“For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.” — Romans 8:22–23 (NASB 1995)
You’re not crazy for feeling like something is off—even when things seem fine on the outside.
Creation groans. You groan. Deep down, your spirit knows this world is not home. But you’ve been given the first fruits of the Spirit—evidence of what’s to come.
Your hope isn’t empty. It’s Spirit-filled.
Challenge: When you feel off or overwhelmed, pause and ask: Is this a longing for the world to come? How is the Spirit keeping my hope alive?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, when I feel restless, remind me that eternity is coming. Teach me to groan in hope. Amen.
“For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.” — Romans 8:22–23 (NASB 1995)
It’s tempting to fix every problem, comfort every discomfort. But the Spirit teaches us—and our children—to wait.
We groan, but we groan with purpose. The Spirit stirs in us a longing for the full redemption to come.
As mothers, we model what it means to groan in faith, not fear. To sigh, but also sing. To ache, but also anchor in hope.
Family Talk:
What are some things that feel broken or sad in the world?
How can the Holy Spirit help us hope while we wait?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, grow in us the kind of hope that groans but doesn’t give up. Teach us to wait for Jesus with joy. Amen.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” — Colossians 2:8, NASB1995
What Happens When the Church Marries the World’s Wisdom?
After the death of the apostles, the Church entered a vulnerable season. Persecution raged, heresies spread, and a longing for intellectual respectability crept in.
In an effort to defend the faith, some early apologists turned to the tools of Greek philosophy—but in doing so, they opened the door to a slow, steady erosion of Spirit-led doctrine.
Greek Philosophies That Influenced Early Christianity
Platonism:
Taught the material world was inferior to the spiritual
Encouraged dualism—separating body and soul
Influenced views on resurrection, sin, and grace
Stoicism:
Prioritized moralism and logic over Spirit-empowered transformation
Downplayed emotion and suffering
Gnosticism:
Denied the goodness of creation and incarnation
Claimed secret knowledge (“gnosis”) was the path to salvation
Appealed to pride and elite spirituality
Note: The apostles warned of these teachings in their own lifetimes (see Col. 2:8, 1 John 4:1–3, 2 Peter 2:1)
Key Figures and Their Influence
🔹 Justin Martyr (AD 100–165)
A philosopher before converting to Christianity
Called Plato “a Christian before Christ”
Sought to merge faith and reason, appealing to Roman thought
🔹 Clement of Alexandria (AD 150–215)
Praised philosophy as a “schoolmaster” to Christ
Saw it as a gift from God to the Greeks
Introduced more allegorical interpretations of Scripture
🔹 Origen (AD 185–254)
A prolific teacher who deeply allegorized Scripture
Denied bodily resurrection in its biblical form
Introduced speculative theology based on Platonic hierarchy
Though sincere, these men shifted the Church’s interpretive method away from plain reading and Spirit-led discernment… toward philosophical abstraction.
What Changed?
Scripture was no longer the final authority—reason and tradition gained influence.
Hierarchical structures began to emerge, shifting authority from the Spirit-led body to a few educated elites.
Doctrine was redefined to fit philosophical categories—not the Gospel.
The Seeds of Apostasy Were Taking Root
Paul called this the “mystery of lawlessness already at work” (2 Thess. 2:7). What began subtly would soon blossom—under Constantine—into full-blown institutional religion.
Application for Today
Many Christians still look to philosophy, psychology, or academic theology as superior guides—rather than the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.
We must ask:
Do I interpret Scripture through the lens of the world—or through the Spirit of Truth?
Am I being captivated by clever systems or grounded in the simplicity of Christ?
Have I replaced revelation with speculation?
Let Scripture Speak for Itself Again
“The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” — Psalm 119:130
“…and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” — Romans 8:17 (NASB 1995)
Did you know that if you are God’s child, you get to share in what Jesus has?
That’s what it means to be an heir! One day, we’ll live with Jesus forever in a new, perfect world. But sometimes, we also go through hard times just like Jesus did. The Holy Spirit helps us stay strong and trust God.
Try This: Think of one way Jesus showed love when things were hard. Can you do that too?
Prayer: God, thank You for making me part of Your family. Help me stay close to You, even when life is hard. Amen.
“…and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” — Romans 8:17 (NASB 1995)
Being an heir sounds amazing—until you read the second half of the verse.
Yes, you are a co-heir with Christ. Yes, glory awaits. But between now and then comes suffering. Jesus didn’t avoid the cross, and neither do we. But we don’t walk alone.
The Spirit doesn’t erase pain; He walks us through it, and keeps our eyes fixed on the promise of future glory.
Challenge: What hard thing are you walking through right now? What might it mean to suffer with Christ in it?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, strengthen me to follow Jesus no matter the cost. Keep me looking to the glory ahead. Amen.
“…and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” — Romans 8:17 (NASB 1995)
This verse reminds us that motherhood is Kingdom work.
We aren’t just raising kids—we’re preparing co-heirs for glory. But they, like us, will suffer. We must help them understand that following Christ includes pain—but also includes purpose and eternal inheritance.
The Spirit equips us to model perseverance and prepare our children to walk in the footsteps of Christ.
Family Talk:
What does it mean to be an heir of God?
Why does God allow suffering, and how can we face it with Jesus?
Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of being Your heirs. Holy Spirit, help us walk faithfully through suffering, knowing glory is coming. Amen.
“…and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” — Romans 8:17 (NASB 1995)
You are not just adopted—you are an heir. That means you’ve been written into God’s will. Everything Christ inherited as the risen Son, you will share in as a daughter.
But here’s the hard part: heirs walk the same road. If Jesus suffered, we will too. But through suffering comes glory, not in spite of it.
The Spirit gives us strength to endure, perspective to hope, and the reminder that our inheritance is eternal.
Reflection: Am I enduring today’s trials with eyes on the future glory?
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for calling me Your heir. Let the Holy Spirit strengthen me to suffer well and walk as a daughter of the King. Amen.
“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.” — Romans 8:16 (NASB 1995)
Doubt can whisper loud, but the Holy Spirit speaks louder.
When insecurity creeps in or when the enemy accuses, the Spirit doesn’t stay silent. He assures our hearts—not by emotion, but by testimony—that we are God’s children. This is not just intellectual knowledge, but deeply personal confirmation.
He reminds us that we are not orphans, not forgotten, not lost—but fully known, fully loved, and fully His.
Reflection: What voices are louder than the Spirit’s testimony in your heart today?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, silence doubt and remind me that I belong to the Father. I rest in the truth that I am Yours. Amen.
“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.” — Romans 8:16 (NASB 1995)
Do you ever feel unsure about things? The Holy Spirit helps with that!
He lives inside of you and reminds your heart that you belong to God. Even if you feel afraid or make a mistake, He gently tells you: “You are still God’s child.”
Try This: When you feel worried, say, “God, thank You that I am Yours.”
Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You for reminding me that I’m part of God’s family. I love being Your child! Amen.
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