(Sermon Notes for Sunday, 21 September 2025)
FAITH WAITS - HOPE ANCHORS!
Romans 8:25–30 (NKJV)
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Romans 8 is the Christian’s “Declaration of Freedom,” for in it Paul declares the "Four Spiritual Freedoms" we enjoy because of our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:18–30 is a passage that is rich with themes of suffering, hope, and God's sovereign purpose.
Note the three “groans…”
Life in this broken world leaves us longing for redemption. The Apostle Paul describes how believers groan inwardly (v. 23) and even how creation groans (v. 22). In this passage of Scripture, we learn that the Holy Spirit also groans on our behalf—a powerful truth of God’s help in our weakness.
- Freedom from Judgment - No Condemnation (Rom. 8:1-4)
- Freedom from Defeat - No Obligation (Rom. 8:5–17)
- Freedom from Discouragement - No Frustration (Rom. 8:18–30)
- Freedom from Fear - No Separation (Rom. 8:31–39)
Romans 8:18–30 is a passage that is rich with themes of suffering, hope, and God's sovereign purpose.
Note the three “groans…”
- Groan of CREATION (vv. 19–22)
- Groan of BELIEVERS (vv. 23–25)
- Groan of the HOLY SPIRIT (vv. 25–30)
Life in this broken world leaves us longing for redemption. The Apostle Paul describes how believers groan inwardly (v. 23) and even how creation groans (v. 22). In this passage of Scripture, we learn that the Holy Spirit also groans on our behalf—a powerful truth of God’s help in our weakness.
Hope Anchors Us In Waiting
Let's zero in today on Romans 8:25 (NLT) But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.
We as believers live between already saved and not yet fully redeemed. Waiting requires hope rooted in God’s promises.
We as believers live between already saved and not yet fully redeemed. Waiting requires hope rooted in God’s promises.
What Does This Mean?
Paul is teaching us about our faith in Christ and our hope in Christ—especially the hope of our future glory with Him. As believers, we don’t yet fully see or experience: eternal life the resurrection of our bodies, or the freedom from sin and suffering. But we wait in faith, trusting God’s promises with patience and confidence.
Bible References
Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT) So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen.
Galatians 6:9 (NLT) So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
Isaiah 40:31 (NLT) But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT) So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen.
Galatians 6:9 (NLT) So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
Isaiah 40:31 (NLT) But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
What Are the Promises We Are Waiting For?
1. The Resurrection of Our Bodies - Romans 8:23 (NLT) We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us.
2. Eternal Life with Christ - John 14:2–3 (NLT) There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.
3. The End of Suffering and Tears - Revelation 21:4 (NLT) He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.
4. The Fulfillment of Our Salvation - Philippians 1:6 (NLT) I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
5. A New Heaven and New Earth - 2 Peter 3:13 (NLT) But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.
6. Our Eternal Reward - 2 Timothy 4:8 (NLT) And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
7. Jesus’ Return - Titus 2:13 (NLT) We look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.
2. Eternal Life with Christ - John 14:2–3 (NLT) There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.
3. The End of Suffering and Tears - Revelation 21:4 (NLT) He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.
4. The Fulfillment of Our Salvation - Philippians 1:6 (NLT) I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
5. A New Heaven and New Earth - 2 Peter 3:13 (NLT) But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.
6. Our Eternal Reward - 2 Timothy 4:8 (NLT) And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
7. Jesus’ Return - Titus 2:13 (NLT) We look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.
God’s Promises Are Guaranteed
Scripture is clear that God’s promises are sure, guaranteed, and unshakable. Here are several powerful passages:
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NLT) For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding ‘Yes!’ And through Christ, our ‘Amen’ (which means ‘Yes’) ascends to God for his glory.
Hebrews 6:17–18 (NLT) God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie.
Romans 4:20–21 (NLT) Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.
Joshua 21:45 (NLT) Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.
Isaiah 55:11 (NLT) It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NLT) For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding ‘Yes!’ And through Christ, our ‘Amen’ (which means ‘Yes’) ascends to God for his glory.
Hebrews 6:17–18 (NLT) God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie.
Romans 4:20–21 (NLT) Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.
Joshua 21:45 (NLT) Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.
Isaiah 55:11 (NLT) It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
Practical Steps for Living Romans 8:25
1. Pray with Expectation - Philippians 4:6–7 (NLT) Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
2. Stay Consistent in Good Spiritual Habits - Galatians 6:9 (NLT) So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
3. Remind Yourself of God’s Faithfulness - Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
4. Encourage Others in the Waiting - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT) So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
5. Focus on Eternity - 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NLT) For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!
2. Stay Consistent in Good Spiritual Habits - Galatians 6:9 (NLT) So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
3. Remind Yourself of God’s Faithfulness - Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
4. Encourage Others in the Waiting - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT) So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
5. Focus on Eternity - 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NLT) For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!
Take-Away
When life feels heavy, remind yourself,
“This isn’t the end. God’s promises are still on the way.”
“This isn’t the end. God’s promises are still on the way.”
Will you give your life to Jesus today?
Pray this prayer to receive Jesus as your Savior:
“Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn from my old ways and invite You into my heart. Be my Lord, be my Savior, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Right now, I trust you as my Savior and will follow you as my Lord. Thank You for loving me. Amen.”
Assurance of Salvation
If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, you can be sure that you are saved.
Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
John 10:28 (NLT)“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.”
Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
John 10:28 (NLT)“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.”
If you prayed to receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord, please complete the Connection Card below and watch the "Bridge Illustration" video at the bottom of this post.
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