Embracing Our Glory: Adoption, Suffering, and Hope in Christ

 

Summary

In Romans 8, Paul presents a profound vision of the Christian life, intertwining the themes of family and glory. As believers, we are adopted into God's family, becoming His children and heirs, with the privilege of calling Him "Abba, Father." This familial relationship is not just a present reality but also a promise of future glory. Paul emphasizes that our destiny is to be glorified with Christ, a glory that will be revealed in us and to us. This passage invites us to grasp the atmosphere of these words, understanding that they are not mere text but carry the weight of divine promise and hope.

The tragedy of humanity, as Paul outlines, is the exchange of God's glory for idolatry, leading to a creation groaning under the weight of sin. Yet, in Christ, there is a recovery of this lost glory. Jesus, the second Adam, accomplishes what the first Adam failed to do. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He restores what was lost, offering us a share in His glory. This restoration is not just a future hope but a present reality, as we begin to taste the glory of God even now.

Paul's teaching in Romans 8 also sheds light on our present sufferings. He assures us that our sufferings are the raw materials from which God will create the glory that will shine in us. This perspective transforms our understanding of suffering, giving us hope and steadfastness. Moreover, it reassures us of the purpose in life now, as we are being conformed to the likeness of Christ, our elder brother.

The ultimate destiny for believers is a glorious end where all creation is restored, and God is all in all. This hope is not just "pie in the sky" but a present reality that empowers us to live with purpose and joy. As we await the fulfillment of this promise, we are called to live in the light of our glorious inheritance, knowing that one day, God Himself will wipe away every tear, and we will dwell with Him forever.

Key Takeaways:

- Adoption into God's Family: As believers, we are adopted into God's family, becoming His children and heirs. This relationship is not just a present reality but a promise of future glory, where we will be glorified with Christ. Our identity as God's children gives us a profound sense of belonging and purpose. [04:17]

- The Tragedy of Lost Glory: Humanity's tragedy is the exchange of God's glory for idolatry, leading to a creation groaning under sin. Yet, in Christ, there is a recovery of this lost glory. Jesus, the second Adam, restores what was lost, offering us a share in His glory. [09:56]

- Suffering as Raw Material for Glory: Our sufferings are the raw materials from which God will create the glory that will shine in us. This perspective transforms our understanding of suffering, giving us hope and steadfastness. It reassures us that there is a purpose in life now, as we are being conformed to the likeness of Christ. [38:34]

- The Present Taste of Future Glory: The hope of future glory is not just "pie in the sky" but a present reality that empowers us to live with purpose and joy. We begin to taste the glory of God even now, as His love is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. [35:29]

- The Glorious End: The ultimate destiny for believers is a glorious end where all creation is restored, and God is all in all. This hope marks us out in a decaying world, giving us a reason for life now and a purpose for eternity. [32:44]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:28] - Gratitude and Introduction
- [01:15] - Reflecting on Romans 8
- [02:00] - Atmosphere of Scripture
- [02:48] - Family Language in Romans 8
- [04:17] - Our Highest Privilege
- [05:03] - Language of Glory
- [06:43] - Privilege and Destiny
- [09:06] - Destined for Glory
- [09:56] - Tragedy of Lost Glory
- [13:08] - Adam's Original Calling
- [16:49] - Christ and the Church
- [23:37] - Recovery of Glory in Christ
- [32:44] - The Glorious End
- [35:29] - Present Taste of Future Glory
- [38:34] - Suffering and Glory
- [45:27] - Hope and Destiny

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:12-30
- 1 John 3:1-2
- Genesis 1:26-28

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Observation Questions:

1. In Romans 8, what family language does Paul use to describe our relationship with God, and how many times is this language used between verses 12 and 30? [03:37]

2. According to the sermon, what is the tragedy of humanity as described in Romans 1, and how does it relate to the concept of lost glory? [09:56]

3. How does Paul describe the role of suffering in the life of a believer in Romans 8, and what is its ultimate purpose? [38:34]

4. What does the sermon say about the relationship between the first Adam and the second Adam, Jesus, in terms of restoring glory? [23:37]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of being adopted into God's family as described in Romans 8:15-17 impact a believer's sense of identity and purpose? [04:17]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the present sufferings of believers are used by God to create future glory? How might this perspective change one's view of personal trials? [38:34]

