Enduring Suffering: The Promise of Future Glory

 

Summary

In Romans 8, Paul presents a profound truth that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. This glory is not only for us as believers but also for the entire creation, which eagerly awaits the manifestation of the sons of God. The Apostle Paul encourages us to reckon, or deduce, from our Christian doctrine, a perspective that transforms our attitude towards trials and sufferings. The key to enduring present afflictions lies in understanding the glory that awaits us, a glory so magnificent that it overshadows any current suffering.

This future glory involves the full adoption as sons, where we will enter into the full status and inheritance as children of God. Although we are already God's children, our true glory is yet to be manifested. Just as Jesus' glory was veiled during His earthly ministry, our glory is currently hidden but will be revealed in the future. This revelation will include the transformation of our bodies into glorified, incorruptible forms, akin to Christ's resurrected body. This transformation is not merely a spiritual phenomenon but involves the physical resurrection and glorification of our bodies.

Moreover, this glory extends to the entire creation, which will be liberated from its current bondage to decay and futility. The whole creation will be renewed, free from strife, disease, and decay, resulting in a harmonious existence. This renewal is a part of the grand salvation plan, where paradise lost will be paradise regained. The prophets of the Old Testament, as well as the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, affirm this future restoration.

As believers, we are called to live in light of this future glory, setting our affections on things above and not on earthly, temporary matters. This perspective empowers us to endure present sufferings with hope and joy, knowing that an indescribable glory awaits us. It is a call to lift our heads and hearts, focusing on the eternal kingdom prepared for us before the foundation of the world.

Key Takeaways:

- The sufferings of this present time are incomparable to the glory that awaits us. This future glory is not only for believers but also for the entire creation, which eagerly anticipates its liberation and renewal. Understanding this glory helps us endure present trials with hope and joy. [01:58]

- Our future glory involves the full adoption as sons of God, where we will enter into our full inheritance. Although we are already God's children, our true glory is yet to be manifested, similar to how Jesus' glory was veiled during His earthly ministry. [06:33]

- The transformation of our bodies into glorified, incorruptible forms is a key aspect of our future glory. This transformation is not merely spiritual but involves the physical resurrection and glorification of our bodies, akin to Christ's resurrected body. [16:06]

- The entire creation will be renewed and liberated from its current bondage to decay and futility. This renewal is part of the grand salvation plan, where paradise lost will be paradise regained, resulting in a harmonious existence. [32:12]

- As believers, we are called to live in light of this future glory, setting our affections on things above. This perspective empowers us to endure present sufferings with hope and joy, knowing that an indescribable glory awaits us. [51:27]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Romans 8
- [01:02] - The Apostle's Method of Comfort
- [01:58] - The Glory That Awaits Us
- [03:19] - Manifestation of the Sons of God
- [04:51] - Our Part in the Coming Glory
- [06:18] - The Adoption as Sons
- [08:15] - What We Shall Be Like
- [10:20] - Spiritual Transformation
- [12:29] - The Glorified Body
- [16:06] - Resurrection and Glorification
- [19:33] - Spiritual Perfection
- [23:01] - Complete Satisfaction in Glory
- [26:49] - Our Inheritance
- [31:23] - Creation's Participation in Glory
- [33:28] - Paradise Regained
- [39:18] - The Restitution of All Things
- [45:24] - The Liberty of the Glory
- [50:17] - Living in Light of Future Glory

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:18-23
- 1 Corinthians 15:39-54
- Revelation 21:1-4

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 8:18-23, what is the relationship between present sufferings and future glory? How does Paul describe the anticipation of creation for this glory? [00:12]

2. In 1 Corinthians 15:39-54, what transformation does Paul describe regarding our bodies? How does this relate to the concept of future glory? [09:17]

3. Revelation 21:1-4 provides a vision of a renewed creation. What are some key characteristics of this new creation, and how does it contrast with our current world? [22:43]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of believers in the future glory, and what is the significance of the "adoption as sons"? [05:10]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does understanding the future glory help believers endure present sufferings, according to the sermon? What practical implications does this have for a believer's daily life? [49:33]

