Enduring Suffering: The Promise of Future Glory
Summary
In Romans 8:18-23, Paul presents a profound perspective on suffering and glory. He reckons that the sufferings of this present time are insignificant when compared to the glory that will be revealed in us. This reckoning is a uniquely Christian approach, rooted in the doctrines of time and the future glory at Christ's second coming. As Christians, we are not merely spectators of this future glory; it is a glory that will be revealed in us. This understanding transforms how we endure present sufferings, not by minimizing them, but by placing them in the context of the eternal glory that awaits us.
Christianity does not offer a superficial comfort or a quick fix to our problems. It is not a drug that numbs our pain but a call to actively engage in the process of reckoning. By placing our sufferings in the light of the coming glory, we find that they are not worthy to be compared. This is not to say that our sufferings are not real or intense, but rather that they are outweighed by the eternal weight of glory that is to come.
Paul uses the imagery of creation eagerly awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God to illustrate the greatness of this coming glory. The whole creation, subjected to vanity and corruption due to man's sin, longs for the day when it will be delivered into the glorious liberty of the children of God. This highlights the intimate connection between humanity and creation, and the hope that both will be renewed and restored.
The Christian method of comfort is unique in that it acknowledges the reality of suffering while simultaneously pointing to the hope of future glory. This hope is not just a distant dream but a certainty that shapes our present reality. As we fix our eyes on the glory to be revealed, we are empowered to endure and even rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that they are part of God's redemptive plan.
Key Takeaways:
- The Christian perspective on suffering involves a process of reckoning, where present sufferings are placed in the context of the future glory that will be revealed in us. This is not a denial of suffering but an acknowledgment of its insignificance compared to the eternal glory that awaits. [05:29]
- Christianity offers a unique comfort that is not passive or automatic. It requires active engagement in the process of reckoning, where we consciously place our sufferings in the light of the coming glory. This transforms our perspective and empowers us to endure. [04:56]
- The whole creation is eagerly awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God, highlighting the intimate connection between humanity and creation. This anticipation points to the hope of renewal and restoration for both, as they are delivered from the bondage of corruption. [19:28]
- The present state of creation, subject to vanity and corruption, is a result of man's sin. This understanding provides a framework for comprehending the brokenness of the world and the hope of its eventual restoration in Christ. [32:10]
- The Christian hope is not just a future expectation but a present reality that shapes how we live and endure suffering. By fixing our eyes on the glory to be revealed, we find strength and joy in the midst of trials, knowing that they are part of God's redemptive plan. [14:10]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Romans 8:18-23
- [01:01] - The Christian Process of Reckoning
- [02:16] - Doctrine of Time and Future Glory
- [03:40] - Glory Revealed in Us
- [04:27] - Active Engagement in Christian Comfort
- [05:29] - Sufferings vs. Future Glory
- [06:46] - Value and Weight of Sufferings
- [08:05] - Worldly vs. Christian Comfort
- [09:50] - Misconceptions about Christianity
- [11:18] - Illustration of the Balance
- [13:24] - Examples from Hebrews 11
- [15:27] - Demonstrating the Greatness of Glory
- [17:15] - Present State of the Universe
- [19:28] - Creation's Anticipation of Glory
- [31:31] - Man's Sin and Creation's Condition
- [42:47] - Connection Between Man and Creation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:18-23
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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 affect the way Christians view their current struggles? [00:09]
2. How does Paul describe the current state of creation, and what is it eagerly awaiting according to Romans 8:19-21? [19:10]
3. In the sermon, what imagery does the pastor use to explain the concept of "not worthy to be compared"? How does this imagery help us understand the weight of future glory? [06:17]
4. What role does the "process of reckoning" play in how Christians endure suffering, according to the sermon? [01:21]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of future glory at Christ's second coming provide comfort to Christians facing trials today? In what ways does this hope shape a believer's daily life? [02:16]
2. The sermon mentions that Christianity does not offer a "readymade comfort." What does this mean, and how does it contrast with worldly methods of dealing with suffering? [04:27]
3. How does the intimate connection between humanity and creation, as described in Romans 8:20-21, influence our understanding of the world’s brokenness and the hope for its restoration? [19:28]
4. What does the pastor mean by saying that the Christian hope is not just a future expectation but a present reality? How does this perspective empower believers to endure suffering? [14:10]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent challenge or suffering you have faced. How might viewing it in the light of the future glory described in Romans 8:18-23 change your perspective or response? [05:29]
2. The sermon emphasizes active engagement in the process of reckoning. What practical steps can you take to actively place your sufferings in the context of the coming glory? [04:56]
3. Consider the current state of the world and its brokenness. How does understanding the connection between humanity's sin and creation's condition influence your view of environmental stewardship and care for creation? [32:10]
4. How can you cultivate a mindset that focuses on the eternal weight of glory rather than the temporary nature of present sufferings? What daily practices might help reinforce this perspective? [07:01]
5. The sermon suggests that the Christian method of comfort acknowledges the reality of suffering while pointing to future hope. How can you offer this kind of comfort to someone in your life who is currently struggling? [10:19]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you tend to seek quick fixes or superficial comfort. How can you replace these with the deeper, active engagement in Christian hope as described in the sermon? [09:50]
7. The pastor mentioned the importance of understanding the greatness of the coming glory. What resources or practices can you incorporate into your life to deepen your understanding and anticipation of this glory? [14:39]
Devotional
Day 1: The Eternal Perspective on Suffering
The Christian perspective on suffering involves a process of reckoning, where present sufferings are placed in the context of the future glory that will be revealed in us. This is not a denial of suffering but an acknowledgment of its insignificance compared to the eternal glory that awaits. [05:29]
"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: Think of a current struggle you are facing. How can you consciously place this suffering in the context of the eternal glory that awaits you?
