Sep 22, 2019
Originally Presented: August 12th, 2007
Scripture Reading: Romans 8:16-25
There is an interesting and significant dynamic suggested in the wording of Romans 8:17. In that verse Paul links suffering and glory. Citing that Christians are “fellow-heirs with Christ,” Paul says, “if, indeed, we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” There are numerous Bible passages which unite the ideas of suffering and glory (e.g. 2 Cor 4:17,18; Col 1:24-27; 2 Tim 2:12).
This section of Romans gives us a Biblical and eternal perspective of the many trials and heartaches we experience during our lifetime. Romans 8:18, alone, provides us with some helpful guidelines for dealing with pain. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Rom 8:18).
First, we are reminded that our sufferings are experienced during “this present time,” and that there is an “age to come.” Christians realize that the sufferings of life are not only temporary, but, in terms of eternity, short-lived. This is how Paul can refer to his multiplied and grievous troubles (cf. 2 Cor 11:23-28) as “light” and “momentary” (cf. 2 Cor 4:17).
Second, the age to come is glorious. The phrase in Romans 8:18 is “the glory that is to be revealed to us.” It is no small comfort to remember that eternal life entails a final end to sorrow and tears and pain and death and sin. Words cannot describe the wonder and glory of being able to experience the infinite God directly, in His presence, and without sin. Whatever we struggle with in our lives, there is no comparison with what awaits children of God. That is a strength-producing truth.