All Creation Groans for Redemption

Romans 8:18–30 is a passage that is rich with themes of suffering, hope, and God's sovereign purpose.

Note the three “groans” that are discussed.
1. Groan of CREATION (vv. 18–22)
2. Groan of BELIEVERS (vv. 23–25)
3. Groan of the HOLY SPIRIT (vv. 25–30)

Romans 8:19-22 (NKJV)

19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pains together until now.

Romans 8:19–22 This passage beautifully illustrates the cosmic consequences of sin and the hopeful anticipation of restoration.

I. THE GROANING OF CREATION IS REAL

Romans 8:22 (nkjv) For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pains together until now.

Creation is not as it should be—it’s broken, frustrated, suffering under the curse of sin.

Genesis 3:17–19 (NLT) And to the man he said, “Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat, the ground is cursed because of you. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it. 18 It will grow thorns and thistles for you, though you will eat of its grains. 19 By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made. For you were made from dust,
and to dust you will return.”

Application: 
We as Christians and Bible believers should not be surprised by suffering in the natural world; it's part of creation’s “groaning.”

Take-Aways:

• Don’t ignore or minimize suffering in the world—acknowledge it as a result of the fall. 
• When you see natural disasters, disease, or injustice, let them prompt you to pray, not just react emotionally or politically. 
• Environmental stewardship is not just a secular concern—treat creation with respect as God’s handiwork (Genesis 2:15). 
• Suffering is not meaningless—even the earth feels it.

II. CREATION IS NOT HOPELESS—IT WAITS IN EXPECTATION

Romans 8:19 (NLT) For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.

The Greek word used for “eager expectation” implies a stretching of the neck, eagerly looking for something, intense anticipation.

Application:

• Live in a way that reveals you are a child of God.
• When the world watches your life, let your testimony and the life you live point to the hope of full redemption.
• Practice hopeful patience—in trials, don’t give up.
• Encourage others in their waiting.

III. CREATION WAS SUBJECTED TO THE CURSE BY GOD

Romans 8:20 (NLT) Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope.

God subjected the world to decay due to sin—but with a plan for redemption.

Genesis 3: The curse touched everything—not just humanity, but the ground, the animals, the environment.

Application:

• When things feel out of control or frustrating, remember: God is still sovereign.
• Let the "frustration of life” remind you that this is not your final home.
• In your personal disappointments, ask: “What is God trying to do through this?”
• Practice faith - in the midst of - frustration—trust that God's plan includes restoration.

IV. THE PROMISE OF FUTURE GLORY

Romans 8:21 (NKJV) ...because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Our Hope? Creation itself will be restored!

Revelation 21–22: A new heaven and new earth where there’s peace, no pain, no sorrow, no separation, no death, no curse.

(Read Revelation 21 and 22)

Application: 

• If even the earth is going to be renewed, how much more will we, who are in Christ? 
• Live today in the light of that coming redemption. 
• Hold on to hope!

Let your hope in a renewed creation inspire you to: 

1. Share the Gospel with urgency—others need to know redemption is coming. 
2. Keep doing good—you’re investing in an eternal future (Gal. 6:9). 
3. Worship with joy—our faith ends in freedom and glory.

Don’t just long for heaven—live with heaven in mind.

CONCLUSION:

For Believers:

• Join creation in hopeful longing for a New Heaven and a New Earth.
• Be faithful stewards of what God has made.

For Seekers:

• Recognize the groaning of your own soul.
• Receive the redemption offered in Christ.