Eternal Glory: Hope Amidst Present Suffering

 

Summary

In Romans 8:18-23, we find profound insights into how Christians should face suffering and trials. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that the sufferings of this present time are insignificant when compared to the glory that awaits us. This glory is not just a future hope but a present reality that should shape our lives. The creation itself is eagerly waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God, indicating that the entire universe is involved in this redemptive plan. This future glory is not temporary but eternal, marking the final and complete deliverance from the bondage of corruption.

The concept of the millennium, often debated in Christian circles, is addressed here. The passage in Romans does not refer to a temporary thousand-year reign but to the eternal state that follows the final judgment. This eternal state is characterized by the redemption of our bodies and the renewal of creation. The Apostle Paul does not exhort believers to look forward to a millennium but to the coming of the Lord and the glory to be revealed. This is the hope that should comfort and sustain us through trials.

The intermediate state, often referred to as heaven, is a temporary condition where believers are with Christ in spirit, awaiting the resurrection of their bodies. The final state, however, involves the redemption of both body and soul, and the restoration of creation. This eternal state is not a disembodied spiritual existence but a life in glorified bodies on a renewed earth. This understanding challenges the common misconception of heaven as a purely spiritual realm and emphasizes the physicality of our eternal hope.

Key Takeaways:

- The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. This perspective helps us endure trials with hope, knowing that our future is secure and glorious. [00:12]

- The entire creation is eagerly waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. This indicates that God's redemptive plan includes not just humanity but the whole universe, which will be delivered from corruption. [02:19]

- The concept of a millennium is not supported by the passage in Romans 8. Instead, the focus is on the eternal state that follows the final judgment, characterized by the complete redemption of creation. [06:54]

- The intermediate state, often called heaven, is a temporary condition where believers are with Christ in spirit. The final state involves the redemption of both body and soul, emphasizing the physicality of our eternal hope. [19:56]

- Our eternal state is not a disembodied spiritual existence but a life in glorified bodies on a renewed earth. This challenges common misconceptions and highlights the completeness of God's redemptive plan. [28:44]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Present Sufferings vs. Future Glory
[00:48] - Creation's Eager Expectation
[01:26] - The Role of Christian Doctrine
[02:19] - Manifestation of the Sons of God
[03:42] - Question of the Millennium
[04:50] - Final and Permanent Deliverance
[06:03] - Misunderstandings about the Millennium
[07:10] - Biblical References to the Millennium
[09:01] - Confusion from Symbolic Interpretations
[11:25] - Exhortation to Look Forward
[12:35] - The Eternal State vs. Intermediate State
[19:56] - Understanding Heaven and the Intermediate State
[28:44] - Glorified Bodies and Renewed Earth
[33:09] - Living with Eternal Perspective

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:18-23
- Philippians 1:21-23
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

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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 this perspective help believers endure trials? [00:12]

2. What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says that "the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now"? How is creation involved in God's redemptive plan? [00:48]

3. In the sermon, how does the speaker describe the difference between the intermediate state and the eternal state? What are the key characteristics of each? [19:56]

4. How does the sermon address the concept of the millennium, and what is the speaker's stance on its relevance to Romans 8? [06:54]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the understanding of future glory as described in Romans 8:18-23 influence a believer's perspective on current trials and sufferings? [00:12]

2. What implications does the redemption of both body and soul have for the Christian understanding of eternal life, as discussed in the sermon? [18:24]

3. How does the sermon challenge common misconceptions about heaven and the afterlife? What is the significance of living in glorified bodies on a renewed earth? [28:44]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the hope of future glory should impact a believer's daily life and spiritual outlook? [49:30]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent trial or suffering you have faced. How can the perspective of future glory help you endure similar situations in the future? [00:12]

2. The sermon emphasizes the physicality of our eternal hope. How does this understanding change the way you view your current physical life and body? [28:44]

3. Consider the idea that the whole creation is eagerly waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. How does this broaden your understanding of God's redemptive plan? [02:19]

4. How can you cultivate a mindset that focuses on the eternal state rather than temporary earthly concerns? What practical steps can you take to keep your focus on the coming glory? [49:30]

5. The sermon challenges the notion of a purely spiritual heaven. How does this affect your expectations of the afterlife, and how can you share this understanding with others who may have misconceptions? [19:56]

6. In what ways can you live with an eternal perspective in your daily interactions and decisions? How can this perspective influence your priorities and goals? [33:09]

7. How can the hope of a glorified body and renewed earth motivate you to live a life that reflects God's glory now? What changes might you need to make to align your life with this hope? [28:44]

Devotional

Day 1: Present Sufferings and Future Glory
The Apostle Paul reminds us that the sufferings we endure in this life are insignificant when compared to the glory that will be revealed in us. This perspective is not just a future hope but a present reality that should shape our lives. By focusing on the eternal glory that awaits, we can endure trials with hope and perseverance. This glory is not temporary but eternal, marking the final and complete deliverance from the bondage of corruption. As believers, we are called to live with this eternal perspective, allowing it to comfort and sustain us through the challenges we face. [00:12]

"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 is one specific trial you are currently facing, and how can you shift your focus from the temporary pain to the eternal glory that awaits?


