Week 6 | Day 4
Live Expecting and Live Sent
Romans 8:18-21
Paul lifts our eyes from present groans to future glory. Though we’re already saved, we’re still awaiting the full unveiling—our resurrection and the renewal of creation. God didn’t “beam us up” at conversion because His mission isn’t finished (see 2 Peter 3:9). Thus, until Jesus returns, just as the creation leans forward in hope, so should we live in anticipation of His glory being revealed—fueled by His promise, and sent to help others find His mercy.
Application
1. Fix Your Horizon
Set your mind “on things above” and not on the things of earth (see Colossians 3:1–2). Let the certainty of His coming glory outweigh the weight of any present earthly struggle or pain (see 2 Corinthians 4:17).
2. Interpret Your Earthly Groans through Hope
The earthly frustration we face living in a fallen creation aren’t meaningless—allow these hardships to drive you to expectancy, not cynicism.
3. Live Sent, not Sidelined
God left you here on purpose—to make disciples (see Matthew 28:19–20), to be His witness in the Spirit’s power (see Acts 1:8). We’re not museum pieces—we’re EMTs on Gospel call to meet others at the point of their need to point them to Jesus.
4. Walk in the Spirit, not the Flesh
Anticipating Christ’s return should recalibrate and refocus our desires and decisions (see Titus 2:11–13) helping us to live ready for whatever we face today in light of His imminent return.
5. Let Compassion Fuel our Actions
If creation longs for freedom, let your heart long for your neighbors to meet Jesus. Pray, serve, speak—so others can share in the grace and mercy of God’s great love for them.
Set your mind “on things above” and not on the things of earth (see Colossians 3:1–2). Let the certainty of His coming glory outweigh the weight of any present earthly struggle or pain (see 2 Corinthians 4:17).
2. Interpret Your Earthly Groans through Hope
The earthly frustration we face living in a fallen creation aren’t meaningless—allow these hardships to drive you to expectancy, not cynicism.
3. Live Sent, not Sidelined
God left you here on purpose—to make disciples (see Matthew 28:19–20), to be His witness in the Spirit’s power (see Acts 1:8). We’re not museum pieces—we’re EMTs on Gospel call to meet others at the point of their need to point them to Jesus.
4. Walk in the Spirit, not the Flesh
Anticipating Christ’s return should recalibrate and refocus our desires and decisions (see Titus 2:11–13) helping us to live ready for whatever we face today in light of His imminent return.
5. Let Compassion Fuel our Actions
If creation longs for freedom, let your heart long for your neighbors to meet Jesus. Pray, serve, speak—so others can share in the grace and mercy of God’s great love for them.
Closing Prayer
Lord, anchor my heart in the hope of Your return. Let the promise of future glory shape my choices today. Teach me to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh, to long for Your appearing as creation longs for renewal. While I wait, make me faithful—Your hands, feet, and voice—so that Your kingdom comes, Your glory is revealed, and Your will is done in me and through me on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.