Infinite Hope in Hardships
Romans 8:18-25
By Jay Haugh
October 31, 2021
If you are a believer, it shows up.
We have an internal witness that we are beloved sons.
Our salvation is secure but it’s not fully experienced.
and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. —Romans 8:17
…guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. —1 Peter 1:5
All our suffering is worth it.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. —Romans 8:18
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. —James 1:2-4 NIV
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. —Hebrews 12:7-8 NIV
Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.
Hebrews 12:9-10 NIV
So certain and so glorious is this future day, creation longs and waits for us.
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. —Romans 8:19
Our sonship is secure.
Our salvation is secure, but it’s not fully experienced.
Yet all of this suffering is worth it.
It’s worth it because this future day is certain.
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. —Romans 8:19
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. —Romans 8:19
And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. —Revelation 19:14
Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure – for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. —Revelation 19:7-8
For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope. —Romans 8:20
For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope. —Romans 8:20
The creation will be set free.
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. —Romans 8:21
The current creation has contractions.
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. —Romans 8:22
The current saints have contractions.
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. —Romans 8:23
Suffering is put in a global context.
All suffering is worth it.
It’s worth it because this future day is certain.
For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? —Romans 8:24
BIG IDEA: All suffering is worth it because this future day of complete salvation is certain.
STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS
How is the doctrine of justification an “already, not yet” reality?
What does this passage teach us about the future effects of salvation? Read Revelation 19:7-14.
What does this passage teach us about the effects of the fall on the creation? Read Genesis 3:14-19. What things does God curse?
How does this passage emphasize Christian hope?
What is your view of suffering? What is your theology of suffering (we all have one)? Why is this section needed? What comfort is this section meant to bring?
What is the last stage of our salvation? See 1 Corinthians 15:50-58.
What would you say is the central point or big idea of Romans 8:18-25?
Where did God “break in” and get your attention in the passage? What are you “hearing” from God? Where is He calling you to repent? What is He calling you to do or believe?