From Suffering to Glory: A Hopeful Journey

 

Summary

In Romans 8, we are reminded of the profound truth that while suffering is an inevitable part of the human experience, it is not the end of the story. The sufferings of this present time, though real and varied, are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed to us. This is a message of hope, a promise that the trials we face are temporary and will ultimately lead to a future glory that is beyond our comprehension. Suffering is the pathway to glory, and while it is a present reality, it is limited to this present time. The good news is that trouble won't last always, and our present sufferings will be transformed into future glory.

Paul uses the imagery of creation to illustrate this hope. Creation itself waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. It has been subjected to futility, not by its own choice, but by the will of God, in hope that it will be set free from its bondage to corruption. This groaning of creation is not a sign of death but of birth, pointing to the new heaven and new earth that will come. Similarly, we as believers groan inwardly as we await the redemption of our bodies. We have the firstfruits of the Spirit, a guarantee of the glory that is to come.

Our hope is not a wishful thinking but a confident expectation. It is rooted in the finished work of Christ, who not only provides salvation for our souls but also promises the redemption of our bodies. This hope sustains us, giving us the patience to endure present sufferings with the assurance that the best is yet to come. As we wait, we are reminded that God is at work, causing all things to work together for the good of those who love Him. In the midst of life's challenges, we can rest in the promise that glory is coming, and it is incomparable to anything we face now.

Key Takeaways:

1. Suffering is a real and inevitable part of life, but it is not the end. It is the pathway to glory, and while it is present, it is limited. The promise of future glory far outweighs our current trials, offering us hope and assurance that trouble won't last always. [06:22]

2. Creation itself is a testament to the hope we have in Christ. It groans in anticipation of being set free from its bondage to corruption, pointing to the new heaven and new earth. This groaning is not a sign of despair but of the birth of something new and glorious. [19:22]

3. As believers, we have the firstfruits of the Spirit, a guarantee of the glory to come. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in the finished work of Christ. It sustains us through present sufferings, reminding us that the best is yet to come. [25:33]

4. Our hope is not just for the redemption of our souls but also for the redemption of our bodies. The promise of a future where our mortal bodies will be transformed into glorious bodies like Christ's gives us strength and patience to endure present trials. [30:02]

5. In the midst of suffering, we are called to look beyond the obvious and trust in God's sovereign plan. He is at work, causing all things to work together for our good. This assurance allows us to live with hope, knowing that the best is yet to come. [37:41]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:33] - Opening Prayer
- [01:20] - Introduction to Romans 8
- [03:08] - The Reality of Suffering
- [04:44] - Suffering and Faith
- [06:22] - Suffering as a Pathway to Glory
- [07:11] - Transformation of Suffering
- [09:04] - The Believer's Focus
- [10:44] - Creation's Future Hope
- [12:48] - Creation's Eager Expectation
- [14:46] - Futility and Liberty
- [16:30] - Coming Liberty for Creation
- [18:34] - Creation's Groaning
- [20:25] - Personal Story of Hope
- [23:04] - The Christian's Future Hope
- [25:33] - Firstfruits of the Spirit
- [30:02] - Redemption of Our Bodies
- [32:05] - Christian Funeral Hope
- [34:47] - Patience in Hope
- [36:55] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:18-25
- Job 5:7
- Philippians 3:20-21

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 8:18, how does Paul compare the sufferings of this present time with the glory that is to be revealed? [01:20]

2. What imagery does Paul use in Romans 8 to describe the current state of creation and its future hope? [10:44]

3. In the sermon, what personal story did the pastor share to illustrate the concept of groaning and hope? [20:25]

4. How does the pastor describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, according to Romans 8:23? [25:33]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean for suffering to be a "pathway to glory," and how does this perspective change the way believers view their current trials? [06:22]

2. How does the concept of creation groaning in Romans 8 relate to the pastor's explanation of the world's current state and future hope? [19:22]