3. The sermon mentions that the whole creation is groaning under the weight of sin. How does this imagery help us understand the current state of the world and the hope for restoration? [10:41]

4. How does the sermon explain the idea that the hope of future glory is not just "pie in the sky" but a present reality? What implications does this have for daily living? [35:29]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life. How does knowing you are adopted into God's family change the way you view your daily challenges and relationships? [04:17]

2. Think of a recent time when you experienced suffering. How can you see this experience as "raw material" for future glory, and what steps can you take to align your perspective with this truth? [38:34]

3. The sermon discusses the tragedy of exchanging God's glory for idolatry. Identify one area in your life where you might be tempted to prioritize something over God's glory. How can you address this? [09:56]

4. How can you begin to "taste" the future glory in your current life? What practical steps can you take to live with more purpose and joy, knowing the hope that awaits you? [35:29]

5. Consider the idea that all creation is groaning for restoration. How can you contribute to the healing and restoration of the world around you, starting in your community? [10:41]

6. The sermon mentions that our ultimate destiny is a glorious end where God is all in all. How does this future hope influence your priorities and decisions today? [32:44]

7. How can you cultivate a mindset that is both heavenly minded and of earthly use, as suggested by the sermon? What specific actions can you take this week to balance these perspectives? [36:09]

Devotional

Day 1: Adoption into God's Family: Our New Identity and Purpose
As believers, we are adopted into God's family, becoming His children and heirs. This relationship is not just a present reality but a promise of future glory, where we will be glorified with Christ. Our identity as God's children gives us a profound sense of belonging and purpose. This adoption allows us to call God "Abba, Father," a term of endearment and intimacy, signifying our close relationship with Him. It is a transformative identity that shapes how we live, think, and interact with the world around us. As heirs with Christ, we are invited to partake in His glory, both now and in the future. This understanding should fill us with hope and motivate us to live in a way that reflects our divine heritage. [04:17]

Galatians 4:6-7 (ESV): "And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God."

Reflection: How does knowing you are an adopted child of God change the way you view your daily challenges and interactions with others today?


Day 2: The Tragedy of Lost Glory and Its Restoration in Christ
Humanity's tragedy is the exchange of God's glory for idolatry, leading to a creation groaning under sin. Yet, in Christ, there is a recovery of this lost glory. Jesus, the second Adam, restores what was lost, offering us a share in His glory. This restoration is not just a future hope but a present reality, as we begin to taste the glory of God even now. The world, marred by sin, reflects the consequences of humanity's choice to turn away from God's glory. However, through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, He has made a way for us to return to the glory we were meant to share with God. This redemption is a powerful reminder of God's love and grace, calling us to live in the light of His restored glory. [09:56]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in the restoration of God's glory in your life and the world around you today?


Day 3: Suffering as Raw Material for Glory
Our sufferings are the raw materials from which God will create the glory that will shine in us. This perspective transforms our understanding of suffering, giving us hope and steadfastness. It reassures us that there is a purpose in life now, as we are being conformed to the likeness of Christ. Suffering, though painful, is not without meaning. It is through these trials that God shapes and molds us, preparing us for the glory that is to come. This understanding encourages us to endure hardships with faith, knowing that God is at work in us, refining us for His purposes. As we face challenges, we can trust that God is using them to bring about His glory in our lives. [38:34]

1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: What is one specific trial you are facing right now, and how can you see it as an opportunity for God to work His glory in you?


Day 4: The Present Taste of Future Glory
The hope of future glory is not just "pie in the sky" but a present reality that empowers us to live with purpose and joy. We begin to taste the glory of God even now, as His love is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. This foretaste of glory gives us a glimpse of what is to come, encouraging us to live with anticipation and joy. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is a constant reminder of God's promises and the future glory that awaits us. As we experience His love and grace daily, we are strengthened to live out our faith with confidence and hope. This present taste of glory is a powerful motivator to pursue a life that honors God and reflects His love to others. [35:29]

Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV): "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence in your life today, and how might this change your perspective on your current circumstances?


