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In II Cor. 5:, in connection with "the groan" of creation and the believer, we find the
earnest expectation of resurrection, and in II Cor. 4: we shall find the same sequence as
in Rom. 8:, sufferings not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed.
"For the which cause we faint not; but though the outward man perish, yet the inward
man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh
for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things
which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are
temporal: but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if our earthly
house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God . . . . . For in this we
groan, earnestly desiring . . . . . our house from heaven . . . . . God hath given us the
earnest of the spirit" (II Cor. 4: 16 - 5: 8).
If everyday's experience presses upon us the consciousness of creation groan, may it
also cause us to appreciate more fully the blessed teaching represented by the fruits of the
spirit, the spirit of sonship, the unseen pledge of things to come. It will help us to see the
structure of the section that contains the reference to the glorious liberty of the children of
God, Rom. 8: 17-21.
Romans 8: 17 - 21.
A | 17. SUFFERING and GLORY. |
a | Joint heirs sun.
b | Suffer together sun.
a | Glorified together sun.
B | 18. REVELATION of GLORY. (apokalupto). |
c | Reckoning.
d | Present suffering.
c | Comparing.
B | 19. REVELATION of SONS. (apokalupsis). |
c | Expectation.
d | of creature.
c | Revelation.
A | 20, 21. LIBERTY and GLORY. |
a1 | Subjection of creature.
b | In hope.
a2 | Emancipation of creature.
b | From bondage.
a3 | Liberty of children.