Suffering vs. Glory

Romans 8:17-22

(17) and if children, then heirs- heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

(18) 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.

suffer (vs 17) - sympascho 4841- to suffer or feel pain together or in like manner with another

sufferings (vs 18) pathema 3804 - having experienced external misfortune, calamity, evil, affliction, not directly referring to the sufferings of Christ

Even though different words, most likely referring to the sufferings associated with living for Christ based on context

vs. 17

Joint heirs with Christ - suffer then glorified with Christ (we join Christ in His sufferings and will join Him in His glory)- vs 17

CF Joint heirs - (Matt 25:34, Gal 3:29, Eph 1:11, Col 1:12, 3:24, Heb 6:12, 9:15, 1 Peter 1:4)

CF Inherit eternal salvation - Titus 3:7

MacArthur - Every adopted child will receive by divine grace the full inheritance Christ receives by divine right p1532

Another way of referring to a believer’s inheritance in heaven is the word, “citizenship”. Used to connect with the Roman mindset.

Phillip 3:20-21 - For our citizenship is in heaven from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

vs. 18

MacArthur - Proof of the believer’s ultimate glory is that he suffers… p1532

worthy - axios 514 - weighing or weight in value

The sufferings of this life do not measure up or (weigh in value) to the glory that will come for the believer - vs 18

Revealed in us, because the believer will be changed to be like Him (Christ) vs 18 (cf. 1 John 3: 1-3)

Why are present sufferings not really comparable to what awaits the believer???

Oh, remember that my life is a breath! - Job 7:7

Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am. Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my age is as nothing before You; certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. - Ps 39:4-5

All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever. - 1 Peter 1:24-25 (Is 40:8)

These verses says that our life is but a “vapor”

Meaning this life is short

Especially in comparison to eternity

The average life span is not comparable to the vastness of eternity

Does Not diminish its severity

But, the reward far outweighs the suffering

1ST POINT - THE SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME FOR SUFFERING IN THIS LIFE IS NOT COMPARABLE TO THE FUTURE GLORY FOR ALL ETERNITY

There is encouragement and exhortation all through out Scripture regarding the suffering of Christ

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. (12) Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. - Matt 5: 11-12

For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake. - Philipp 1:29

(19) For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. (20) For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. (21) For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: (22) Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth, (23) who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; (24) who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness, - by whose stripes you were healed. - 1 Peter 2: 19-24

(13) And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? (14) But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” (15) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; (16) having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. (17) For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (18) For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit - 1 Peter 3:13-18

(1) Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin (12) Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; (13) but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. (14) If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. (15) But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. (16) Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. (18) Now “If the righteous once is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (19) Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. - 1 Peter 4: 1, 12-19

suffering (cf)

Philipp 4:12

1 Thess 3:3-4

2 Thess 1:5

1 Tim 4:10

2 Tim 1:12

2 Tim 3:12

James 1:2

The believer is encouraged

The believer is commended

The believer has hope

The believer has fellowship with Christ through it all (He will never leave us nor forsake us) Heb 13:5

These things I have spoke to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. - John 16:33

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world - 1 John 4:4

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. - 1 John 5:4

(19) For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. (20) For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; (21) because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. (22) For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.

vs 19

All of creation awaits the revealing of the sons of God

Waiting for this revealing because there will be a new heaven and earth also (Rev 21:1-2)

vs. 20

God subjected all creation to futility because of sin to produce His righteousness (refining in the fires of the consequences of sin)

vs. 21

Not only will believers be delivered from the bondage of corruption but also all of creation

Into the glorious liberty (freedom) the believer has in Christ (children of God)

vs 22

Creation - groans/labors with birth pangs - subjected to the futility and consequences of sin, a fallen world

READ together - 2 Cor 4:6-18 - Hope of glory through trials