Suffering and Glory: Embracing Our Christian Journey
Summary
In our exploration of Romans 8:17, we delve into the profound connection between suffering and glory in the Christian life. The Apostle Paul introduces the concept of suffering alongside the promise of being heirs with Christ, not as a contradiction, but as a vital part of our spiritual journey. This passage challenges us to understand suffering not as a sign of God's absence, but as a testament to our union with Christ. Paul, with his pastoral heart, anticipates the struggles of early Christians who, despite the promises of the gospel, faced harsh realities. He reassures them—and us—that suffering is not only expected but is a confirmation of our faith and a preparation for the glory to come.
Suffering, as Paul explains, is an integral part of the Christian experience because it mirrors the life of Christ. Jesus, the Son of God, was a "man of sorrows," and as His followers, we too share in His sufferings. This shared experience is not a condition for our inheritance but a confirmation of it. Our trials and tribulations are not evidence of God's promises failing but are instead a refining process, preparing us for the eternal glory that awaits.
The New Testament consistently teaches that suffering is a mark of true discipleship. It is through these trials that our faith is tested and purified, much like gold refined by fire. This process not only assures us of our salvation but also molds us into the likeness of Christ, preparing us for the ultimate glory we will share with Him. As we endure, we are reminded that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Key Takeaways:
- Suffering is a testament to our union with Christ, not a contradiction to the promises of the gospel. It confirms our identity as heirs with Christ and is a shared experience with our Savior. [08:17]
- The trials we face are not evidence of God's absence but are part of His divine plan to refine and prepare us for eternal glory. Our sufferings are a necessary preparation for the inheritance we will receive. [12:48]
- The New Testament consistently teaches that suffering is a mark of true discipleship. It is through these trials that our faith is tested and purified, much like gold refined by fire. [27:34]
- Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. This perspective helps us endure hardships with hope and assurance of the future glory. [42:49]
- Embracing suffering as part of our Christian journey allows us to experience a deeper fellowship with Christ, understanding His sufferings and growing in our spiritual maturity. [45:11]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Introduction to Romans 8:17
[01:26] - The Apostle's Pastoral Heart
[02:33] - The Urgent Problem of Suffering
[04:40] - Suffering in the Early Church
[06:28] - The Place of Suffering in New Testament Teaching
[08:00] - Assurance Through Suffering
[09:08] - Translation and Interpretation
[11:39] - Union with Christ in Suffering
[15:01] - The Suffering of Christ
[20:09] - Predictions of Suffering for Believers
[22:37] - Suffering in the Acts of the Apostles
[26:00] - Suffering in the Epistles
[33:22] - The Example of Hebrews
[36:22] - Suffering as Proof of Our Faith
[39:43] - Suffering as Preparation for Glory
[45:11] - Fellowship in Christ's Sufferings
[51:40] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:17
- John 16:33
- 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
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Observation Questions:
1. In Romans 8:17, what does Paul mean when he says we are "heirs with Christ"? How does this relate to the concept of suffering and glory? [00:33]
2. According to the sermon, why does the Apostle Paul introduce the topic of suffering in Romans 8:17? What pastoral concern does he address? [02:33]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between suffering and assurance of salvation? What role does suffering play in confirming our faith? [08:17]
4. What examples from the New Testament are given in the sermon to illustrate the expected suffering of believers? [22:37]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the connection between suffering and being "joint heirs with Christ"? What implications does this have for understanding our identity as Christians? [15:32]
2. The sermon suggests that suffering is a preparation for future glory. How does this perspective change the way we view our current trials and tribulations? [39:43]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that suffering can deepen our fellowship with Christ? How might this understanding impact a believer's spiritual growth? [45:11]
4. How does the sermon address the common misconception that suffering indicates God's absence or displeasure? What biblical evidence is provided to counter this belief? [06:28]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent experience of suffering or hardship. How might viewing it as a preparation for future glory change your perspective on that experience? [39:43]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeing suffering as a confirmation of our faith. How can you remind yourself of this truth during difficult times? [08:17]
3. Consider a time when you felt distant from God during a period of suffering. How can the understanding that suffering is a shared experience with Christ bring you comfort and assurance? [45:11]
4. How can you support fellow believers who are currently experiencing suffering, helping them to see it as part of their spiritual journey and preparation for glory? [06:28]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel challenged or tested. How can you apply the sermon’s teaching on suffering to find hope and strength in that situation? [42:49]
6. The sermon suggests that suffering can refine and purify our faith. What practical steps can you take to embrace this refining process in your own spiritual life? [27:34]
7. How can you cultivate a mindset that sees suffering as an opportunity for deeper fellowship with Christ, rather than a setback or punishment? [45:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Suffering as a Testament to Our Union with Christ
Suffering in the Christian life is not a contradiction to the promises of the gospel but a testament to our union with Christ. As believers, we are called to share in the sufferings of Christ, which confirms our identity as heirs with Him. This shared experience is not a condition for our inheritance but a confirmation of it. Our trials and tribulations are not evidence of God's promises failing but are instead a refining process, preparing us for the eternal glory that awaits. Embracing this perspective allows us to see suffering as a vital part of our spiritual journey, deepening our relationship with Christ. [08:17]
2 Corinthians 1:5-7 (ESV): "For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial you have faced. How can you view this experience as a way to deepen your union with Christ and confirm your identity as His heir?
