it all with Christ. We aren’t just given a little slice of heaven. We have it all. We aren’t given a portion by lot. We have full access to all that Christ claims as His. What an inheritance. But this is only given to His children. Are you one?

Father, I am Your child and am thankful I am a joint-heir with Christ.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Family, Father, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Romans, Scripture, Son

TEAMMATES

ROMANS 8:16

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,”

Two is always stronger than one. The combined strength of two individuals has proven to be stronger than the sum of each person’s individual strength. We call that synergy. I have worked with team for most, if not all, of my ministry career. Some teams were stronger than others. Do you know why? Because in those weaker teams we had some members who didn’t give their all. You have heard it said a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. So true.

Paul reminds us in today’s verse that we are not on this journey alone. The Spirit is front and center in our lives. It is He Who empowers us to live our lives for Christ. It is He through Christ Who guides our thoughts and minds. And it is He Who, if we will allow Him, will keep us from those sinful behaviors that so easily entangle us. We are a team, a heavenly team.

APPLICATION

It’s interesting to me that the only three times the Greek verb summartureó is used in the New Testament, they are used by Paul in this letter to the Romans (2:15; 8:16; 9:1). Check out this one commentary’s remarks on this phrase. “The testimony of our own spirit is borne in that cry of conscious sonship, ‘Abba, Father’; but we are not therein alone; for the Holy Ghost within us, yea, even in that very cry which it is His to draw forth, sets His own distinct seal to ours; and thus, ‘in the mouth of two witnesses’ the thing is established. (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary)

It is always good to have corroborating witnesses to prove a point. Here we have our spirit and God’s Spirit agreeing that we are children of God. Now, it would be one thing for us to say that on our own. I could claim to be the President of the United States. That claim wouldn’t go very far. If, however, that claim was backed up by the Supreme Court, I may very well be the President (don’t worry, I’m not, lol). Agreement with others carries weight.

This is why we should never, never doubt our sonship with the Father. The Spirit of God says we are. All we have to do is agree with Him. He knows it’s true. Jesus knows it’s true. The Father knows it’s true. Celebrate the fact that you are one with them. As Jesus said, “I am in you.” Believe that and receive it. What a promise. I am given the privilege to call on my Father in heaven whenever I need Him. And He hears. 1 John 5:14 says, “And we have this confidence before Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” Praise the Lord.

I am forever grateful, Lord, that You have given me the Holy Spirit to corroborate my testimony of being Your son.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Family, Father, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Relationships, Romans, Scripture

ABBA! FATHER!

Yesterday when I visited my daughter’s home, my little 18 month old grandson saw me when I came in the back door and came running. He is not calling my name yet, but his excitement and energy coming to me screamed, “Papa, Papa!” I can’t wait to hear him say that to me. And when he got to me, he practically dove into my arms. Here’s a pic to prove it (pardon the Band-Aid on the nose).

Paul’s use of “Abba! Father!” in today’s verse isn’t just a flippant use of Hebrew and Greek. No, this use of two words from two different languages was intentional and meant to convey a deep personal relationship. The phrase is used two other times in the New Testament which we will look at. Think of my illustration above. That’s the picture I want you to have in your mind when you hear “Abba! Father!”

APPLICATION

In Mark 14:36 we find Jesus using that phrase when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane praying. “And He was saying, ‘Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.’” Jesus was crying out to His Heavenly Father during a time of deep pain and torment. He knew He was destined for this moment, but in this moment, He turns to the most intimate relationship He had, His Father. We must do the same.

Paul writes in Galatians 4:6, “Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba! Father!’” Here in this usage of the phrase, it is the Spirit crying out to the Father for us. Again, The Spirit and the Father are intimately connected. The Spirit only speaks what the Father tells Him to speak. He only moves as the Father tells Him. Shouldn’t we be the same?

Abba! Father! Daddy, daddy! Hear my cry! That is what we are saying when we use those words. We need to realize that the closet relationship we should have as followers of Christ is with the Father through the Spirit because of the Son. It’s a family thing. Remember, we are sons and daughters of the King. We have the right to call out “Abba! Father!” and to know He hears us. Amen!

I cry out to You today, Abba Father. Hear my cry!

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard