Romans 8 is much an amazing chapter. It follows Paul’s discourse on the struggle with our “two natures” in Romans 7. He talks about then the Law of the Spirit of Life, vs the Law of sin and death. he says then in v18 that the suffering of this life is nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed to us. All of creation was affected by The Fall and so all of creation is longing for what is coming.

Then the idea of “firstfruits” is mentioned. We have the Spirit of God living in us v23 as a firstfruit, a foretaste of the glory that is coming while we wait for the redemption of the whole body. 

We have HOPE but of course the nature of hope is that we don’t have the fullness yet, we can’t see it yet, but it IS coming.

v25 then says we eagerly wait with patience – hypomone = a remaining behind, patient endurance. And then v26 – In the same way the Spirit also helps us with our weakness because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches (Ps139) our hearts – knows the mind of the Spirit because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God

Then we get to the verse that we all love, but often take out of context – All things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose

We want this to mean, “everything is good – but well – yes and no.

See vv29-30 then conect with vv 26-27 and v28 is just a definer. 

v29 begins, “FOR” – hoti=that, because

All things work out FOR Good of those called according to his purpose – what’s the purpose? v29 For those he foreknew – those known by God for all of history as those who would BE HIS i.e. those who would respond to his drawing, would receive his gift of Grace, those indwelt by the Spirit as Ephesians 1:13-14 describe when you heard the word of truth… when you believed… you were sealed with the Holy Spirit… the down payment (firstfruit) of our inheritance UNTIL the redemption of the possession (emphasis mine)

Do you see the connection. The HOPE we have – it is a “ticket” but the delivery is yet to come. It’s waiting at the “will call window” it’s there and has your name on it with certainty of the promise – we have a firstfruit living in us but the best is yet to come.

What is coming? As the Spirit is interceding for us, according to the will of God. What IS then the will of God… v27 and what is the purpose in v28… what is the Good that all things are working together for?

I’m glad you asked

v29 For – because – those he forknew he predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son

Why?

So That – He (Jesus) would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters

Two different firstfruits being spoken of here – and firstfruits are the first harvest of a greater harvest to come. The Spirit is the foretaste of Eternity in God’s Presence. And Jesus is the foretaste of How WE will be for eternity.

Jesus died – but he rose and lives and so shall we. And we will be alive, not just like we used to be, not struggling with flesh and spirit – but conformed to the image of the Son – Jesus – in every way. 

1 John 3 says how great is the love that God has given us that we should be called children of God and that is what we are. 2 We are God’s children NOW and what we WILL BE has not yet been revealed (seen clearly) but we know that WHEN he appears we will be LIKE Him… 3everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself just as he is pure

Oh my, the struggle now is great, but I have a firstfruit of glory living in me. I have the firstfruit of the resurrection life displayed in Jesus. And so I understand that I am going to be LIKE Jesus. It is why God called me, justified me, and he has glorified me. All of these are past tense actions. For me the first two have already taken place and the third is yet to be but they are certain completed events. 

And I know and experience the Spirit then helping in my weakness along the way. I have to surrender to him, and I know he is praying for me. He is ordering events and circumstances in my life toward the end of strength and transformation into the image of Christ. 

Know this – the Spirit’s intercession is sometimes then different from the way I pray, and the way I act, but it is always in accordance with the Will of God which is to conform me to the Image of the Resurrected Christ. Oh I’m a child of God but the family resemblance isn’t always as it should be, but the Spirit is praying and working toward that end.

And then 8:31 – again in this context we understand – what then are we to say… if God is for us, who can be against us? 

Again this doesn’t mean I can always get what I want and win the battles I want to win, but it means that God is and will shape me into the image of Jesus regardless of the struggles, the battles.

Hmmm – go read Psalm 139:1-5 now and see how the Spirit works, what he is doing – He is always with me, always aware – and then v5 says, you have encircled me; you have placed your hand on me.

Praise God the Spirit aides me in my weakness and I will look like Jesus when it’s all said and done.