The Bible Project Daily Podcast

• The Agony & Ecstasy. (Romans 8: 18-30)

  Send us a text🎙️ Welcome back to The Bible Project Daily Podcast.In today’s episode, we’re working through one of the most hopeful passages in all of Scripture—Romans 8:18 to 30—in a reflection I’ve titled The Agony and the Ecstasy.Here, the apostle Paul speaks to a reality we all know too well: suffering. But he doesn’t leave us in the valley—he lifts our gaze to the horizon of glory, revealing how our present struggles are not wasted but are, in fact, the very path to our future joy.We’ll explore the deep groanings of creation, the longing of the human heart, and even the silent intercession of the Holy Spirit—all pointing toward the hope and certainty we have in Christ.So whether you’re walking through hardship today or simply wondering where God is in the pain of life, I invite you to journey with me and discover the glory that awaits on the other side.📄 Episode Notes:Title: The Agony & The Ecstasy Scripture: Romans 8:18–30 Podcast Series: The Bible Book of Romans.Summary: In this moving reflection on Romans 8, we explore the paradox of the Christian life: how deep suffering and deep hope can coexist. The apostle Paul helps us see that present agony is not the end of the story—it’s part of the road to glory. Drawing on vivid imagery and profound spiritual insight, Paul shows us:The Groaning of Creation – The whole world aches under the weight of sin, longing for renewal.The Groaning of Believers – We, too, wait eagerly for the final redemption of our bodies, groaning not in despair but in hope.The Groaning of the Spirit – Even when we don't know what to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with wordless groans, perfectly aligned with God’s will.At the heart of this passage lies one of the most cherished promises in Scripture:“In all things, God works for the good of those who love Him.” (Romans 8:28)This episode reminds us that suffering, for the Christian, is not a detour—it’s the very road that leads to transformation, glory, and ultimate joy in Christ.Key Themes:Suffering and perseveranceHope grounded in God’s promisesThe intercession of the Holy SpiritGod’s sovereign plan and our future glorificationReflection Questions:In what ways have you experienced “groaning” in your spiritual life?How does knowing that the Spirit intercedes for you change how you approach prayer?What might it look like to wait “with patience” for the redemption that is to come?The Balance of GrayGod, doubt, and proof walk into a podcast... it goes better than you’d expect!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFor an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

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• Obligation and Opportunity. (Romans 8: 12–17)

  Send us a textWelcome back to The Bible Project Daily Podcast. Today we’re continuing our journey through Romans 8. Our theme today is obligation. But not the heavy, guilt-ridden kind that crushes us. This is a holy obligation—the kind that opens the door to a transformed life.Jesus didn’t come to make life easy. He came to make us holy. And to accomplish that, He did four things:He died.He rose.He ascended.And He sent the Holy Spirit.His death and resurrection made forgiveness possible. His ascension and the sending of the Spirit made our transformation possible. So now, in Christ, we’re not just saved from sin’s penalty—we are empowered to overcome sin’s power.But here’s the tension: Even with all of that, the Christian life is not effortless. There’s still a real war going on—a battle between flesh and Spirit, waging within the soul of every believer.Paul has painted that struggle vividly, especially in chapters 6 and 7. Remember his raw cry in Romans 7?“Oh, what a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?”And now in chapter 8, Paul begins to show us the way out—not by sheer willpower, but by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.So the question is: If we know we should walk by the Spirit—why don’t we always do it? Why does that path feel so difficult?Let’s explore Paul’s answer in Romans 8:12–17. He gives us three reasons why we are not only invited—but obligated—to walk according to the Spirit, and not according to the flesh.1. We Are No Longer Debtors to the FleshRomans 8:12–13:2. We Are Children of God, Not SlavesVerses 14–15:3. The Spirit Testifies: We Belong to GodVerse 16:4. Heirs With ChristThe world asks, “Who am I?” But in Christ, we already know. We are children of God. And because of that, we have both obligation—and opportunity.To walk by the Spirit. To cry out, “Abba, Father.” To live as heirs of the Kingdom.And one day, to share in His glory.Thanks for joining me today. May the Spirit bear witness in you this week—and may you walk boldly in the freedom of a beloved child of God.Until next time, grace and peace.The Balance of GrayGod, doubt, and proof walk into a podcast... it goes better than you’d expect!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFor an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

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• Living Life in the Spirit. (Romans 8: 5-11)

  Send us a textWelcome to today’s episode of The Bible Project Daily Podcast!Today, we're exploring one of the most transformative passages in the book of Romans: Chapter 8, verses 5 to 11. In this powerful section of Paul’s letter, we’re invited to consider what it really means to live a life “according to the Spirit.”What we’ll discover is that this is not just a change in religious behaviour—it’s a complete reorientation of the mind, heart, and soul. A Spirit-governed life leads us away from the realm of death, and into the abundant life of peace, purpose, and presence with God.📖 Episode Summary & Study NotesMain Theme: There are two ways to live: according to the flesh or according to the Spirit. One leads to death—manifested through fear, guilt, hostility, and emptiness. The other leads to life and peace—a Spirit-led transformation grounded in the presence of Christ within us.In This Episode, We Explore:The two mindsets Paul describes: one set on the flesh, the other on the Spirit.How your mindset shapes your whole inner life—your thoughts, emotions, values, and purposes.The spiritual consequences of each path:The flesh brings death, marked by fear, shame, anger, and meaninglessness.The Spirit brings life, expressed in trust, acceptance, love, joy, and peace.The remarkable truth: If Christ is in you, the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is already working within you—even in your mortal body—to bring newness of life.Core Takeaway: You are no longer a prisoner to your sinful nature. In Christ, by the Spirit, you have the freedom, the power, and the calling to live a new kind of life—a life marked by righteousness, peace, and a deep, abiding connection with God.🕊️ Reflection QuestionsWhat are the signs that your mind is set on the flesh versus set on the Spirit?How have you experienced the peace and vitality that comes from living by the Spirit?What might it look like to more fully orient your life around the things of the Spirit?🙏 Closing ThoughtLife in the Spirit isn’t just a doctrine—it’s a daily reality. Through the Spirit, we have hope, renewal, and the promise of God’s abiding presence, even in our weakness.Thanks for listening—and remember, in Jesus Christ, you are no longer in the realm of death. You are in the Spirit. So walk in it.The Balance of GrayGod, doubt, and proof walk into a podcast... it goes better than you’d expect!Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFor an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

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• Easter Monday - A Special Resurrection Day Episode. – The Hope That Walks With Us

  Send us a textSupport the showFor an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

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• Good Friday – A Special Easter Thanksgiving.

  Send us a textSupport the showFor an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

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