Day 2: Active Engagement in Christian Comfort
Christianity offers a unique comfort that is not passive or automatic. It requires active engagement in the process of reckoning, where we consciously place our sufferings in the light of the coming glory. This transforms our perspective and empowers us to endure. [04:56]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific trial you are currently experiencing. How can you actively engage with this trial in a way that aligns with the hope of future glory?
Day 3: Creation's Anticipation of Glory
The whole creation is eagerly awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God, highlighting the intimate connection between humanity and creation. This anticipation points to the hope of renewal and restoration for both, as they are delivered from the bondage of corruption. [19:28]
"For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 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 8:19-21, ESV)
Reflection: Consider how your actions impact the world around you. What is one way you can contribute to the renewal and restoration of creation today?
Day 4: Understanding Creation's Condition
The present state of creation, subject to vanity and corruption, is a result of man's sin. This understanding provides a framework for comprehending the brokenness of the world and the hope of its eventual restoration in Christ. [32:10]
"The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse devours the earth, and its inhabitants suffer for their guilt; therefore the inhabitants of the earth are scorched, and few men are left." (Isaiah 24:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on an area of brokenness in the world that deeply affects you. How can you pray for and participate in God's redemptive plan for that area?
Day 5: Present Reality of Christian Hope
The Christian hope is not just a future expectation but a present reality that shapes how we live and endure suffering. By fixing our eyes on the glory to be revealed, we find strength and joy in the midst of trials, knowing that they are part of God's redemptive plan. [14:10]
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you." (1 Peter 1:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you live out the reality of your Christian hope today, especially in the face of challenges? How can this hope influence your actions and attitudes?
Quotes
The Christian method of comfort is unique in that it acknowledges the reality of suffering while simultaneously pointing to the hope of future glory. This hope is not just a distant dream but a certainty that shapes our present reality. As we fix our eyes on the glory to be revealed, we are empowered to endure and even rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that they are part of God's redemptive plan. [00:04:27]
Christianity never provides a readymade comfort; you only get the Christian comfort as you put into practice this process of Reckoning. It isn't something that's done to you. Christianity isn't like a drug that acts on you. You only get the comfort of the Christian message as you do what it tells you to do. [00:04:56]
The Apostle says when I suffer like this, what I do is I take my suffering and I put it then into the light of this glorious thing which is going to come. The moment he does that, he finds that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. [00:05:29]
The Christian perspective on suffering involves a process of reckoning, where present sufferings are placed in the context of the future glory that will be revealed in us. This is not a denial of suffering but an acknowledgment of its insignificance compared to the eternal glory that awaits. [00:06:46]
The whole creation is eagerly awaiting the manifestation of the sons of God, highlighting the intimate connection between humanity and creation. This anticipation points to the hope of renewal and restoration for both, as they are delivered from the bondage of corruption. [00:19:28]
The present state of creation, subject to vanity and corruption, is a result of man's sin. This understanding provides a framework for comprehending the brokenness of the world and the hope of its eventual restoration in Christ. [00:32:10]
The Christian hope is not just a future expectation but a present reality that shapes how we live and endure suffering. By fixing our eyes on the glory to be revealed, we find strength and joy in the midst of trials, knowing that they are part of God's redemptive plan. [00:14:10]
The Apostle is describing something that's actually true now in this material world that we're in at this moment. He says this is the position, and if you only see this, and he's showing us here the greatness of this Glory, it's so great that the whole of creation is craning its neck longing for it, waiting for it. [00:30:00]
The fate of creation is indissolubly linked with that of man. The fate of man and the fate of the whole Cosmos are inextricably mixed, and the one follows the other. The present State and condition of creation is due solely to man's sin. [00:31:31]
The creation has been made subject to that kind of vanity; it is not fulfilling the function for which it was originally intended. It doesn't measure up to that which it was meant to be. There is in it something which seems to be upsetting everything and reducing everything in the end to that which is null and void. [00:32:10]
The Apostle is opening our eyes here to this extraordinary doctrine of the intimate connection between men and creation. It's not surprising, is it? Because God, when he made men in his own image, made him the Lord of creation. So it's not a bit surprising that when the lord of the creation fell, a part of his punishment should be that that over which he was Lord should be turned into vanity and into the bondage of corruption. [00:42:47]
The Apostle is saying that all this has come upon creation involuntarily as the result of the voluntary sin and rebellion and fall of Man. The creation has done nothing to produce this; it's man who did the something that has produced this. [00:43:00]
Chatbot
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