Present Sufferings and Future Glory
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18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing 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 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
Our current crisis is receiving all sorts of reactions from end-of-the-world, to nothing-to-worry about. As with many things, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
Where does sickness, disease, famine, war come from? v20 SUBJECTED TO FUTILITY
Why are we subjected to futility? To obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
1 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
Jesus refers to two events, one He is told about and asked for comment, another that seems to be a well known piece of news. His message: Repent or perish.
What is the thunderclap message of God during times like these? Repent or perish.
What is the role of the church?
To love one another as we await the return of Jesus
Jn 15:12 (love one another)
Jn 14:15 (keep my commandments)
1 Jn 4:7 (Let us love one another)
To tell the world
Matt 28:19-20
Romans 10:14
To Trust God
Romans 8:28
Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
How do we eagerly await together? As the church.
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
What is our plan?
We have made the prayerful decision to gather today. (But next week?)
We can record sermons and distribute, online and by CD.
We can stream services.
We can give online.
46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
We can still gather in small groups
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
As we hope we tell. We are more connected than we have ever been.
Be a people who share the glories of God amidst the doom and gloom of the world
As we point to Jesus we show trust in a God who is greater than the troubles of this world
As we display trust, we cast off our own fear and encourage others to do the same. (Not to ignore
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Finally, we trust God.