Not Worthy to Be Compared

In one paragraph

Pastor Chris opened Romans 8:18 by sitting with the weight of real suffering before turning toward the hope Paul sets against it. The argument moved from the present groaning of believers and creation alike to the certain glory that makes that groaning bearable. Communion closed the service, anchoring the whole passage in the suffering and victory of Christ himself. Paul's statement in verse 17...

Read together

1. Romans 8:15 spirit of adoption, not slavery to fear, crying Abba Father
2. Romans 8:17 fellow heirs with Christ, suffering with him to be glorified with him
3. Romans 8:18 sufferings of present time not worthy to compare with glory to be revealed
4. Romans 8:19 anxious longing of creation waiting for the revealing of the sons of God
5. Romans 8:20-21 creation subjected to futility in hope of being set free from slavery to corruption
6. Romans 8:22 whole creation groans and suffers pains of childbirth until now
7. Romans 8:23 we ourselves groan waiting eagerly for adoption and redemption of our body
8. Romans 8:24-25 in hope we have been saved, hope not yet seen, with perseverance we wait
9. 2 Corinthians 4:17 light affliction working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory
10. 1 Peter 4:12-16 do not be surprised at fiery ordeal, share sufferings of Christ, rejoice, glorify God
11. 1 Peter 4:19 those suffering according to God's will shall entrust souls to faithful creator
12. Hebrews 11:1 faith is assurance of things hoped for, conviction of things not seen
13. Hebrews 11:3 universe created by word of God out of nothing
14. Hebrews 11:25-26 Moses chose mistreatment over fleeting pleasures, considered reproach of Christ greater than treasures of Egypt
15. Hebrews 11:32-38 Gideon, Barak, Samson and others who through faith conquered kingdoms but also suffered torture, stoning, being sawn in two
16. Psalm 19 day after day creation pours forth speech, no language where it cannot be understood

Talk about it

1. Pastor Carl read a long list of sufferings he has walked through with people in this congregation over four years. Which one on that list hit closest to home for you, and why?
2. Paul calls present suffering 'light affliction' even after listing shipwrecks, beatings, and snakebites. What does it take, practically, for a person to hold that perspective in the middle of real pain rather than just agreeing with it in theory?
3. The sermon pointed out that creation itself is described as groaning and longing for the revealing of the sons of God. What does it mean to you that the created world is caught up in the same waiting that we are?
4. Peter says those who suffer according to the will of God are to 'entrust their souls to a faithful creator in doing what is right.' What does continuing to do what is right look like when suffering makes it hard to keep going?
5. The prosperity gospel came up directly, and the sermon said suffering is not only part of Christian life but is guaranteed. How do you talk honestly about suffering with someone who believes that faith should protect them from it?