Hope and Redemption: The Glory to Come

Devotional

Day 1: The Magnificence of God's Promise Overshadows Present Sufferings

The hope of glory is a future reality where our current sufferings will be overshadowed by the magnificence of God's promise. This hope is not abstract but is a concrete assurance that the pain and frustration of this life are temporary and will be replaced by eternal joy and transformation. The promise of redemption and transformation is a profound source of encouragement, reminding us that the trials we face now are not the end of the story. As we endure hardships, we are called to fix our eyes on the glory that awaits us, a glory that will far surpass any suffering we experience in this life. This perspective allows us to live with a sense of purpose and anticipation, knowing that our struggles are not in vain but are part of a greater narrative of redemption and renewal. [01:56]

"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 suffering or frustration in your life can you view through the lens of God's promise of future glory? How might this perspective change your response to it today?

Day 2: Creation's Anticipation of Renewal

Creation itself is eagerly awaiting the revelation of the sons of God. This longing is built into the very fabric of creation, reminding us that the current state of decay is not the final word. God's design includes a future renewal where creation will share in the glory of God's children. The natural world, with its cycles of life and death, reflects this anticipation, pointing to a time when it will be liberated from its bondage to decay. This hope is not just for humanity but for all of creation, which groans in expectation of the day when it will be restored to its intended glory. As we witness the beauty and resilience of creation, we are reminded of God's promise to make all things new, inspiring us to care for the world around us as stewards of His creation. [04:12]

"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 participate in the renewal of creation today, whether through environmental stewardship or another form of care for the world around you?

Day 3: The Holy Spirit as Our Assurance

The Holy Spirit is our assurance of this hope, producing patience and sustaining us through our present trials. The Spirit's presence is a down payment of the future glory, reminding us that our current groaning is temporary and will be replaced by eternal joy. As believers, we are not left to navigate life's challenges alone; the Holy Spirit is our constant companion, guiding and comforting us. This divine presence within us is a foretaste of the glory to come, providing us with the strength and patience needed to endure. The Spirit's work in our lives is a testament to God's faithfulness, assuring us that He will fulfill His promises and bring us into the fullness of His glory. [13:05]

"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 become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in your life today, and how might this awareness influence your response to current challenges?

Day 4: Our Bodies as Instruments of Worship

Our bodies are meant for the Lord, designed to glorify Him. In the age to come, all pain, sin, and decay will be gone, and our bodies will be transformed to fully magnify Christ. This future reality should inspire us to live with hope and expectation. Our physical bodies, though currently subject to weakness and sin, are destined for transformation and renewal. This understanding calls us to honor God with our bodies now, using them as instruments of worship and service. As we anticipate the day when our bodies will be made new, we are encouraged to live in a way that reflects our identity as children of God, seeking to glorify Him in all that we do. [16:49]

"Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:15, 19-20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you use your body today as an instrument of worship and service to God, reflecting your hope in the future transformation He promises?

Day 5: Redemption as a God-Centered Hope

The redemption of our bodies is a God-centered hope, not an idol. Our future transformation will enable us to worship God fully, using our bodies as instruments of righteousness. This hope assures us that our present sufferings are temporary and will be compensated by the glory to come. As we look forward to the redemption of our bodies, we are reminded that our ultimate hope is not in the things of this world but in the God who promises to make all things new. This God-centered hope calls us to live with a sense of purpose and expectation, trusting in His faithfulness to fulfill His promises. Our anticipation of future glory should shape our present lives, motivating us to pursue righteousness and holiness as we await the day when we will be fully transformed in His presence. [20:24]

"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 area of your life where you can shift your focus from earthly concerns to a God-centered hope, and how might this change your daily actions and priorities?

Sermon Summary

In Romans 8:18-23, we find a profound hope that transcends the sufferings of this present life. This hope is not abstract but is specific, concrete, and precious. It is the hope of the redemption of our bodies, a future transformation that will occur in the twinkling of an eye. This hope is rooted in the promise that our current sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation itself eagerly awaits this revelation, longing for the day when the sons of God will be revealed in their true glory.

Paul emphasizes that the current state of creation, marked by futility and decay, is not the final word. God subjected creation to this state with hope in mind, a hope that is built into the very fabric of creation. This hope is mirrored in the seasons, as springtime reminds us of the eternal spring that is to come. When Christ returns, creation will be set free from its bondage to decay and will share in the glorious liberty of the children of God.

