Incomparable Glory

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Incomparable Glory

Date: Apr. 29, 2015

Passage

Romans 8:18-30 (ESV)

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. 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.

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. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

First, patience in suffering (18-25). Paul declared that we will share in Christ's glory if we share in his sufferings as well. Without a doubt, he had a very personal knowledge of such sufferings, bearing on his body the marks of Jesus. But Paul himself says that the sum total of all the suffering endured for Christ's sake does not even begin to compare with the glory that will be revealed in us. That glory is coming and even creation itself is waiting in eager anticipation for the day our salvation will be made complete. Those who belong to Christ and possess the first fruits of the Spirit groan as well. But these groans are necessary pains - like the pains of childbirth. We endure them patiently in hope of the new life to come.

Second, God is working (26-30). We can take comfort during our sufferings that even in such dark times, God is working. His Spirit helps us in our weakness. When we are so troubled and confused that we don't even know what to pray for, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf. We can also find peace in God's sovereignty. He works in all things, good and bad, to make us more like our Lord Jesus. His work of salvation began in eternity past and will continue until the day we share in Christ's glory.

Prayer: Father, help us to see the glory that awaits us.

One Word: Wait patiently for the glory of Christ!

A Satanic Threat

2 Kings 18:17-37

Key Verse: 18:36

But the people were silent and answered him not a word, for the king’s command was, “Do not answer him.”

Today's Question

What benefits do those who are effectively called share in this life?

See answer and references