Day 2: Trials as Part of God's Divine Plan
The trials we face are not evidence of God's absence but are part of His divine plan to refine and prepare us for eternal glory. Suffering is a necessary preparation for the inheritance we will receive. It is through these trials that our faith is tested and purified, much like gold refined by fire. This process not only assures us of our salvation but also molds us into the likeness of Christ, preparing us for the ultimate glory we will share with Him. Understanding this helps us endure hardships with hope and assurance of the future glory. [12:48]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Identify a current challenge in your life. How can you see this as part of God's refining process, and what steps can you take to embrace it as preparation for future glory?
Day 3: Suffering as a Mark of True Discipleship
The New Testament consistently teaches that suffering is a mark of true discipleship. It is through these trials that our faith is tested and purified, much like gold refined by fire. This process assures us of our salvation and molds us into the likeness of Christ. As we endure, we are reminded that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. This perspective helps us endure hardships with hope and assurance of the future glory. [27:34]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. How did it test and purify your faith, and how can you apply this understanding to your current circumstances?
Day 4: Present Sufferings and Future Glory
Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. This perspective helps us endure hardships with hope and assurance of the future glory. Embracing suffering as part of our Christian journey allows us to experience a deeper fellowship with Christ, understanding His sufferings and growing in our spiritual maturity. This understanding transforms our view of suffering, allowing us to see it as a necessary part of our journey toward eternal glory. [42:49]
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: Consider a hardship you are currently facing. How can you shift your focus from the present suffering to the future glory that awaits, and what practical steps can you take to maintain this perspective?
Day 5: Fellowship in Christ's Sufferings
Embracing suffering as part of our Christian journey allows us to experience a deeper fellowship with Christ, understanding His sufferings and growing in our spiritual maturity. This shared experience with Christ is not a condition for our inheritance but a confirmation of it. Our trials and tribulations are not evidence of God's promises failing but are instead a refining process, preparing us for the eternal glory that awaits. As we endure, we are reminded that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. [45:11]
Philippians 3:10-11 (ESV): "That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead."
Reflection: Think about a recent experience of suffering. How can you use this experience to deepen your fellowship with Christ and grow in spiritual maturity? What practical steps can you take to embrace this journey?
Quotes
The Apostle undoubtedly introduced this matter here first of all, because he was a man who had a great pastoral heart. Never think of the Apostle Paul as the kind of Professor of theology; he wasn't. He was a profound Theologian, but he was also an evangelist and a pastor. He was concerned about helping his people always and in everything. [00:02:43]
Here is the Apostle building up this extraordinary and elevated and moving picture of Christian people because of their relationship to God through the Lord Jesus Christ, talking about a great inheritance and the implications of that as we are joint heirs with Christ, this thrilling, wonderful picture. [00:03:29]
The Apostle is doing the two things at one and the same time. He's got a very practical object, and he's putting in, as it were, the final argument with regard to assurance and certainty. Very well, now if that is what he's doing, let's see exactly what he says. [00:08:36]
The suffering of Christian people, far from raising any doubts about the truth of the Gospel promises or of their interests in the promises, rather should be seen as strengthening both the promises and our share in them. Now the two things are important in this way. [00:13:21]
He was a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief. There is no record anywhere of Our Lord having laughed aloud, not once. Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief. We hear of him weeping. We hear of him saying that his soul was troubled. He was despised. He was rejected of men. [00:15:48]
The world tonight hates the Christian because he is like his master and Lord, because he belongs to him, because they see in him what they saw in him, and they hated the light that was in him, and they hate the light that's in us. [00:50:37]
If you are suffering as a Christian tonight and suffering for Christ's sake, I say, my brethren, rejoice. It's an absolute proof of the fact that you're in Christ. It's more; it is an absolute proof that God is preparing you for the glory that he has prepared for all who were in his son. [00:51:56]
The Apostle takes up this subject, and of course, he just introduces it here in this second half of verse 17, and then he takes it up properly in the beginning of Verse 18, and he goes on to deal with it right until the end of the chapter. [00:04:37]
The New Testament consistently teaches that suffering is a mark of true discipleship. It is through these trials that our faith is tested and purified, much like gold refined by fire. This process not only assures us of our salvation but also molds us into the likeness of Christ. [00:48:40]
The Apostle was repeating the message of his master that as Christian people, you've got nothing to expect and to anticipate but much tribulation, and you enter into the final Glory along the route of much tribulation. There's further evidence in the book of The Acts of the Apostles. [00:25:34]
The author of The epistle to the Hebrews tells us in Chapter 2 and chapter 5 that our Lord himself was made perfect by his sufferings as our leader and as our mediator and Redeemer. It became him, you get in Hebrews 2:10, of whom are all things and by whom are all things. [00:40:21]
The Apostle is saying now, as we are suffering with him now, we shall also experience the glory with him. It is something, as I want to try to show you, that is said in many, many places in the New Testament scripture. [00:11:56]
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