From Suffering to Glory: Our Journey in Christ

 

Summary

In Romans 8:17-18, we are reminded of the profound truth that as children of God, we are heirs with Christ, destined for glorification. This journey, however, is marked by suffering, which serves as a testament to our identity in Christ and a preparation for the glory that awaits us. Suffering is not a sign of God's absence but rather a confirmation of our union with Christ, who Himself was a man of sorrows. It is through these trials that we are being prepared for the ultimate glory, a process that highlights the devastating power of sin and the necessity of suffering in our sanctification.

The ultimate goal of salvation is not merely forgiveness or sanctification but glorification. This glorification means complete deliverance from sin and its effects, transforming us into the likeness of Christ. Our current sufferings are incomparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. This glorification is not just a return to the state of Adam before the fall but an elevation beyond it, to a state of perfection and glory that Adam never achieved. In Christ, we are promised more than what was lost in Adam; we are promised a share in the glory of Christ Himself.

Understanding this truth is crucial for our Christian walk. It provides us with assurance and hope, enabling us to endure present sufferings with the knowledge that they are temporary and purposeful. Our sufferings are intricately linked with our future glory, a theme consistently emphasized by the apostles. This juxtaposition of suffering and glory is a reminder that our current trials are working for us a far greater weight of glory.

As we look forward to this glorification, we are called to live in the reality of our union with Christ, experiencing the firstfruits of this glory through the Spirit. We are justified, being sanctified, and will be glorified. This hope should fill us with joy and anticipation, motivating us to live faithfully in the present, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- Suffering as a Christian is not a sign of God's absence but a confirmation of our identity in Christ. It is through suffering that we are prepared for the glory that awaits us, highlighting the necessity of trials in our sanctification process. [01:08]

- The ultimate goal of salvation is glorification, which means complete deliverance from sin and transformation into the likeness of Christ. This glorification is not just a return to the state of Adam but an elevation beyond it. [06:40]

- Our current sufferings are incomparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. This future glory is a promise of more than what was lost in Adam, a share in the glory of Christ Himself. [11:27]

- Understanding the truth of glorification provides assurance and hope, enabling us to endure present sufferings with the knowledge that they are temporary and purposeful. Our trials are working for us a far greater weight of glory. [35:17]

- As we anticipate our future glorification, we are called to live in the reality of our union with Christ, experiencing the firstfruits of this glory through the Spirit. This hope should fill us with joy and motivate us to live faithfully. [28:29]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Romans 8:17-18
- [01:08] - Suffering as Proof of Our Identity in Christ
- [02:07] - Suffering as Preparation for Glory
- [03:28] - The Necessity of Suffering
- [04:05] - The Ultimate Goal: Glorification
- [06:40] - Meaning of Glorification
- [09:29] - Union with Christ
- [11:27] - Beyond Adam's State
- [14:25] - Man's Restlessness and Glory
- [20:26] - Understanding Christian Salvation
- [25:34] - The Gift of Glorification in Christ
- [30:06] - Present Position of the Christian
- [35:17] - Suffering and Glory Linked
- [40:08] - Apostle's Method and Pastoral Heart
- [44:32] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:17-18

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 8:17, what is the relationship between being children of God and being heirs with Christ?
2. How does the sermon describe the role of suffering in the life of a Christian? [01:08]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the comparison between present sufferings and future glory? [00:31]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of glorification in relation to Adam's state before the fall? [11:27]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does the sermon emphasize that suffering is not a sign of God's absence but a confirmation of our identity in Christ? [01:08]
2. How does the sermon describe the ultimate goal of salvation, and why is it important for Christians to understand this? [05:39]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our current sufferings are preparing us for future glory? [02:07]
4. How does the sermon explain the significance of being united with Christ in the process of glorification? [07:48]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent trial or suffering you have experienced. How can understanding it as a preparation for future glory change your perspective? [02:07]
2. The sermon suggests that glorification is the ultimate goal of salvation. How does this understanding impact your daily walk with Christ? [05:39]
3. How can you remind yourself that your current sufferings are temporary and purposeful, especially during difficult times? [35:17]
4. In what ways can you live more fully in the reality of your union with Christ, experiencing the firstfruits of glory through the Spirit? [28:29]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to see God's presence. How can you use the truth of Romans 8:17-18 to find assurance and hope in that area? [01:08]
6. How can the promise of future glorification motivate you to live faithfully and joyfully in the present? [28:29]
7. Consider someone in your life who is going through a difficult time. How can you share the hope and assurance of future glory with them in a meaningful way? [43:59]

Devotional

Day 1: Suffering Confirms Our Identity in Christ
Suffering as a Christian is not an indication of God's absence but rather a confirmation of our identity in Christ. It is through suffering that we are prepared for the glory that awaits us, highlighting the necessity of trials in our sanctification process. This perspective shifts our understanding of suffering from a negative experience to a transformative journey that aligns us with Christ, who Himself was a man of sorrows. By embracing our trials, we acknowledge the profound truth that they are temporary and purposeful, working in us a far greater weight of glory. [01:08]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Think of a current struggle you are facing. How can you view this challenge as a confirmation of your identity in Christ and an opportunity for growth?


