April 27, 2024 – Comparing Suffering to Future Glory
Romans 8:24-28
Sermon: 1980 How to Make Sense Out of Suffering, Part 2
Pray Over This
“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? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. 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. 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. 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.”
Romans 8:24-28
Ponder This
All creation has a curse on it. The creation moans and groans and has pain, pang, and woe. Being saved does not make you immune to suffering. Our bodies are not yet redeemed. Even we who have the first fruits of the Spirit groan. This groaning of the Christian is heard by the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. He is there with us. Jesus said the Spirit is one called alongside us, like an attending physician beside the patient. Jesus also calls the Holy Spirit the “Helper” (John 14:16), which means one who is called alongside to help. Yes, we know suffering. We know sorrow. But that’s not the end of the story. Romans 8:18 says, “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.”
Creation groans and the Christian groans. But the Holy Spirit knows our infirmity, and He groans with intercessions and prayers that cannot be uttered. The groans we endure, we do not endure alone. They are temporary, but the glory we anticipate is eternal.
- What are some hurts or frustrations you are experiencing now? Where do you need the help of the Holy Spirit?
- Do you regularly turn to Christ in your difficulties? Why or why not?
Practice This
Write down some of the struggles you are facing that are out of your control and give them to the Lord.
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