"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SUFFERING NOW, AND THE GLORY TO COME"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SUFFERING NOW, AND THE GLORY TO COME"

Romans 8:18 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.

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:

In Romans 8, Paul is explaining how we live the Christian life. And, this particular view gives us heavens perspective on the present and the future. On suffering now, and the glory to come. I might add, this is one of my most favorite verses in the whole Bible. I trust you will be encouraged by this verse, and the devotional thoughts shared below.

1. Contrast is a normal part of life.
Romans 8:18 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.

We live now. But, there is a past, and there is also a future. Paul is addressing the now of life, and also looking at the future of our lives. What a huge contrast there is between the now and the future. Look again at what Paul says.

Romans 8:18 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.

2. In this life we experience sufferings.
Romans 8:18 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.

Paul speaks of the sufferings of this present time. He is speaking not just about his own sufferings, or the sufferings of the Christians in Rome, but the sufferings of life in general. But, He is specifically speaking of the sufferings of any and all Christians, including you who know Christ today.

Jesus talked about sufferings and tribulations.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Paul spoke of them also.
Acts 14:22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.

And, so did Peter.
1st Peter 4:12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.

3. The sufferings we experience now have a certain "unworthiness" to them.
Romans 8:18 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.

Isn't' this interesting? Sufferings can be so painful, and so overwhelming, but Paul says they are not "worthy".
Paul was looking at the reality of his own sufferings, but he was also looking ahead to the future he would have in heaven..
That's why he called them "Not worthy"

As difficult as sufferings are, they pale in comparison to what is coming to the child of God once he or she arrives in heaven,

4. The future holds glory for all who have come to know God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:18 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.

Here's how Paul pulls it all together. He considered or understood that the sufferings we go through now are nothing compared to the glory that God is going to give us later, once we get to heaven.

We will not even be tempted to compare the two by saying things like, "Wow, all that suffering was sure worth it" No, we will not compare what we go through now, with what God is going to give us once we get to heaven. What a glorious future awaits every believer.

Some questions:

1. Are you going through a time of suffering right now?

2. Will you ask God to help you keep the big and future reality of heaven in mind?

3. Things may be difficult now, but there is coming a day when they won't be,

4. Will you ask the Lord to help you be more mindful of the truths contained in this verse in Rom 8?.

5. Isn't it wonderful to know that one day we will be in heaven with God?

6. Who do you know that is already there?

7. One day, you and I will join them.

A prayer:

Father, thank You for the hope we have in Jesus Christ. We have faith, hope and love. We can rejoice in the hope of Glory.
Lord Jesus, thank You also for what You endured on the cross, so that we do not have to endure eternal punishment for our sins. You bore all of our sins, and you paid for each and every one of them. Thank You.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.