Enduring Suffering: Hope in Future Glory
Summary
In Romans 8, Paul provides a profound perspective on the sufferings of this present time, contrasting them with the glory that will be revealed in us. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to view their trials through the lens of the great doctrines of the Christian faith. By understanding the magnitude of the coming glory, Christians can endure present sufferings with hope and assurance. Paul emphasizes that the whole of creation is eagerly awaiting this future glory, groaning and travailing in pain due to the fall of man. This state of creation is not a result of evolution or progress but a consequence of sin and rebellion against God.
The sermon draws several deductions from this passage. First, the state of the world cannot be explained by evolution, which suggests progress and development. Instead, the world is in a fallen state due to sin. Second, the early chapters of Genesis are crucial for understanding the biblical doctrine of salvation, as they provide the historical context for the fall and the curse on creation. Third, there is no hope for creation in terms of evolution; the Bible teaches that a crisis and judgment will precede the renewal of creation. Fourth, the only hope for creation lies in the character of God, who will not leave the world in its current state of vanity and groaning. Finally, the creation itself is looking forward to the glory that will be revealed, as it will share in the deliverance and renewal that God has promised.
The glory to come is seen in three aspects: the glory of Christ, the glory of the redeemed, and the glory of creation. Christ's glory is described in terms of light, brightness, and majesty, as seen in the transfiguration and other biblical accounts. The redeemed will share in this glory, shining like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Creation, too, will be renewed and restored, reflecting the glory of God. This future hope should encourage believers to endure present sufferings with joy and anticipation, knowing that they will one day share in the glory of Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- The sufferings of this present time are incomparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. Understanding the magnitude of this coming glory helps us endure trials with hope and assurance. [01:29]
- The state of the world is a result of the fall and sin, not evolution or progress. The early chapters of Genesis are crucial for understanding the biblical doctrine of salvation and the historical context of the fall. [06:44]
- There is no hope for creation in terms of evolution; the Bible teaches that a crisis and judgment will precede the renewal of creation. Our hope lies in the character of God, who will not leave the world in its current state. [09:41]
- The glory to come is seen in Christ, the redeemed, and creation. Christ's glory is described in terms of light and majesty, and the redeemed will share in this glory, shining like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. [26:01]
- This future hope should encourage believers to endure present sufferings with joy and anticipation, knowing that they will one day share in the glory of Christ. Our trials are temporary, but the glory to come is eternal. [44:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Introduction to Romans 8
- [01:09] - Sufferings and Glory
- [02:21] - Creation's Expectation
- [03:28] - The Fall and Creation
- [04:03] - Evolution vs. Biblical Teaching
- [06:29] - Importance of Genesis
- [08:21] - No Hope in Evolution
- [10:12] - Hope in God's Character
- [12:07] - Creation's Hope
- [14:28] - Deliverance Promised
- [16:10] - Groaning of Creation
- [19:04] - Spring and Renewal
- [22:35] - Biblical Prophecies
- [24:42] - Glory of Christ and the Redeemed
- [39:00] - Our Future Glory
- [44:01] - Encouragement for Believers
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:18-25
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us"? How does this perspective help believers endure trials? [00:15]
2. According to the sermon, why is the state of the world described as being in "vanity" and "groaning"? What is the cause of this condition? [03:28]
3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between the fall of man and the current state of creation? [05:39]
4. What are the three aspects of glory mentioned in the sermon that believers can look forward to? [25:29]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding the "greatness of the coming glory" change a believer's perspective on current sufferings? Why is this understanding crucial for enduring trials? [02:38]
2. The sermon suggests that the early chapters of Genesis are crucial for understanding salvation. How does this historical context impact a believer's faith and understanding of the world? [06:44]
3. The sermon contrasts the biblical view of creation with the theory of evolution. How does this contrast affect a believer's hope for the future of creation? [09:41]
4. What role does the character of God play in the hope for the renewal of creation, according to the sermon? [10:12]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent trial or suffering you have experienced. How can the promise of future glory help you endure this situation with hope and assurance? [44:01]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of the early chapters of Genesis. How does your understanding of these chapters influence your view of salvation and the world? [06:44]
3. Consider the idea that there is no hope for creation in terms of evolution, but rather in God's character. How does this perspective influence your view of environmental stewardship and care for creation? [09:41]
4. The sermon describes the glory of Christ as light and majesty. How can you reflect this glory in your daily life and interactions with others? [26:01]
5. Think about the concept of creation groaning and awaiting renewal. How can this understanding motivate you to live with greater anticipation and readiness for Christ's return? [16:10]
6. The sermon encourages believers to endure present sufferings with joy and anticipation. What practical steps can you take to cultivate joy and anticipation in your spiritual journey? [44:01]
7. How can you remind yourself of the future glory that awaits you, especially during times of discouragement or doubt? What specific practices or habits can help reinforce this hope? [44:01]
Devotional
Day 1: The Incomparable Glory Ahead
The Apostle Paul in Romans 8 presents a profound contrast between the sufferings of this present time and the glory that will be revealed in us. He encourages believers to view their trials through the lens of the great doctrines of the Christian faith. By understanding the magnitude of the coming glory, Christians can endure present sufferings with hope and assurance. This future glory is not just a distant dream but a reality that will be revealed in us, making our current trials seem insignificant in comparison. The anticipation of this glory should fill us with hope and assurance, knowing that our present sufferings are temporary and will be overshadowed by the eternal glory to come. [01:29]
"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: What current trial are you facing that seems overwhelming? How can the promise of future glory help you endure it with hope and assurance today?