3. In what ways does the promise of the redemption of our bodies, as mentioned in Philippians 3:20-21, provide comfort and hope to believers facing physical suffering? [30:02]

4. How does the pastor's story about his wife's aunt illustrate the tension between present suffering and future glory? [29:09]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced suffering. How did the promise of future glory help you endure that season? If it didn’t, how might it have changed your perspective? [06:22]

2. The pastor mentioned that creation is groaning in anticipation of being set free. In what ways do you see the world around you "groaning," and how can you contribute to bringing hope in those situations? [19:22]

3. The sermon emphasized that our hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation. How can you cultivate a more confident hope in your daily life, especially during challenging times? [25:33]

4. Consider the pastor's story about his wife's aunt and her perspective on suffering and hope. How can you adopt a similar mindset when facing your own trials? [29:09]

5. The pastor shared a personal story about his father's funeral practices. How do you want your faith to be reflected in the way you approach end-of-life situations, both for yourself and others? [32:05]

6. The sermon highlighted the importance of looking beyond the obvious and trusting in God's sovereign plan. What specific steps can you take this week to trust God more deeply in a current situation you are facing? [37:41]

7. How can the promise of the redemption of our bodies, as described in Philippians 3:20-21, influence the way you care for your physical health and well-being? [30:02]

Devotional

Day 1: Suffering as a Temporary Pathway to Glory
Suffering is an unavoidable aspect of life, yet it is not the final chapter. It serves as a conduit to glory, and while it is a present reality, it is confined to this current time. The promise of future glory far surpasses our current trials, offering us hope and assurance that trouble won't last forever. This perspective encourages us to endure hardships with the understanding that they are temporary and will ultimately lead to a greater, incomprehensible glory. The trials we face now are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed to us, providing a profound message of hope. [06:22]

"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 remind yourself today that it is temporary and leading to a greater glory?


Day 2: Creation's Anticipation of Redemption
Creation itself is a testament to the hope we have in Christ. It groans in anticipation of being set free from its bondage to corruption, pointing to the new heaven and new earth. This groaning is not a sign of despair but of the birth of something new and glorious. Just as creation eagerly awaits its redemption, we too are called to live in hopeful expectation of the transformation that is to come. This perspective shifts our focus from present sufferings to the future liberation and renewal that God has promised. [19:22]

"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 can you align your daily actions with the hope of creation's future redemption, and what steps can you take to care for the world around you as part of God's creation?


Day 3: The Firstfruits of the Spirit as a Guarantee
As believers, we have the firstfruits of the Spirit, a guarantee of the glory to come. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in the finished work of Christ. It sustains us through present sufferings, reminding us that the best is yet to come. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is a foretaste of the future glory that awaits us, providing assurance and strength to endure the challenges we face. This hope is a powerful motivator, encouraging us to persevere with the knowledge that God's promises are true and reliable. [25:33]

"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." (Ephesians 1:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you rely on the Holy Spirit today to remind you of the future glory that is promised to you?


Day 4: Redemption of Our Bodies
Our hope is not just for the redemption of our souls but also for the redemption of our bodies. The promise of a future where our mortal bodies will be transformed into glorious bodies like Christ's gives us strength and patience to endure present trials. This transformation is a key aspect of the hope we have in Christ, offering a holistic view of redemption that encompasses both our spiritual and physical being. The anticipation of this future transformation encourages us to live with hope and perseverance, knowing that our current struggles are not in vain. [30:02]

"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: How does the promise of the redemption of your body influence the way you view your current physical challenges or limitations?


Day 5: Trusting in God's Sovereign Plan
In the midst of suffering, we are called to look beyond the obvious and trust in God's sovereign plan. He is at work, causing all things to work together for our good. This assurance allows us to live with hope, knowing that the best is yet to come. Trusting in God's plan requires faith and patience, especially when circumstances seem overwhelming. By focusing on His promises and His faithfulness, we can find peace and strength to navigate life's challenges, confident that He is orchestrating everything for our ultimate good. [37:41]

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." (Proverbs 19:21, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's plan, and how can you actively choose to trust Him more fully today?

