The lengthy, complex section of Romans that is this week’s epistle lesson includes some of Paul’s most theologically “loaded” language. Rather than getting bogged down in centuries-long debates over such terms as “predestined,” “called,” “justified,” “sanctified” and “glorified,” we are going to look at the larger picture Paul is painting with his distinctive vocabulary and stunning promises.

In verse 22 the apostle speaks of creation “groaning;” in verse 23 it is “we, ourselves” who “groan inwardly.” Suddenly, in verse 26 the focus shifts in a surprising direction. Now it is the Spirit itself who groans: the Spirit “intercedes for us with groans too deep for utterance.”

The first two “groanings” issue from the failures and yearnings for a new reality of wholeness and fulfillment. The third…