All creation groans – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Romans 8:22-23 – “For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in birth together until now. And not only it, but we ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, even the redemption of our body.”
Introduction to Romans 8:22-23
We live in times of great spiritual and moral challenges. When we look around us, we see a world that is suffering and groaning. Since the Fall, creation has been in a state of pain and waiting. The apostle Paul describes this reality in Romans 8, showing that suffering is not an end in itself, but a sign that something great is to come: the final redemption.
Meanwhile, we face the harsh reality of a world that is turning away from God, immersed in materialism, sin and hopelessness. The church, as a representative of the Kingdom of God, is called to hear and respond to the cry of creation, living in holiness and proclaiming the hope that is in Christ.
Development
THE GROAN OF CREATION: THE PAIN OF DEATH
Creation groans because it is marked by sin. When Adam fell, the physical world was subjected to corruption (Genesis 3:17-19). Since then:
- Natural disasters, environmental destruction and climate instability are signs that creation is waiting for its redemption.
- Just as a woman in labor suffers to give birth, the world goes through intense pain as it awaits the birth of a new reality: “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5).
THE GROAN OF HUMANITY: THE PAIN OF SEPARATION
Humanity also groans, even without realizing it, because it was created to live in communion with God, but sin has brought separation. This manifests itself in
- An incessant search for purpose and meaning: Many try to fill the spiritual void with materialism, pleasures and scientific advances, but they remain restless.
- Suffering and injustice: Wars, disease and inequality show that man, without God, is lost and desperate.
THE GROANING OF GOD’S CHILDREN: THE PAIN OF WAITING
Paul reminds us that even those who have the Holy Spirit groan within. This is because:
- We live between “already” and “not yet”: we have already been saved, but we are still waiting for the complete redemption of our bodies and the world.
- We long for Christ’s return: While the world groans for death, the children of God groan for life, waiting for the moment when glory will be fully revealed (Romans 8:18).
THE CHURCH’S CALL: TO ANSWER THE CRY
Faced with this scenario, the church has a clear mission:
- Announcing hope in Christ: While the world perishes, the church proclaims that there is redemption available for those who repent and believe in the Gospel.
- Living as light in the midst of darkness: The faithful church cannot sleep, but must be vigilant, for the Lord will come like a thief at midnight (Matthew 25:6).
- Participating in restoration: We are called to care for creation, alleviate human suffering and reflect God’s love in practical actions, while we await the new heaven and the new earth.
GROANING AS A PROPHETIC SIGN
The groaning of creation is not just a lament, but a warning. It echoes like a prophetic sound, warning the church about:
- The nearness of Christ’s return: The labor pains announce that the time is coming.
- Theneed for sanctification: The church must be faithful and vigilant, living in obedience to the Lord.
- The call to urgency: There’s no more time to sleep. It’s time to step up the work in God’s harvest, rescuing lives for the Kingdom.
Conclusion of Romans 8:22-23
The groaning of creation reminds us that we are in a cosmic transition: from suffering to glory, from corruption to redemption, from death to life. As a church, we must hear this cry and respond with hope, faith and action.
- Creation groans to death, but we groan to life.
- Creation awaits its redemption, and we await our glorification.
- The world is in darkness, but the church is the light that points to the new day that is about to dawn.
May we be prepared and committed to the Lord’s work, living in holiness and proclaiming the message of salvation. Then, when the final cry echoes, we will be ready to say: “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).
Preaching Outline on Romans 8:22-23 – “For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in birth together until now. And not only it, but we ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, even the redemption of our body.”
More Preaching Outlines
- Jesus will come – Romans 8:22-23
- The story of Creation – Genesis 1:1
- The Praise of the Faithful Church – Revelation 15:3-4