2. The sermon mentions the transformation of our bodies into glorified forms. How does this concept challenge or affirm your current understanding of the afterlife? [16:06]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the entire creation will participate in the future glory? How does this broaden the scope of salvation beyond individual believers? [31:23]

4. The sermon emphasizes setting our affections on things above. How can this perspective shift influence a believer's priorities and decisions? [51:27]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent trial or suffering you have experienced. How might viewing it in light of the future glory change your perspective or response? [49:33]

2. The sermon speaks of the transformation of our bodies. How does this promise of a glorified body affect your view of physical health and well-being in this life? [16:06]

3. Consider the idea of creation being renewed and liberated. How does this vision of a harmonious existence inspire you to care for the environment and the world around you? [31:23]

4. The sermon calls believers to focus on eternal matters. Identify one area of your life where you are overly focused on temporary concerns. What steps can you take to shift your focus to eternal values? [51:27]

5. How can you actively remind yourself of the future glory that awaits, especially during challenging times? Is there a specific scripture or practice that helps you maintain this perspective? [49:33]

6. The sermon mentions the full adoption as sons of God. How does this identity as a child of God influence your interactions with others, especially those who may not share your faith? [05:10]

7. In what ways can you encourage others in your community to live in light of the future glory? Consider practical ways to support and uplift those around you who may be struggling. [52:38]

Devotional

Day 1: The Incomparable Glory Ahead
The sufferings we experience in this life, though often overwhelming, are not worth comparing to the glory that awaits us. This future glory is not just for believers but for all of creation, which eagerly anticipates its liberation and renewal. Understanding this glory helps us endure present trials with hope and joy. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to adopt a perspective that transforms their attitude towards trials, focusing on the magnificent glory that overshadows any current suffering. This perspective empowers us to live with hope, knowing that an indescribable glory awaits us. [01:58]

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God." (Romans 8:18-19, ESV)

Reflection: What current suffering or trial are you facing that you can view in light of the future glory promised to you? How can this perspective change your attitude today?


Day 2: Full Adoption as Sons of God
Our future glory involves the full adoption as sons of God, where we will enter into our full inheritance. Although we are already God's children, our true glory is yet to be manifested, similar to how Jesus' glory was veiled during His earthly ministry. This future revelation will bring us into the full status and inheritance as children of God, a reality that is both a present assurance and a future hope. As we await this full adoption, we are encouraged to live as heirs of God's promises, embracing our identity as His children. [06:33]

"And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." (Romans 8:23, ESV)

Reflection: How does knowing you are an heir to God's promises influence the way you live today? What steps can you take to embrace your identity as a child of God more fully?


Day 3: Transformation into Glorified Bodies
The transformation of our bodies into glorified, incorruptible forms is a key aspect of our future glory. This transformation is not merely spiritual but involves the physical resurrection and glorification of our bodies, akin to Christ's resurrected body. This promise assures us that our current physical limitations and sufferings are temporary, and we will one day experience a complete renewal. As we anticipate this transformation, we are called to live in a way that reflects the hope of resurrection and glorification. [16:06]

"So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power." (1 Corinthians 15:42-43, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you honor God with your body today, knowing that it will one day be transformed into a glorified form?


Day 4: Creation's Renewal and Liberation
The entire creation will be renewed and liberated from its current bondage to decay and futility. This renewal is part of the grand salvation plan, where paradise lost will be paradise regained, resulting in a harmonious existence. The prophets of the Old Testament, as well as the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, affirm this future restoration. As believers, we are invited to participate in this hope, living in a way that reflects the coming renewal and liberation of all creation. [32:12]

"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 can you contribute to the renewal and care of creation in your daily life, reflecting the hope of its future liberation?


Day 5: Living in Light of Future Glory
As believers, we are called to live in light of this future glory, setting our affections on things above. This perspective empowers us to endure present sufferings with hope and joy, knowing that an indescribable glory awaits us. It is a call to lift our heads and hearts, focusing on the eternal kingdom prepared for us before the foundation of the world. By aligning our lives with this future reality, we can navigate the challenges of this world with a sense of purpose and anticipation. [51:27]

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to set your mind on things above, rather than being consumed by earthly concerns?

