Introduction

Good morning, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. I am so grateful for the opportunity to gather with you today, as we explore God's Word, seeking His wisdom, guidance, and comfort. Our focus today is Romans 8:18-30, a Scripture passage that addresses some of life's most challenging realities: the pain of our present suffering, the joyous hope of future glory, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

In the words of C.S. Lewis, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." Let's remember this as we delve deeper into our Scripture today.

The Reality of Present Suffering

Regardless of our circumstances, each of us has experienced pain, loss, and hardship. It's a part of our human condition, a consequence of the fallen world we live in. Yet, as believers, we are not left to navigate these trials alone. Our faith in Christ does not exempt us from suffering, but it does provide us with a unique perspective and a source of strength and comfort in the midst of our trials.

The Apostle Paul: In Romans 8:18, he acknowledges the reality of our present sufferings. He doesn't dismiss them, minimize them, or offer platitudes. Instead, he validates our experiences of pain and hardship. He acknowledges that we live in a world that is subjected to frustration and decay. We see this in the natural disasters that ravage our planet, in the diseases that afflict our bodies, in the injustices that pervade our societies, and in the personal trials and tribulations that each of us face.

Our present sufferings are not the end of the story: They are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. This is not to say that our sufferings are insignificant or unimportant. Rather, it's a reminder that our present sufferings are temporary, while the glory that awaits us is eternal. This perspective doesn't eliminate our pain, but it does provide us with hope and encouragement in the midst of our trials.

We are not alone in our suffering: The whole creation, he says, has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. This imagery is powerful. It speaks of a deep, collective longing for relief and restoration. It's a reminder that our suffering is not an isolated experience, but a shared reality. We are part of a larger story, a cosmic drama, in which all of creation is yearning for redemption.

We, as believers, have the firstfruits of the Spirit: This means that we have a foretaste of the glory that is to come. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, our Advocate, our Helper in times of need. He is the one who helps us in our weakness, who intercedes for us when we don't know what to pray for. He is the one who empowers us to endure our present sufferings with faith, hope, and courage.

Our present sufferings are not meaningless or purposeless: They are part of God's sovereign plan for our lives. God is working in all things, including our sufferings, for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. This doesn't mean that God causes our suffering, but it does mean that He can use our suffering to accomplish His purposes. He can use our trials to refine our character, to deepen our faith, to draw us closer to Him, and to make us more like His Son, Jesus Christ.

The Hope of Future Glory

The Hope of Future Glory is not a wishful thinking or a blind optimism, but a confident expectation based on the promises of God ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO