23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
Romans 8:23-25
1. The idea of firstfruits
a) The first of fruits to ripen
b) The whole harvest field may not be ready yet
2. What are the firstfruits of the Spirit?
a) Paul did not specify in this text
b) His focus was on the word “Hope”
3. Returning to some basic truths
We recall Paul’s word in Romans 5
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:1-5
a) Faith leads to justification
b) We then have Peace with God
c) And we have access to Him
4. The Significance of Hope
a) We eagerly wait for the redemption of our body (Romans 8:23)
b) We have this Hope in our salvation
c) We eagerly await
d) We wait with perseverance
5. Hope and Firstfruits
a) We rejoice in hope of the glory of God
b) We glory in tribulations
c) We have perseverance
d) We have character
e) We return to the word Hope
6. Firstfruits
a) Rejoicing
b) Glorying
c) Persevering
d) Character
e) Hope
These may be seen as “firstfruits!”
7. Another set of Firstfruits
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law
Galatians 5:22-23
a) These are called “fruit”
b) In many ways they may also be seen as “firstfruits”
OUR CHALLENGE
1. To check firstfruits
2. To cultivate all that we can
3. To wait eagerly for the full redemption of our body