Hope Amidst Suffering: The Promise of Future Glory

 

Summary

In our study of Romans 8:18-25, we delve into the profound reality of suffering in this present world and the hope of future glory. The passage begins by acknowledging the sufferings we endure, which are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed to us. This world, subjected to futility and decay, groans for redemption, much like we do. The Holy Spirit, our guide and comforter, assures us of our identity as God's children, even amidst trials and tribulations. This assurance is not a promise of a life free from suffering but a reminder that our current struggles are temporary and pale in comparison to the eternal glory awaiting us.

The narrative of creation longing for redemption mirrors our own spiritual journey. We live in a world marred by sin, where suffering is a constant companion. Yet, as believers, we are called to look beyond the present pain and fix our eyes on the future promise of a new creation. This hope is not a mere wish but a confident expectation rooted in the resurrection of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We live in the tension between the "now" and the "not yet," where the reality of our current struggles coexists with the promise of future glory.

Paul encourages us to adopt a mindset of reckoning, to consider the weight of glory that far surpasses our present sufferings. This perspective shift is crucial for navigating the challenges of life. It invites us to trust in God's promises and to find solace in the assurance of our future transformation. The new heavens and new earth will be a place of unimaginable beauty and fulfillment, where creation itself will be reborn, and we will be free from the bondage of sin and decay.

In this hope, we are saved, not with uncertainty, but with absolute confidence in God's redemptive plan. Our present sufferings, though real and painful, are temporary. The glory to come is eternal and far outweighs any hardship we face now. As we journey through life, let us hold fast to this hope, trusting in God's promise of a future where all things are made new.

Key Takeaways:

- The sufferings of this present time are real and painful, yet they are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed to us. This perspective encourages us to look beyond our current struggles and focus on the eternal promise of glory. [12:40]

- Creation itself is subjected to futility and longs for redemption, mirroring our own spiritual journey. This longing points to the hope of a new creation, where all things will be made new and free from decay. [16:16]

- We live in the tension between the "now" and the "not yet," where the reality of our current struggles coexists with the promise of future glory. This tension invites us to trust in God's promises and find solace in the assurance of our future transformation. [13:11]

- The Holy Spirit is our guide and comforter, assuring us of our identity as God's children even amidst trials. This assurance is not a promise of a life free from suffering but a reminder that our current struggles are temporary. [00:38]

- Our hope is not a mere wish but a confident expectation rooted in the resurrection of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This hope gives us the strength to endure present sufferings, knowing that the glory to come is eternal and far outweighs any hardship we face now. [21:05]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Romans 8:18-25
- [00:38] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [01:37] - Present Sufferings vs. Future Glory
- [02:29] - The Reality of Suffering in the World
- [03:53] - Creation's Longing for Redemption
- [05:03] - The Futility of Life Without God
- [06:22] - The Unfairness of Life
- [08:07] - Living in a Fallen World
- [10:18] - The Tension Between Now and Not Yet
- [12:40] - The Christian Mindset of Reckoning
- [14:15] - The Promise of a New Creation
- [16:16] - The First Fruits of the Spirit
- [18:19] - Our Future Glory
- [21:05] - The Hope of Glory
- [24:58] - Conclusion and Encouragement

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:18-25
- Ecclesiastes 1:2-3 (alluded to in the sermon)
- 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (alluded to in the sermon)

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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 will be revealed to us? [01:37]

2. What does the sermon say about the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives, especially during times of suffering? [00:38]

3. How does the sermon describe the current state of creation and its longing for redemption? [03:53]

4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the futility and decay present in the world today? [02:29]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of living in the tension between the "now" and the "not yet" affect a believer's perspective on suffering and hope? [13:11]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Holy Spirit provides assurance of our identity as God's children amidst trials? [00:38]

3. How does the sermon interpret the idea of creation being subjected to futility, and what implications does this have for believers? [07:52]

4. What does the sermon imply about the significance of the "first fruits of the Spirit" in the life of a believer? [16:30]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent struggle or suffering in your life. How can you apply the perspective of Romans 8:18 to view this situation in light of future glory? [12:40]

2. The sermon mentions the role of the Holy Spirit as a comforter. How can you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and comfort in your current challenges? [00:38]

3. Consider the idea of creation longing for redemption. How does this perspective change the way you view environmental or societal issues today? [03:53]

4. The sermon discusses the futility of life without God. In what areas of your life do you feel a sense of futility, and how can you invite God into those areas? [05:16]

5. How can you cultivate a mindset of "reckoning" as described in the sermon, to focus on the eternal rather than the temporary? [12:08]

6. The sermon talks about the hope of glory as a confident expectation. How can you strengthen your confidence in God's promises this week? [21:05]

7. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel the tension between the "now" and the "not yet." How can you find peace and hope in this tension? [13:11]

Devotional

Day 1: The Weight of Glory Surpasses Present Suffering
In Romans 8:18-25, the reality of suffering in this world is acknowledged, yet it is emphasized that these sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed to us. This perspective encourages believers to look beyond their current struggles and focus on the eternal promise of glory. The passage invites us to adopt a mindset of reckoning, considering the weight of glory that far surpasses our present sufferings. This shift in perspective is crucial for navigating life's challenges, as it invites us to trust in God's promises and find solace in the assurance of our future transformation. The new heavens and new earth will be a place of unimaginable beauty and fulfillment, where creation itself will be reborn, and we will be free from the bondage of sin and decay. [12:40]

"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 current struggle in your life can you view through the lens of future glory, and how might this perspective change your approach to it today?