Day 5: The Glorious End: Living with Eternal Perspective
The ultimate destiny for believers is a glorious end where all creation is restored, and God is all in all. This hope marks us out in a decaying world, giving us a reason for life now and a purpose for eternity. As we await the fulfillment of this promise, we are called to live in the light of our glorious inheritance, knowing that one day, God Himself will wipe away every tear, and we will dwell with Him forever. This eternal perspective should shape our priorities, decisions, and actions, as we seek to live in a way that reflects the hope we have in Christ. By focusing on the eternal, we can navigate the challenges of this world with confidence and joy, knowing that our ultimate home is with God. [32:44]

Revelation 21:3-4 (ESV): "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'"

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to align your life more closely with the eternal perspective of God's glorious end?

Quotes


So, this is a passage in which I think we can say the Apostle Paul is creating for us the atmosphere of our highest privilege as Christian believers. That we have been born again into the family of God, that we have been adopted as His children and that He has become our heavenly Father, as he says here in these memorable words, through the Spirit, "we cry out, 'Abba, Father!'" [00:04:27]

In verse 17, our destiny as children is to be glorified with Christ. In verse 18, he speaks about the glory that is to be revealed to us, or I think we might even translate that the glory that is to be revealed "into us," into our very, very being. Verse 21, he speaks about the freedom of the glory of the sons of God, into which the whole creation will enter. [00:05:04]

We are in Christ now, and because we are in Christ, we have become the children of God. We become brothers and sisters to the Lord Jesus and to one another. And because that is our condition and our status, we also have the destiny of our elder brother to look forward to, namely, to share in His glory. [00:06:33]

The tragedy of the human condition is that we have exchanged the glory of God for idolatry, and that is our situation and our condition. And as a result of that, it's not only ourselves as human beings; it's the world over which we were intended to exercise dominion that has begun to creak at the edges. [00:09:56]

And the reason, of course, our Lord Jesus says those words on the cross in the agony of His passion, bearing the judgment of God, is because God's first son, Adam, so tragically, not only failed, but exchanged the glory of God for the idolatry of himself and his idolatry for the world. [00:13:37]

And it is the wonder of the gospel as he says in 8:29 to 30, that in Jesus Christ what was lost in Adam is now being restored to us. And that's the second thing I want you to notice. If these words that Paul writes, or rather that his scribe Tertius writes, are set against the background of the tragedy of a lost glory, then he's also teaching us, isn't he, the recovery of that glory by our Redeemer, Jesus Christ for our sakes. [00:23:18]

And the whole of Jesus' incarnation, His life, His ministry, His sufferings, His miracles of healing, His undoing of the evidences of the fall in people's lives, all an indication to us that the new Adam has come. And in the life and death and resurrection and ascension and heavenly session and final return of our Lord Jesus Christ, this new Adam means to accomplish what the first Adam failed to accomplish. [00:24:16]

And this is our glorious gospel. This is our hope, brothers and sisters. This is what marks us out in a decaying and dying world, that we know what the telos is. We know what the end is. And so, what we see Paul saying here in terms of the back cloth in the tragedy of a lost glory, and his story of the recovery of that glory by our Savior Jesus Christ, leads inevitably to the destiny for which we are intended, as we are given this amazing privilege of sharing in that glory. [00:34:35]

The love of God that is the world He inhabits in heaven, and the saints in glory now inhabit, that love is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given to us, and we already begin to taste it. We might, some of us, might even go home, and someone says, "What was the Ligonier conference like?" And we'll say, "It's glorious! It was glorious!" [00:35:29]

He, he, he teaches us that it's, it's this that sheds light on our suffering. He says the Christian looks at suffering and understands that suffering in his or her life becomes the raw materials out of which God will create the glory that will shine in them. Now people sometimes say, "Will we recognize one another in the future world?" And the answer is "Yes, but it may take a few minutes." [00:36:46]

And what a reassurance and stabilizing element in our Christian lives that is. And it's all subservient to this, what is His purpose? His purpose, verse 29 and chapter 8 is that those He predestined would be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. "Beloved," as John says, "we are God's children now, but it does not yet appear what we shall be. But when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as he is." [00:40:06]

And then the day will come, the glorious day of the future, when He will wipe away every tear from our eyes. I came across these words written by the great metaphysical English poet, John Donne. "He loves us to the end, and not to our end, but to His end, and His end is that He might love us more." His end is that He might love us more. "You mean there's more, Lord?" "Oh, yes. There's so much more! And it's all waiting for you in the glorious end." [00:44:59]

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Transcript
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