Common Ground
THE BIG PICTURE
Session 4
Romans 8.20-22

Okay, track with me here:

The heat makes us better.

We understand this in some departments of our lives.  Stress actually makes us better.  Pressure moves us toward completion.  It is the reason we train and study.  It is why we do sets in the gym.  It is why we do scales on the piano.  It is why we do seemingly never-ending (deliver us, O LORD) algebra problems.  We understand that we “have to put in the time,” “pay our dues,” or give the “sweat equity” to get good at something.  And it is through added pressure that we improve.  It is how we learn and grow. (James 1.2-4)

We get this. Well, maybe.

In the broader view of our lives however, we find ourselves constantly surprised by the difficulties we encounter.  We are often puzzled when trials and tribulations come, asking the proverbial “why?”  If you think about it, this can only be because somehow we continually expect our lives to be comfortable and easy.  We continually seek to find joy and contentment and are frustrated when it’s not to be found.  We continually forget the very basics of our theology.

As we will study this week, Paul is candid about our existence (this side of glory).  He recounts his struggle with his own flesh.  He describes the bondage and the groan of a fallen world. And, yes, he answers the “why?”  Sin has entered into the world and has affected everything: its creatures and creation.  But take heart!  Sin is defeated and death is overcome!  God is alive, present and at work in us!  Through the heat, He will bring forth good fruit!

WORSHIP SET:
UNSTOPPABLE GOD
WHEN THE FIGHT CALLS
EVER BE

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