18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
This verse is the key to the next several in Romans 8. In order to grasp the whole of the victorious Christian life, we must understand the hope of the Christian.
The victorious Christian is not discouraged and despairing about how bad things are getting. We look towards the hope of eternal life with Christ, and we rejoice, and yet also we groan.
There is a sighing, a strong longing for the day we’ll see our Savior. That’s the message of Romans 8 for today.
Note: The sufferings Paul referred to are not light, insignificant issues. cf. 2 Cor 11:23-28.
Creation (Rom. 8:19-22)
waiting for deliverance
Ourselves (Rom. 8:23-25)
waiting for redemption
We are waiting for the reality of what’s already been done spiritually. cf. Rom. 8:15.
