Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to the glory destined to be revealed to^[a] us.

Creation Itself Groans To Share In Our Glory

¹⁹ For the eager-expectation of the creation is awaiting^[b] the revelation of the sons of God. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility^[c]— not willingly^[d], but because of the One having subjected it— in hope^{[e] 21} that the creation itself also will be set-free from the slavery of ^[f] decay into the freedom of ^[g] the glory of the children of God. ²² For we know that the whole creation is groaning-together and suffering-birthpains-together^[h] until the present.

We Groan For The Redemption of Our Body

²³ And not only creation, but also ourselves having the firstfruit^[i] of the Spirit— we ourselves also are groaning within ourselves while eagerly-awaiting adoption, the redemption of our body. ²⁴ For we were saved in hope. But hope being seen is not hope, for who hopes-for what he sees? ²⁵ But since we hope-for what we do not see, we are eagerly-awaiting it with endurance.

The Spirit Groans To Help Us In Our Present Weakness

²⁶ And similarly also^[j] the Spirit helps our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray as we ought-to, but the Spirit Himself intercedes-for us with inexpressible^[k] groanings. ²⁷ And the One searching our hearts knows^[l] what the mind of the Spirit is, because He is interceding for the saints in accordance with God.

This Means God Is Working All Things Together Toward Our Glorification

²⁸ And we know that all things are^[m] working-together^[n] for good for the ones loving God, the ones being called ones according to His purpose^[o]. ²⁹ Because whom He foreknew^[p], He also predestined^[q] to be similar-to-the-form of the image^[r] of His Son, so that He might be firstborn^[s] among many brothers. ³⁰ And whom He predestined, these He also called^[t]. And whom He called, these He also declared-righteous. And whom He declared righteous, these He also glorified^[u].