Based on a series of sermons preached in PCC Prayer Meetings in 2023-2024
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us
Romans 8:18
Almost every verse in Romans 8, when understood correctly, is comforting and can be used to encourage believers experiencing grief in one way or another. However, a few verses in the chapter are most frequently brought to mind whenever we are called to bring a word of comfort or find ourselves afflicted.
Romans 8:18 is undoubtedly one of these verses. “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us,” declares Paul.
This beautiful verse reminds us of three things: (1) We can expect suffering in this life; (2) Those who are in Christ can expect glory; and (3) The glory shall more than compensate for sufferings we have to endure.
1. The Sufferings
Notice the plural: “The sufferings.” Notice the scope:“Of this present time.” Paul does not have in mind a particular trial or type of trial. Sometimes, Paul focuses on the persecution Christians must endure for Christ’s sake. But here he is talking about all kinds of suffering due to persecution, sicknesses, accidents, failures, losses, separations, conflicts, or disagreements.
And neither is he speaking about a period of intense suffering such as during the famines that afflicted Asia Minor between AD 30 and 40. Instead, he is referring to the sufferings of this present time in contrast with the time to come (cf. Mk 10:14). All creation, he says, is groaning and travailing in pain until the redemption of our body at the last day (v. 22-23). Because of the Fall, we can expect suffering in this life. Whether you are a believer or not, you should expect suffering in one form or another. Therefore, do not be surprised nor fret when suffering visits you.
But as you should expect suffering, you should expect glory if you are a believer
2. The Glory
Paul speaks of “the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Elsewhere he declares, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Col 3:4). Peter affirms the same truth when he says, “When his [i.e., Christ’s] glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Pet 4:13). John is even more emphatic when he proclaims, “When he [i.e., Christ Jesus] shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 Jn 3:2). Then shall we be filled with joy unspeakable and honour beyond anything man can give.
We tend to focus on our sorrows and afflictions when things do not go well. But perhaps we should, instead, focus on the glory which shall be revealed. Indeed, perhaps your present suffering is appointed by the Lord for you precisely so that you may long for the glory to come, and so begin to live with hope and eternity in view.
Perhaps this is why Paul wants us not only to expect glory, but to compare it with the present sufferings.
3. The Comparison
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us,” says Paul.
That is to say, they are not comparable. It would be a mistake to think that the glory is to compensate for the sufferings because the weight of glory will by far exceed the burden of suffering we have to endure.
Whatever suffering you are afflicted with may seem unbearable today, but it is nothing compared with the eternal weight of glory (2 Cor 4:17) which shall be revealed in you. The suffering may seem to last forever, but, in reality, it is only for a moment. On the other hand, your glory will be for all eternity. Your sufferings will soon pass away, but your glory will only increase in brightness and intensity for all eternity.
Conclusion
Beloved brethren and children, if you sincerely believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your redeemer, the promise is for you: “For the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
But if you are not a believer, now is the day of repentance, for while eternal glory awaits the saints, eternal wrath awaits the impenitent.
Oh, may you repent of your sin and unbelief, and turn to Christ while there is time so that peradventure, you may begin to live a worthwhile life that will culminate in eternal blessedness. Amen.
—JJ Lim