Present Suffering Future Glory

Romans 8:28 CSB

28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

After the events of this week, the murder of one of our own, Charlie Kirk, This verse seems a little strange to read. How do we look at this event yet still confidently proclaim that “we know all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose? “

Last week we used the lens of scripture to look past the layers of self-protection to see what is underneath. We looked asked ourselves a few questions:

On what have i set my heart?

Am I able to obey God?

Does my spirit bear witness with God’s Spirit that I belong to Him.

And we then concluded with Romans 8:17

Romans 8:17 CSB

17 and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

So you see this promise of Good comes with a promise of suffering.

So Paul uses this verse as a launching point to give us yet another evidence of our salvation.

He says and if we are children we are co-heirs with Christ - If we suffer with Him.

Illustration:

I don’t know about you but I have been extremely disturbed by the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Over the last few days, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. I know the media keeps calling it a political assassination but I see it more of Christian Martyrdom. While Charlie was no doubt political his politics were informed by his faith in the Gospel. He was motivated to do what he did because he believed in the hope of the Gospel, The Word of God, and righteousness. His politics were a direct result of his faith. This was more than an attack on conservative ideals this was the result of a spiritual battle that overflowed into a physical action, the murder of Charlie Kirk. In this way today’s text seems to hit home a little more and the promises are all the more sweeter.

So lets look at today’s text:

Romans 8:17–28 CSB

17 and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of him who subjected it—in the hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. 23 Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? 25 Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience. 26 In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

I. How to view suffering Vs. 17-18

what is the type of suffering that this passage is referring too. Normally we think of suffering as persecution. While persecution is definitely under the umbrella of suffering. The idea of suffering is much more broad than just persecution. Its really the idea everything that we go through because of our faith and everything we experience because of the brokenness of this world. It can be those battles with sin that leave us feeling worn and tired, It can be demonic oppression that makes us fearful or anxious and depressed. It’s everything that we experience because of sin and

we are in Christ including persecution.

But Paul then turns this around doesn’t he.

Look at Romans 8:18

Romans 8:18 CSB

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.

Notice the Phrase “I consider.”

Last week we talked about how our actions reveal our values. So here Paul says, I choose to believe that everything that every physical pain, every heartache and tear that we shed in this life will pale in comparison with the glory of what is coming.

Paul is able to endure and to look past the present reality to a future hope. His values direct his heart. Paul has set his heart on the things above and because of this he can endure whatever this evil age throws at him.

II. The Benefit of Suffering In Christ.

Romans 8:19–27 CSB

19 For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of him who subjected it—in the hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. 23 Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? 25 Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience. 26 In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

# 1 Produces in us a greater desire for redemption

#2 Suffering produces in us a greater need for the hope of the Gospel.

#3 Produces a greater reliance on God and prayer

#4 Suffering produces a greater boldness for the cause of Christ.

III. The Promise of Suffering In Christ

Romans 8:28 CSB

28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.