Present Suffering Future GLORY

Romans 8:18–31 NKJV

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits 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; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

The Reality of Suffering

Physical Suffering

Mental Suffering

Relational Suffering

Addiction Suffering

Criminal Suffering

Economic Suffering

Religious Suffering

Environmental Suffering

Global Suffering

The Problem of Sin

Sin is anything that violates God’s word and His nature.

Sin was absent in the original creation.

Sin brought about God’s judgment.

Sin brought separation.

Sin brought a curse upon mankind.

Sin brought brokenness.

Sin ignited the sin nature.

The Longing for Redemption

God subjected creation to the dysfunction of sin and the curse.

God subjected creation so that all would long and hope for the fullness of redemption.

Creation groans for deliverance.

This groaning is like birth pangs increasing until full delivery.

Deliverance will occur at the final installment of our adoption, the redemption and glorification of our bodies at the resurrection when Christ returns.

The Future Glory

We are saved in this hope of the resurrection. It is called the “Blessed Hope”.

We groan for the time when all things will be made right.

We groan for the time when our bodies will be changed, immortal and incorruptible, like that of Jesus, the Firstfruits from the dead.

It has not occurred or else we would not still hope for it.

The Hope for Today

We wait for it with perseverance in this life.

We have the Holy Spirit to help us in current weakness of the flesh (carnal nature) as we pursue holiness (sanctification).

We have the Holy Spirit to help us know how to pray as we ought.

We have the assurance that God is in control of our lives. He is working all things together for the good of those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

We have the assurance that God will complete the good work that He began in us.

He foreknew us.

He predestined us (as a people “in Christ”)

He called us.

He justified us. (made us righteous)

He will glorify us (in the resurrection).

Conclusion: If God is FOR us, who can (successfully) be AGAINST us?

Response to the Word