As believers, we too groan inwardly, waiting for the redemption of our bodies. This groaning is not a sign of despair but a reflection of our anticipation for the fulfillment of God's promises. The Holy Spirit, as the first fruits, assures us of this hope, producing patience and sustaining us through our present trials. Our bodies, though currently subject to pain and sin, are meant for the Lord and will one day be transformed to glorify Him fully.

This hope is not an idol but a God-centered anticipation of the future. Our bodies are instruments for worship, designed to magnify Christ. In the age to come, all pain, sin, and decay will be gone, and we will experience the fullness of joy in the presence of God. This future reality should inspire us to live with hope and expectation, knowing that our present sufferings are temporary and will be utterly compensated by the glory to come.

Key Takeaways

1. The hope of glory is a future reality where our current sufferings will be overshadowed by the magnificence of God's promise. This hope is not abstract but is a concrete assurance that the pain and frustration of this life are temporary and will be replaced by eternal joy and transformation. [01:56]
2. Creation itself is eagerly awaiting the revelation of the sons of God. This longing is built into the very fabric of creation, reminding us that the current state of decay is not the final word. God's design includes a future renewal where creation will share in the glory of God's children. [04:12]
3. The Holy Spirit is our assurance of this hope, producing patience and sustaining us through our present trials. The Spirit's presence is a down payment of the future glory, reminding us that our current groaning is temporary and will be replaced by eternal joy. [13:05]
4. Our bodies are meant for the Lord, designed to glorify Him. In the age to come, all pain, sin, and decay will be gone, and our bodies will be transformed to fully magnify Christ. This future reality should inspire us to live with hope and expectation. [16:49]
5. The redemption of our bodies is a God-centered hope, not an idol. Our future transformation will enable us to worship God fully, using our bodies as instruments of righteousness. This hope assures us that our present sufferings are temporary and will be compensated by the glory to come. [20:24]
** [20:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:19] - Future Hope of Glory
[01:18] - Context of Romans 8
[02:15] - Confidence in Coming Glory
[03:36] - Hidden Sons of God
[04:12] - Creation's Eager Longing
[05:24] - Creation's Futility and Hope
[06:44] - Purpose of Creation's Curse
[08:24] - Hope in Springtime
[09:02] - Creation's Future Liberation
[10:49] - Groaning and Redemption
[13:05] - Role of the Holy Spirit
[16:49] - Purpose of Our Bodies
[20:24] - Hope in Redemption
[23:57] - Eternal Joy and Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:18-23
- 1 Corinthians 6:13, 19-20
- Philippians 1:20

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Observation Questions:

According to Romans 8:18, how does Paul compare the sufferings of this present time with the glory that is to be revealed? [01:56]
What does Romans 8:19-21 say about the current state of creation and its future hope? How is creation described in its anticipation? [04:12]
In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the role of the Holy Spirit in sustaining believers through present trials? [13:05]
What does 1 Corinthians 6:13, 19-20 reveal about the purpose of our bodies according to the sermon? [16:49]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the concept of "groaning" in Romans 8:22-23 reflect the tension between our current reality and future hope? What does this groaning signify for believers? [11:30]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that the hope of a redeemed body is not an idol but a God-centered anticipation? How does this hope align with the purpose of our bodies? [20:24]
How does the pastor explain the relationship between the Holy Spirit and hope in the life of a believer? What role does the Spirit play in producing patience and sustaining hope? [13:42]
What does Philippians 1:20 suggest about how believers can magnify Christ through their bodies? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about the purpose of our bodies? [17:38]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a current suffering or trial in your life. How can the promise of future glory in Romans 8:18 help you reframe your perspective on this situation? [01:56]
The sermon describes creation as eagerly awaiting the revelation of the sons of God. How can you cultivate a similar eagerness and anticipation for God's promises in your daily life? [04:12]
Consider the role of the Holy Spirit as a "down payment" of future glory. How can you become more aware of the Spirit's presence and work in your life this week? [13:05]
The pastor mentioned that our bodies are meant to glorify God. What is one practical way you can use your body to honor God in your daily activities? [16:49]
Think about a time when you felt discouraged by the imperfections of this world. How can the hope of creation's future liberation inspire you to live with greater hope and expectation? [09:02]
The sermon warns against making the hope of a redeemed body an idol. How can you ensure that your hope remains God-centered and not focused solely on personal desires? [20:24]
Identify one area in your life where you struggle with patience. How can the Holy Spirit help you develop patience as you wait for God's promises to be fulfilled? [13:42]

