“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.” – Romans 8:23
Romans 8:23 says, “Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit…” This verse reminds us that when we became Christians, God gave us His Holy Spirit—not just as a helper for today, but as a guarantee of our future glory. The term “firstfruits” here doesn’t merely refer to spiritual blessings or emotional highs; it refers to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit Himself. Just as a down payment secures the full purchase, the Spirit is God’s pledge that He will finish what He started. Ephesians 1:13–14 calls Him “the Holy Spirit of promise… the guarantee of our inheritance.” We’ve already tasted heaven in moments of worship, deep prayer, and joyful service. These glimpses stir our hearts with longing for the fullness of what’s to come.
But with that longing comes groaning. Romans 8:23 continues, “…even we ourselves groan within ourselves.” This isn’t complaining—it’s the sigh of a soul that knows it was made for more. Just like creation groans for restoration, we groan for our final redemption. We groan because we’ve seen the goodness of God and we want more. We groan because we’re citizens of heaven still walking through the dust of earth. It’s the same kind of groaning the Israelites had in Egypt (Acts 7:34), and the same sigh Jesus gave when He healed the deaf man (Mark 7:34). It’s the cry of a heart that’s been sealed by the Spirit and longs for the day when faith becomes sight and weakness is swallowed up in glory.
Let your groaning lead you to hope. Don’t mistake it for despair—it’s the sound of a soul stretching toward eternity. The Spirit within you is not only your comforter now, He is your guarantee of glory then. You’ve been given the down payment, the engagement ring, the first installment of heaven itself. Let that truth shape your perspective. When trials come, remember they’re temporary. When joy comes, let it remind you of what’s ahead. And when you groan, let it be a holy longing for the day when you will be fully redeemed, fully restored, and fully glorified in Christ.
“The reason we groan is because we have experienced ‘the firstfruits of the Spirit,’ a foretaste of the glory to come. Just as the nation of Israel tasted the firstfruits of Canaan when the spies returned, so we Christians have tasted the blessings of heaven through the ministry of the Spirit. This makes us want to see the Lord, receive a new body, and live with Him and serve Him forever” – Warren Wiersbe
surrendered devotions 