The Pain Is Real, But So Is the Glory
Romans 8:18-30 (NKJV)
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. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits 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 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
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. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits 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 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Romans 8 is the Christian’s “Declaration of Freedom,” for in it Paul declares the Four Spiritual Freedoms we enjoy because of our union with Jesus Christ.
In this section, Paul dealt with the very real problem of suffering and pain. This a passage that is rich with themes of suffering, hope, and God's sovereign purpose.
Sermon Title: “The Pain is Real, But So Is the Glory” (Part 1)
Theme: God uses our present sufferings to shape us for future glory.
Key Verse: Romans 8:18 (nkjv) 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.
Note the three “groans” that are discussed.
1. Groan of CREATION (vv. 18–22)
2. Groan of BELIEVERS (vv. 23–25)
3. Groan of the HOLY SPIRIT (vv. 25–30)
- Freedom from Judgment - No Condemnation (Rom. 8:1-4)
- Freedom from Defeat - No Obligation (Rom. 8:5–17)
- Freedom from Discouragement - No Frustration (Rom. 8:18–30)
- Freedom from Fear - No Separation (Rom. 8:31–39)
In this section, Paul dealt with the very real problem of suffering and pain. This a passage that is rich with themes of suffering, hope, and God's sovereign purpose.
Sermon Title: “The Pain is Real, But So Is the Glory” (Part 1)
Theme: God uses our present sufferings to shape us for future glory.
Key Verse: Romans 8:18 (nkjv) 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.
Note the three “groans” that are discussed.
1. Groan of CREATION (vv. 18–22)
2. Groan of BELIEVERS (vv. 23–25)
3. Groan of the HOLY SPIRIT (vv. 25–30)
The Pain Is Real, But So Is the Glory
PRESENT SUFFERING IS REAL - BUT NOT FINAL
Romans 8:18 (nkjv) 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
Don't allow your current pain to distort your eternal perspective.
VERSE BREAKDOWN AND MEANING
“For I consider…”
Paul uses the Greek word "logizomai;" which means to carefully reason or calculate.
“…the sufferings of this present time…”
This refers to all kinds of suffering — persecution, pain, sickness, grief, emotional struggles, and the deep groanings of a broken world (vv. 22–23).
“…are not worthy to be compared…”
Paul’s comparison isn’t even close — the suffering is real, but the glory is greater.
“…with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
This glory includes: Full redemption of our bodies (v. 23); The return of Christ (v. 19); eternal life in God’s presence; a new heaven and new earth without pain (Revelation 21:4)
BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF SUFFERING WITH HOPE
Job – Endured loss, pain, and misunderstanding
Joseph – Betrayed, enslaved, and imprisoned
Jesus – The Man of Sorrows
TAKE-AWAYS
1. Hold on to God when life hurts
2. Use pain as preparation
3. Shift your perspective
4. Be present with others in pain
CONCLUSION
What suffering are you currently walking through?
Are you asking, “Why me?” instead of, “ How can God be glorified in this?”
How can you keep your eyes on the “glory to be revealed”?
Who around you need encouragement to endure?
Suffering is real, but so is hope.
The Christian doesn’t ignore pain — we endure it with perspective.
Romans 8:18 doesn’t minimize your hurt. It magnifies your hope.
Romans 8:18 (nkjv) 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
Don't allow your current pain to distort your eternal perspective.
VERSE BREAKDOWN AND MEANING
“For I consider…”
Paul uses the Greek word "logizomai;" which means to carefully reason or calculate.
“…the sufferings of this present time…”
This refers to all kinds of suffering — persecution, pain, sickness, grief, emotional struggles, and the deep groanings of a broken world (vv. 22–23).
“…are not worthy to be compared…”
Paul’s comparison isn’t even close — the suffering is real, but the glory is greater.
“…with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
This glory includes: Full redemption of our bodies (v. 23); The return of Christ (v. 19); eternal life in God’s presence; a new heaven and new earth without pain (Revelation 21:4)
BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF SUFFERING WITH HOPE
Job – Endured loss, pain, and misunderstanding
Joseph – Betrayed, enslaved, and imprisoned
Jesus – The Man of Sorrows
TAKE-AWAYS
1. Hold on to God when life hurts
2. Use pain as preparation
3. Shift your perspective
4. Be present with others in pain
CONCLUSION
What suffering are you currently walking through?
Are you asking, “Why me?” instead of, “ How can God be glorified in this?”
How can you keep your eyes on the “glory to be revealed”?
Who around you need encouragement to endure?
Suffering is real, but so is hope.
The Christian doesn’t ignore pain — we endure it with perspective.
Romans 8:18 doesn’t minimize your hurt. It magnifies your hope.
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