Day 2: The Fallen State of Creation
The state of the world, according to Romans 8, is a result of the fall and sin, not evolution or progress. The early chapters of Genesis are crucial for understanding the biblical doctrine of salvation and the historical context of the fall. Paul emphasizes that the whole of creation is eagerly awaiting future glory, groaning and travailing in pain due to the fall of man. This state of creation is not a result of evolution or progress but a consequence of sin and rebellion against God. Understanding this helps us see the world through a biblical lens, recognizing the need for redemption and the hope of renewal. [06:44]
"For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God." (Romans 8:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding the fallen state of creation change your perspective on the world around you? What steps can you take to align your worldview with this biblical understanding today?
Day 3: Hope in God's Character
There is no hope for creation in terms of evolution; the Bible teaches that a crisis and judgment will precede the renewal of creation. Our hope lies in the character of God, who will not leave the world in its current state. The Apostle Paul assures us that God has a plan for renewal and restoration, and this plan is rooted in His unchanging character. This hope is not based on human progress or efforts but on the promises of God, who is faithful and just. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's character and His promises, knowing that He will bring about the renewal of creation in His perfect timing. [09:41]
"Behold, I am making all things new. Also he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'" (Revelation 21:5, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you place your hope in God's character today, especially in areas where you feel hopeless or discouraged?
Day 4: Sharing in Christ's Glory
The glory to come is seen in Christ, the redeemed, and creation. Christ's glory is described in terms of light and majesty, and the redeemed will share in this glory, shining like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. This future hope should encourage believers to endure present sufferings with joy and anticipation, knowing that they will one day share in the glory of Christ. The anticipation of sharing in Christ's glory should fill us with joy and motivate us to live faithfully, knowing that our trials are temporary, but the glory to come is eternal. [26:01]
"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." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: How does the promise of sharing in Christ's glory impact your daily life and decisions? What changes can you make today to live in light of this future hope?
Day 5: Enduring with Joy and Anticipation
This future hope should encourage believers to endure present sufferings with joy and anticipation, knowing that they will one day share in the glory of Christ. Our trials are temporary, but the glory to come is eternal. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the sufferings of this present time are incomparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. This perspective helps us endure with joy, knowing that our present struggles are preparing us for an eternal weight of glory. As we fix our eyes on this future hope, we can find strength and encouragement to persevere through life's challenges. [44:01]
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical way you can cultivate joy and anticipation in your life today, even in the midst of trials? How can you remind yourself of the eternal glory that awaits you?
Quotes
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us for the earnest expectation of the creature waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God for the creature was made subject of vanity not willingly but by reason of him who have subjected the same in Hope. [00:00:18]
The whole of creation is looking forward to this Glory. What the Apostle is doing, you see, is this: he says the one thing that is absolutely vital is that we should understand the greatness of this coming Glory. If we don't get that, of course, we'll miss the comfort. So we must be clear about the greatness of this coming glory. [00:02:49]
The state of the world is not to be explained and cannot be explained by the theory of evolution. Now that's the first deduction which we draw at this point. According to that theory, everything is progressing and developing and is advancing. But here we get the exact opposite to that. Here the plain teaching is that it's all the result of a fall. [00:04:15]
There is no hope for creation and for the cosmos in terms of evolution. This passage of course again gives the light direct to that. There is no hope for men, there is no hope for creation in terms of evolution. The Bible holds out no hope whatsoever in that respect that as the centuries pass things will get better. [00:08:16]
The only hope for the creation, for the whole universe as well as men, is in the character of God. And in this way, God's glory and God's honor prohibit is leaving the world as it is. If God is God and if God is the great Creator and if God is all powerful and if God has all Rule and authority and at his command, well then I say the very character of God makes it quite impossible that he should leave even creation as it is at the present time. [00:10:12]
The whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now. He says we know this, we are aware of this. But what does it mean? What does he mean by saying that the whole creation is groaning and travailing in pain together? Now people have sometimes been confused about this expression together. What's together mean? [00:15:53]
The whole of creation is in this kind of process of trying to give birth to something better, and it's a painful process. It's in pain, there's a kind of Agony involved in all this. It is the travel of childbirth in producing this newborn something to which it's looking forward. And here he says that that is the condition of the whole of creation at the present time. [00:18:24]
The glory of Christ is described in terms of light, brightness, and majesty, as seen in the transfiguration and other biblical accounts. The redeemed will share in this glory, shining like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Creation, too, will be renewed and restored, reflecting the glory of God. [00:26:01]
The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. That's the thing to look forward to. Nature, inanimate Nature's doing it, well how much more so ought we to do it. Well, what is it? Well, look at it in him first, his glory. [00:26:59]
The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Part of the glory to be revealed in us and through us. Then he says that the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. That's the thing they're waiting for, this Glory which is to be shown partly in us. [00:39:00]
The righteous shall shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Who have ears to hear, let him hear. Did you notice what it says? Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun. That's what he's like, isn't it? Those are the very words used about him. That is what you see when you look into the face of the glorified Lord. [00:42:35]
You are going to shine like the sun in glory in that great day. Let us pray. Oh Lord Our God, we do pray that thou wouldest forgive us and pardon us for our Folly, for our failure not to consider these things and to know them as we ought. Oh God, forgive us, we pray thee. [00:44:01]
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