Quotes

"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. 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." [00:01:20]

"The bad news that the text begins with is the fact that suffering is real. Suffering is real. I'm a boxing fan, and this morning I was remembering April 22nd, 1994, when Michael Moorer defeated Evander Holyfield for the heavyweight championship of the world. I think it is one of the memorable fights for me because Moorer was a southpaw as I am, and it was the first time a southpaw had won the heavyweight championship." [00:03:16]

"God only had one child who lived on earth without sin. His name was Jesus. God has no children who live on earth without suffering and that includes Jesus. The inevitable reality of the human experience is that there will be times of suffering and the believer is not exempt. In fact, Romans 8 verses 16 and 17, as we've already seen says, 'The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.'" [00:05:41]

"The good news is that though suffering is real it is limited. It is in the language of verse 18, 'The sufferings of this present time,' or as the saints would sing in my daddy's church where I was nurtured in the faith simply, 'I'm so glad trouble won't last always.' Suffering is real, but it is just for the present time. Trouble will not last always." [00:06:52]

"Our sufferings of this present time will not just result in their end at some point, but present suffering will lead to future glory. And the tension is that Paul lays the two here right up front alongside one another; present suffering and future glory. Present suffering and future glory. And as he lays them aside one of another, he declares that 'The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed to us.'" [00:07:54]

"Creation here is a reference to the sub-human created world. And Paul here in poetic imagery personifies the created order and pictures the creation itself leaning forward with neck outstretched and eyes lifted up in great expectation of the glory with the revealing of the sons of God. He says creation is waiting with eager expectation. Emphatic language, where here creation is personified looking forward to what is to come because of the finished work of Christ." [00:11:22]

"The creation has been subjected to futility, big ideas here. Paul is saying that the present created order of the world around us is not how it was meant to be. And contrary to the experts all around us who, as we heard last night, whose minds are not set on the Spirit, Paul says that the creation has been subjected to futility, the order of the world around us is not as it should be, and he is clear it is not getting better." [00:14:36]

"Creation is groaning. As I am asked, as pastors are, for some answers to big things that happen in the world around us, I am prone to go back to this verse. 'Creation is groaning.' 'Creation is groaning,' Paul says, 'in the pains of childbirth.' Hallelujah! These are birth pains, not death pains. There is coming a new heaven and a new earth. The present futility will give way and its corruption will be transformed into the freedom of the glory of the children of God." [00:18:40]

"Not just creation, but we groan. What we? He describes the believer here as those who have the firstfruits of the Spirit. This is agricultural language. The farmer would work his field and plant his seed and cultivate the crop. And the first of the harvest that would come would be laid aside as firstfruits. It would be presented as an offering to God, but it was also a form of advertisement. If you think this is good, just wait. The best is yet to come." [00:24:01]

"The finished work of Christ provides salvation, but not just salvation for the soul. It is the salvation for the body, the redemption of the body. Philippians chapter 3, verses 20 and 21: 'Our citizenship is in heaven, in which we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our mortal bodies and make them like His own glorious body, with the power with which He is able to subdue all things unto Himself.'" [00:29:57]

"Yes, the Christian groans, but yet the Christian hopes. Verse 24 says, 'For in this hope, we are saved.' We, of course, are not saved by hope. Ephesians 2 verses 8 and 9 says, 'By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not the result of works, so that no one may boast.' But we are saved in hope that our redemption is not just the past penalty of sin being paid but the future glory of bodies fit for eternity." [00:33:22]

"If we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it in patience. 'Has thou not known, has thou not heard that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth? And He never faints nor gets weary. There is no searching of His understanding. He gives power to the faint, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.'" [00:35:05]

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Transcript
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