Meditation
THE SUFFERING OF THIS WORLD
Text: Romans 8
23 February 2025
SUFFERING IS A PART OF LIFE
The Apostle Paul wrote about suffering realistically in his epistle to the Church in Rome. How may we cope with so much suffering in life? Paul wrote of our Hope for a better world to come.
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 firstfruits 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. Romans 8:18-25
- The Glory that awaits us
This great sense of Hope enables Paul to rise above feelings of despair!
- Glorious liberty of the children of God
This is a truth that we must seek to fathom and embrace!
- The firstfruits of the Spirit
As we see how God can change our life, so we are reminded that good changes are in fact “firstfruits of the Holy Spirit.”
APPROPRIATE RESPONSE
- Let us patiently await full redemption of the body
- Let us groan (eagerly awaiting) the final work of God
- Let us persevere with faith and courage