Introduction
• Last week, we explored Romans 8:16-17, which says, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 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.”
• This key verse in Romans 8 is the transition point where Paul is synthesizing the truth about the work of the Holy Spirit with the reality of
• Suffering in this fallen world makes us feel
• When you suffer, God is at work. How?
God
you
• The story of Hagar
// Genesis 16:13 | So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.”
// Matthew 6:4 | And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
God
you
• The story of Hannah
// 1 Samuel 1:13-15 | Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD.
// Romans 8:26 | 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.
When you suffer, God
you
• The story of Naomi and Ruth
//Ruth 4:14-15 | Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”
// Psalm 3:2-3 | many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
When you suffer, God
you
• The story of Lois, Eunice, and Timothy
• When you think you are spent, keep giving
// 2 Corinthians 9:8 | And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
// Philippians 4:19 | And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
// 2 Peter 1:3-4 | His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises,