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🎙️ Welcome back to The Bible Project Daily Podcast.

In today’s episode, we’re working through one of the most hopeful passages in all of Scripture—Romans 8:18 to 30—in a reflection I’ve titled The Agony and the Ecstasy.

Here, the apostle Paul speaks to a reality we all know too well: suffering. But he doesn’t leave us in the valley—he lifts our gaze to the horizon of glory, revealing how our present struggles are not wasted but are, in fact, the very path to our future joy.

We’ll explore the deep groanings of creation, the longing of the human heart, and even the silent intercession of the Holy Spirit—all pointing toward the hope and certainty we have in Christ.

So whether you’re walking through hardship today or simply wondering where God is in the pain of life, I invite you to journey with me and discover the glory that awaits on the other side.

📄 Episode Notes:

Title: The Agony & The Ecstasy
Scripture: Romans 8:18–30
Podcast Series: The Bible Book of Romans.

Summary:
In this moving reflection on Romans 8, we explore the paradox of the Christian life: how deep suffering and deep hope can coexist. The apostle Paul helps us see that present agony is not the end of the story—it’s part of the road to glory. Drawing on vivid imagery and profound spiritual insight, Paul shows us:

• The Groaning of Creation – The whole world aches under the weight of sin, longing for renewal.
• The Groaning of Believers – We, too, wait eagerly for the final redemption of our bodies, groaning not in despair but in hope.
• The Groaning of the Spirit – Even when we don't know what to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with wordless groans, perfectly aligned with God’s will.

At the heart of this passage lies one of the most cherished promises in Scripture:

“In all things, God works for the good of those who love Him.” (Romans 8:28)

This episode reminds us that suffering, for the Christian, is not a detour—it’s the very road that leads to transformation, glory, and ultimate joy in Christ.

Key Themes:

• Suffering and perseverance
• Hope grounded in God’s promises
• The intercession of the Holy Spirit
• God’s sovereign plan and our future glorification

Reflection Questions:

• In what ways have you experienced “groaning” in your spiritual life?
• How does knowing that the Spirit intercedes for you change how you approach prayer?
• What might it look like to wait “with patience” for the redemption that is to come?

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