Sermon Clips

The first thing he says in verse 18 is that you children of God whatever you experience in this life whatever suffering or pain or frustration or discouragement it is as nothing when compared to the glory that is going to be revealed to you and in you someday it says the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that is to be revealed to us. [00:01:30]

Creation is like a little child who was taken by his mommy and daddy to a play and he sits there on the edge of his seat and says again and again to his parents' dismay is it starting yet is that man in the play when are they going to start on the edge of his seat waiting eagerly waiting for the revelation of the sons of God. [00:04:18]

The creation was subjected to futility not of its own will but by the will of him who subjected it in Hope underline the phrase in hope now notice two things in verse 20 two things are built into creation one futility and two hope you see that the whole creation was subjected to futility that is frustration pain imperfection corruption we feel it we see it it's there. [00:05:30]

The creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay okay and obtain the Glorious Liberty of the children of God or literally will obtain the liberty of the glory of the children of God now this is a magnificent concept let's get it what Paul is saying here is that all of the corruption and futility and Decay and frustration in creation when the sons of God are magnified and manifest and glorified at the coming of Jesus that creation is going to be swept up into the glory. [00:08:51]

We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail that's the word used for a mother who's in labor pains together until now and not only the creation but we ourselves who have the first fruits of the spirit grown inwardly as we wait and wait and wait for the adoption of sons the Redemption of our bodies. [00:11:02]

The Redemption of our bodies is not yet a present reality you see that the Redemption of our bodies is not yet a present reality this is an an era of groaning not an era of Glory first groaning for three score and 10 and if by reason of strength Four score and then an age of Glory at the resurrection. [00:11:41]

We have the spirit and what's the spirit called it's called first fruits it's called down payment it's called Earnest seal and I love the Holy Spirit I don't know what I would do without the Holy Spirit to hold on to me in the midst of groaning patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit right Galatians 5 but you know from experience that patience is a fruit of Hope as well. [00:13:05]

There is a hope it is specific it is concrete it is precious it is wonderful that there is coming a day when this old body and your old body with all of its arthritis is going to be changed in the twinkling of an eye and it will be strong and healthy handsome and magnificent in the age to come. [00:14:47]

The body is not meant for immorality but for the Lord wow I love that kind of a sentence just rings with Clarity the body is for the Lord why do you have a body for God but then we ask well in what sense for the Lord and we read on in the chapter and he comes to the end in verses 19 to 20 and it says do you not know that your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit which you have from God you are not your own you were bought with a price therefore glorify God with your body. [00:16:19]

God gave you a body so that you would use it to glorify him Paul gave a personal illustration from his own life about what this means in Philippians 1: 20 he's on the brink of death in a Roman prison and he writes this letter and it says it is my eager expectation and hope that I shall not be at all ashamed but that with full courage now as always Christ will be magnified in my body. [00:17:19]

The reason that you are going to be happy happy forever and ever and the reason that you're not going to be sad forever and ever is because all of that playing and climbing and swimming and running and jumping and skating and hiking and climbing are going to be the use of a body as instruments of righteousness and as a display of the praise of the glory of the god grace of God there won't be any competition anymore between joy in play and joy in worship they will be one. [00:24:57]

This is light and Truth god-centered preaching to help you see Christ clearly and treasure him truly I'm your host Dan kru thank you for listening on our next episode John Piper continues our 12p part series on hope with a sermon titled eagerly waiting for our hope I hope you'll join us for more resources visit desiringgod.org. [00:25:45]

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Hope and Redemption: The Glory to Come

Devotional

Day 1: The Magnificence of God's Promise Overshadows Present Sufferings

Day 2: Creation's Anticipation of Renewal

Day 3: The Holy Spirit as Our Assurance

Day 4: Our Bodies as Instruments of Worship

Day 5: Redemption as a God-Centered Hope

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Hope and Redemption: The Glory to Come

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