Day 2: Creation's Longing Mirrors Our Spiritual Journey
The passage in Romans 8:18-25 describes how creation itself is subjected to futility and longs for redemption, mirroring our own spiritual journey. This longing points to the hope of a new creation, where all things will be made new and free from decay. As believers, we live in a world marred by sin, where suffering is a constant companion. Yet, we are called to look beyond the present pain and fix our eyes on the future promise of a new creation. This hope is not a mere wish but a confident expectation rooted in the resurrection of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. [16:16]

"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: In what ways do you see the world around you longing for redemption, and how can you participate in God's redemptive work today?


Day 3: Living in the Tension of Now and Not Yet
Romans 8:18-25 speaks to the tension between the "now" and the "not yet," where the reality of our current struggles coexists with the promise of future glory. This tension invites us to trust in God's promises and find solace in the assurance of our future transformation. As believers, we are called to live in this tension, holding fast to the hope of glory while navigating the challenges of life. The Holy Spirit, our guide and comforter, assures us of our identity as God's children even amidst trials. This assurance is not a promise of a life free from suffering but a reminder that our current struggles are temporary. [13:11]

"Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you embrace the tension of living in the "now" and "not yet" in your daily life, and what practices can help you remain hopeful in the midst of uncertainty?


Day 4: The Holy Spirit Assures Our Identity
In Romans 8:18-25, the Holy Spirit is described as our guide and comforter, assuring us of our identity as God's children even amidst trials. This assurance is not a promise of a life free from suffering but a reminder that our current struggles are temporary. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is a testament to God's faithfulness and a source of strength as we navigate the challenges of life. This assurance invites us to trust in God's promises and find solace in the hope of future glory. [00:38]

"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." (Romans 8:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you lean on the Holy Spirit for assurance and guidance in your current circumstances, and how can this deepen your relationship with God?


Day 5: Hope Rooted in Resurrection and the Spirit
Our hope, as described in Romans 8:18-25, is not a mere wish but a confident expectation rooted in the resurrection of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This hope gives us the strength to endure present sufferings, knowing that the glory to come is eternal and far outweighs any hardship we face now. As we journey through life, we are encouraged to hold fast to this hope, trusting in God's promise of a future where all things are made new. This hope is a source of strength and encouragement, reminding us that our present sufferings are temporary and that the glory to come is eternal. [21:05]

"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: How can you actively cultivate a hope that is rooted in the resurrection and the Holy Spirit, and what impact might this have on your daily life and interactions with others?

Quotes


The Holy Spirit, who is a spirit of adoption and holiness, witnesses with us that we are His children. But He does that in a context of strife, leading us to put sin to death, reminding us that we're not in heaven yet. [00:36:04]

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared 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. [00:93:11]

Creation is longing for redemption, creation is subject to futility, creation is in bondage to decay, creation is in birth pangs. He's talking about the suffering, continuing the thought from verse 17, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. [00:225:44]

We live in a fallen world, a world of emptiness and often meaninglessness. Paul seems to be reflecting here, and actually, there are a couple of words that he uses here that are used in the book of Ecclesiastes in the Greek translation. [00:280:84]

We are Christians, we are united with Christ, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, but we live here. We have two zip codes. We sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, but we also have a zip code here in this world that's fallen. [00:492:08]

Just because you're a Christian, just because you're a child of God, don't expect that you won't suffer. Don't expect that real trouble might not knock on your door—the loss of a loved one, the onset of a disease, your marriage might break apart. [00:612:48]

We live in the tension between the now and the not yet. Now are we the sons of God, but it does not yet appear what we shall be. But we know that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. [00:788:80]

Creation is going to be born again. Yes, that means that the new heavens and new earth will have rocks and trees and rivers and seas. I fully expect to see rocks and trees and rivers and oceans and freshwater fish and saltwater fish. [01:22:16]

In this hope, we are saved, not hope in the sense of "I hope so," meaning I'm not sure, but I'd like to think that this is true. But hope in the New Testament sense of absolute certainty and confidence and assurance in the midst of this fallen world. [01:251:03]

We have such a future that eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those that love Him. It's what God wants us to do. I consider, I reckon. [01:296:88]

Paul is saying now reckon, now consider suffering here, glory to come, and if you put them in a scale, the suffering here and glory there, Paul says in Second Corinthians the glory is going to break the scale because it is so heavy. [01:376:15]

Paul's lesson here with which we close today is reckon on it, think about it, consider it, believe it, trust it. [01:487:60]

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Transcript
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