Renewed in His Presence

Key Passage: Romans 8:18-39

Devotional:

“The whole of creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves…” (Romans 8:22). We live in a unique moment in history— the Church Age. We have been given the completed canon of Scripture, the full revelation of the Gospel, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the knowledge that the kingdom of God is here. Yet, we still live in a world broken by sin, not yet “home.” As Paul writes, we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:23).

Earlier this week, we considered our promised home in Heaven—more than just a place—it is the restoration of perfect fellowship with God. It is an unbroken relationship. It is dwelling with Him! On that day, all wrongs will be made right, and every broken thing will be restored. But that day has not yet come. Until then, we wait.

Romans 8 describes the posture of our hearts as we wait, in hope, for the redemption of a world that has been “subjected to futility” (See Romans 8:20.). How we worship as we wait prepares us for the life to come. Even now, we have the opportunity to align our hearts with the “culture” of Heaven so that we are ready when we arrive. Paul lays out the journey of sanctification in Romans 8—the lifelong process of becoming more like Christ—leading to our eventual glorification, when sin is completely removed, and we are made perfect in eternity. In this passage, Paul also identifies two essential gifts that sustain us as we wait: the Holy Spirit and the inseparable love of God. By the Spirit of God, we continue to grow in Christlike character—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control (See Galatians 5:22.). By the love of God, we are reminded of our worth and are compelled to share the gospel with others (See 2 Corinthians 5:14-15.). It is through these gifts that we endure, waiting with patient hope for the day when all things will be made new.

So, what does it mean to wait in hope? How can we worship as we wait for eternity? Kevin DeYoung challenges us with this thought: “If you don’t like the things of God now, why do you think you will like them in Heaven?” By loving what God loves, we demonstrate our love for Him and prepare our hearts for eternity with Him. As we anticipate our heavenly home, here are ways we can grow in love for the things of God while we wait:

• Praise God for His character and mighty works.

• Commit yourself to the Word of God.

• Fervently share the gospel—Jesus will be forever glorified through it!

• Grow in holiness by the power of the Holy Spirit.

• Love God as He has loved you.

May we worship as we wait, living in joyful anticipation of the day when our faith will become sight.

Application Question: How are you loving the things of God? Does anything above stick out to you where you can grow? What’s one way that you can demonstrate love for the things of God?

Song Reflection: “Dancing in heaven with unending praise/Renewed in your presence/These bones aren't the same/We love you, we love you”

Further Reading: Revelation 21-22

Written by Alexandra Gibson

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