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 waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God for the creature was made subject to vanity not willingly but by reason of him who have subjected the same in Hope because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the Glorious Liberty of the children of God. [00:13:12]

The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us well if we don't know about that Glory we shall be able to work out this argument we shall be able to see and to know that the present sufferings are really not in the same world as it were not worthy of comparison have no weight at all when you put them into the light of that Glory. [00:34:44]

The whole universe will see this Glory it is the manifestation of the sons of God now I reminded you at the very end last week that our Lord himself in the 13th chapter of Matthew vers verse 43 says then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their father and then he adds this word he who hath ears to hear Let Him hear this is the thing to concentrate on the righteous are going to shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their father. [00:39:07]

The adoption means the placing as Sons we are already the children of God is reminded us of that the spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God we're already there yes but at the moment though we are the children we have not entered into the inheritance because children then AES HS of God and Joint HS with Christ yes but while we are in this world we are in the distinguishable as regards appearance and so on from those who are not the children of God. [00:55:33]

The corruptible is going to be put aside and we shall be Incorruptible all that is but natural will no longer be natural it'll be spiritual that's the thing that he is emphasizing in that great chapter which we normally think of and rightly of course is the chapter concerning the resurrection but we mustn't stop at the resurrection we must include the glorification as well as the Resurrection the body is not only raised it is changed it is glorified that's the argument. [01:29:39]

The Christian is the man who wants to be clothed with this house which is from heav this glorious body that is coming now he that ha brought us for the selfsame thing is God who also ha given unto us the earnest of the spirit there's a great statement of it then of course we've got another very notable one in Philippians 3: 20 and 21 for our conversation is in heaven that's where we belong that's where our citizenship is from whence also we look for the Savior the Lord Jesus Christ who shall change our vile body or this body of our humiliation that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body. [01:53:20]

The scripture teaches the resurrection of the body and it's an essential part of our Salvation And as I'm going to show you we shall dwell in these glorified bodies in a glorified Earth on a glorified Earth in a glorified world now this is one of these great doctrines that's gone almost right out andless IA unfortunately the Christian Church speaking generally doesn't believe this and therefore doesn't teach it and that's why it's lost its hope and that's why it's spending most of its time in trying to preserve life in this world. [02:47:12]

The creation is waiting for the manifestation the revealing the unveiling of the sons of God now we are Sons already I remind you but the full Glory of our position and relationship is only going to be made plain at this great day where this Glory will be revealed now then this is the thing that we've therefore for got to bear in mind that this is something which the whole of creation is looking forward to now then what does it mean well let's look at it like this what should shall we be like then now I'm talking about you and myself as children of God as those who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:57:59]

The whole creation is going to participate in this also now then here is his great statement in verse 21 one for he says because the creature the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the Glorious Liberty of the children of God that's why the creation is looking forward to it it's got this sense this feeling it's been given this promise that it's going to share in the glory and it's going to share in the liberty of the glory of the children of God that's what it means that's a better translation the liberty of the glory of the children of God. [03:08:03]

Paradise is to be regained this is a part of the Great salvation the whole creation is involved it isn't just that men's forgiven and that he goes to heaven in a spiritual form no no no Paradise is to be regained man when he was created was put in Paradise he was driven out of it he's been trying to get back ever since but he can't the Flaming Sword and the Cherry beims are there to stop him but Paradise is to be regained for those who are the children of God now then what is this what am I talking about well this paradise that is to come that is to be regained is something which the prophets of the Old Testament wrote about and prophesied. [03:20:00]

The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in US but wait a minute let's go on what shall we inherit that's what we are going to be like but what are we going to inherit the apostles argument is if children then HS hes of God and Joint hes with Christ what are we going to inherit well one thing he tells us in 2 Timothy 4:8 is this is that we shall inherit a crown of righteousness henceforth there is laid for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge shall give me at that day and not to me only but unto all them also that love his appearing. [02:23:40]

Lift up your heads lift up your hearts by faith keep your eye there set your affections on things above not on things which are on thee Earth he is a passing and temporary that is a kingdom which cannot be moved and it is the kingdom which God has prepared for his people his children before the foundation of the world. [03:25:20]

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Transcript
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