Why were the Gentiles not without hope?
The Gentiles were not without hope because the death, burial, and resurrection that was soon to take place would bring resurrection life. This is pictured by wheat multiplying and by spring following winter, showing God's promise of hope beyond their former alienation from Israel's covenants.
Les explains that Paul writes to Gentiles, reminding them that when God was dealing with the circumcision, they were without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But they weren't without hope, because what was soon to take place was death, burial, and resurrection. Just as wheat grows up and produces many kernels, His coming forth from the grave would bring resurrection life. Les says this is the whole concept of Scripture—death, burial, and resurrection—and God has saturated nature with it. The seasons speak of it: winter is dead and dormant, but spring brings new life. Les thinks that is why the Lord planned Easter in the springtime, though Satan adulterates it. We are to look beyond Satan's adulterations and look at the truth of Scripture that everything is wrapped up in His death, burial, and resurrection. Then Les returns to Romans chapter 6.