Sunday, March 4, 2012

Suffering Vs. Glory

Preached on March 4, 2012 by Pastor Robinson

“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.”
Romans 8:18

We will share in Christ’s glory. We will also share in His sufferings. We can’t have glory apart from suffering.
Like a piano virtuoso who is taking a bow, and the camera pans the crowd to find his family. They share his glory. Yet they have scrimped and saved, and suffered with his years of practice.
Most of us want to avoid suffering. We should not seek it, but if we live as believers, we will come across many enemies.
We are sheep among wolves.
Paul lists his sufferings. What are our complaints by comparison?
We shouldn’t avoid it by denying our Lord.
We all suffer; some more than others.
We have regular suffering, and suffering for our faith.
When Paul compares suffering now, with glory later, there is no comparison.

“For our light affection, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” 2 Cor. 4:17

Comparison between temporal and eternal perspective.
If you live only in the “now”, suffering is intolerable and meaningless.
If you have an eternal perspective, suffering is part of glory.
We need right perspectives.
Less “now” and more “not yet”.
We’re not saved because we suffer (a Roman Catholic belief).
Parable of the sower—a true believer will not fall away because of persecution.
Our suffering cannot cancel even one sin. Only the blood of Jesus covers sin.
How can you compare 80 short years to eternity in glory?
“We are a moment, You are forever.”
Men cling to this life. Put your treasures in heaven.
Nothing in this life surpasses glory in heaven.
The glory that lasts.
There is nothing we will miss from this life.
“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”

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