Day 2: Creation's Eager Expectation
The entire creation is eagerly waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God, indicating that God's redemptive plan includes not just humanity but the whole universe. This anticipation reflects the interconnectedness of all creation in God's plan for redemption. The universe itself will be delivered from corruption, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's salvation. As believers, we are part of this grand narrative, and our lives should reflect the hope and expectation of this future transformation. [02:19]

"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: How does knowing that all of creation is part of God's redemptive plan change the way you view the world around you today?


Day 3: Eternal State Beyond the Millennium
The concept of a millennium is not supported by the passage in Romans 8. Instead, the focus is on the eternal state that follows the final judgment, characterized by the complete redemption of creation. This eternal state is not a temporary thousand-year reign but an everlasting existence in the presence of God. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to look forward to the coming of the Lord and the glory to be revealed, rather than a temporary earthly reign. This understanding should shape our hope and expectations, anchoring us in the promise of eternal life. [06:54]

"But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." (2 Peter 3:13, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you adjust your daily life to reflect the hope of the eternal state rather than temporary earthly expectations?


Day 4: Understanding the Intermediate State
The intermediate state, often referred to as heaven, is a temporary condition where believers are with Christ in spirit, awaiting the resurrection of their bodies. The final state involves the redemption of both body and soul, emphasizing the physicality of our eternal hope. This challenges the common misconception of heaven as a purely spiritual realm and highlights the completeness of God's redemptive plan. As believers, we are called to live in anticipation of this full redemption, where body and soul are united in a glorified existence. [19:56]

"For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." (2 Corinthians 5:1, ESV)

Reflection: How does the understanding of the intermediate state and the promise of a glorified body influence your view of life and death today?


Day 5: Glorified Bodies and Renewed Earth
Our eternal state is not a disembodied spiritual existence but a life in glorified bodies on a renewed earth. This understanding challenges common misconceptions and highlights the completeness of God's redemptive plan. The promise of living in glorified bodies on a renewed earth should inspire us to live with purpose and hope, knowing that our future is secure and glorious. As believers, we are called to reflect this hope in our daily lives, living as citizens of the kingdom to come. [28:44]

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." (Philippians 3:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can live today that reflects the reality of your future glorified existence on a renewed earth?

Quotes


The Apostle here is dealing with the way in which Christian people should face suffering and trials and tribulations in this present world and the essence of his teaching is this that there is only one way to do so and that is to know the truth about the glory that is awaiting us. [00:76:11]

The description which is given here of what is going to happen to the children of God and to the whole creation is something final and permanent. What is described as the entire deliverance of the whole of creation from the bondage of corruption, not a temporary deliverance but a final deliverance. [00:283:38]

Our eternal state is not going to be lived in the heavens in the air as it were in some vague nebulous spiritual condition, not at all. The glorious thing that is stored here is this: we shall spend our eternity on the glorified earth and new heavens, the new heavens and the new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. [00:1695:92]

The Christian believer dies is that he goes in spirit to be with Christ. That's perfectly clear. As I understand the teaching of Revelations 20, the unbeliever of course does not experience that. He has no part in it. He has no part in the first resurrection. [00:1025:08]

The whole creation is going to be delivered absolutely from, but not temporally, but absolutely from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. [00:930:59]

The Apostle tells us in verse 23 we have the firstfruits of the Spirit. In other words, as believers, the Holy Spirit is in us and the Spirit gives us a foretaste of the glory which is coming. His presence in us does that as well as his work. [00:2268:01]

The final state, however, involves the redemption of both body and soul, and the restoration of creation. This eternal state is not a disembodied spiritual existence but a life in glorified bodies on a renewed earth. [00:1234:12]

The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. [00:2980:82]

The Christian groans within himself, but you know that's not the main reason for his groaning. I'll tell you what the main reason for the groaning is this: it is because he's got the firstfruits of the Spirit in him. [00:2490:56]

The intermediate state, often called heaven, is a temporary condition where believers are with Christ in spirit. The final state involves the redemption of both body and soul, emphasizing the physicality of our eternal hope. [00:1208:47]

The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now, and not only they but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption to wit the redemption of our body. [00:52:17]

The Apostle is describing the intermediate state of what is commonly called heaven as the state of the soul and spirit of the believer, apart from, out of, and without the body. [00:1284:01]

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Transcript
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