Day 2: Glorification: Beyond Adam's State
The ultimate goal of salvation is glorification, which means complete deliverance from sin and transformation into the likeness of Christ. This glorification is not just a return to the state of Adam but an elevation beyond it. In Christ, we are promised more than what was lost in Adam; we are promised a share in the glory of Christ Himself. This promise of glorification assures us that our journey is not just about overcoming sin but about being transformed into a state of perfection and glory that Adam never achieved. [06:40]

1 Corinthians 15:49 (ESV): "Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively pursue transformation into the likeness of Christ in your daily life, knowing that your ultimate destiny is glorification?


Day 3: Incomparable Future Glory
Our current sufferings are incomparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. This future glory is a promise of more than what was lost in Adam, a share in the glory of Christ Himself. Understanding this truth provides us with assurance and hope, enabling us to endure present sufferings with the knowledge that they are temporary and purposeful. Our trials are intricately linked with our future glory, reminding us that they are working for us a far greater weight of glory. [11:27]

Romans 8:18 (ESV): "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."

Reflection: How can you remind yourself of the future glory promised to you in Christ when you face difficult times?


Day 4: Assurance and Hope in Glorification
Understanding the truth of glorification provides assurance and hope, enabling us to endure present sufferings with the knowledge that they are temporary and purposeful. Our trials are working for us a far greater weight of glory. This assurance allows us to live with confidence, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Christ. As we anticipate our future glorification, we are called to live in the reality of our union with Christ, experiencing the firstfruits of this glory through the Spirit. [35:17]

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV): "And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."

Reflection: What are some practical ways you can cultivate a sense of assurance and hope in your daily walk with Christ?


Day 5: Living in the Reality of Our Union with Christ
As we anticipate our future glorification, we are called to live in the reality of our union with Christ, experiencing the firstfruits of this glory through the Spirit. This hope should fill us with joy and motivate us to live faithfully. By embracing our identity in Christ and the promise of glorification, we are empowered to live with purpose and passion, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure. This perspective encourages us to focus on the eternal rather than the temporary, allowing us to live with a sense of joy and anticipation. [28:29]

Colossians 3:3-4 (ESV): "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Reflection: How can you actively live out your union with Christ today, experiencing the firstfruits of the glory that is to come?

Quotes


The fact that we suffer in this world as Christians, far from being something that should raise a doubt or a query in our minds as to whether we are the children of God, is rather something that should give us a proof of the fact that we are the children of God. [00:57:49]

Suffering is one of the means used by God in order to prepare us for the glory that awaits us. So we translated the second part of this symptom verse like this: since we suffer with him in order that we may be also glorified together. We suffer in order that we may be prepared for that glory. [02:40:22]

The ultimate end and object of salvation is our glorification. That's the point which the Apostle is now going to work out. And of course, as always, he puts it in Easter: we shall be glorified together with him. Everything you see that happens to us is in Christ and because we are united to the Lord Jesus Christ. [04:12:59]

Glorification means full and entire deliverance from sin and evil in all their effects and in every respect: body, soul, and spirit; body, mind, and spirit. The whole man will be completely and entirely delivered from every harmful effect of sin, every tarnishing, polluting effect of sin. [06:45:16]

We are not merely restored to where Adam was; we are taken beyond it to the place to which Eden would have arrived had he continued in a state of innocence. Adam, you see, sinned and he failed, and the devil lost even what he already had. [24:43:70]

We are justified, we are being sanctified, we are going to be glorified. That's the way to look at it, and therefore we rejoice in hope of this glory of God. We know about it, to look forward to it, to rejoice in it, to anticipate it. [28:36:54]

The Apostle tells us enough to know that it is something that really baffles description. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Sin remains in the body, this mortal body of ours, and we've got to mortify the deeds of the body. [29:59:40]

He is going to deal with it, and as he does that, you see, he will be providing us with yet another proof of the absolute certainty and assurance of our individual salvation. If he can prove to us that it is God's purpose that the whole universe is going to be glorified in Christ. [41:09:19]

We are given an understanding as to the nature of our Christian life in this world, and especially in the light of the suffering that we are inevitably caused to endure because we are the children of God. [42:57:50]

He wants us all to be sure and to be absolutely certain that our glorification is coming. He wants us to look forward to it with real ecstasy. He wants us to be able to answer every argument that the devil will hurl at us. [43:49:60]

He gives us the answer, makes us doubly certain and assured, and as I say, it is essential for our well-being as Christians, for our happiness as Christians, and above all, for our testimony as Christians in the world as it is today. [44:49:60]

We would once more thank thee for this amazing thing that thou has done for us in the son of thy love. O God, we feel we as such poor, frail, and ignorant and weak creatures, we are ashamed of ourselves in thy presence. [44:49:60]

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Transcript
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