The Future that I Hope for

Testimony by Rodney Gholson

Romans 8:18–25 NKJV

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. 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. 23 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. 24 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? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

How did Paul look at the future?

Comparatively (v. 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.

Romans 8:

2 Corinthians 4:17–18 NKJV

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

What we experience today really cannot compare to what we will experience in eternity.

No pain, suffering, joy, contentment, or any other emotion can compare to what we will experience one day when we got to be with Jesus.

Our present affliction is light and momentary compared to the glory that awaits which is weighty and eternal.

Eagerly (v. 19)

For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

2 Corinthians 5:6–8 NKJV

6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

One day with Jesus, we will have a tremendous family reunion with all of our glorified brothers and sisters in Christ as well as the angelic armies of heaven.

The idea here is of waiting in suspense and waiting perserveringly.

Picture an expecting woman that suffers through pregnancy.

Redemptively (vv. 20-23)

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.

Genesis 3:17–18 NKJV

17 Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. 18 Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field.

This created world was cursed at the fall and is looking forward to the full redemption to come.

When God created all things, it was good.

Then the fall and thousands of years!

The fall effected more than just human nature but all of creation.

Now all creation groans waiting to be redeemed by Christ.

Do you guys find yourselves groaning getting out of bed or getting out of a chair?

As believers, we are the firstfruits who are able to taste redemption even though we have not fully been glorified.

The waiting can be frustrating, however.

Hopefully (vv. 24-25)

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.

Our salvation is secure though we do not see the fullness of it yet.

We are confidently expecting the return of Jesus and our glorification.

This hope allows us to continue on in the present despite our troubles.

A runner doesn’t just see the finish line and stop before ever getting there.

Often seeing the finish line motivates an extra push at the end to move forward giving everything you’ve got left.

Anyone here ever crave something like chocolate for instance?

Why do you have cravings for it? Because you’ve tasted it before!

Such is the kingdom of God!

We crave what we can’t see because God has given us a taste!

What does our future look like at VFBC?

This year? Simplicity and Sustainability

Five to ten years? Growth and Moving

Ongoing? Vienna First, The World Next

Are you ready and willing to see the future of VFBC unfold?