Paul had just said that we are joint heirs with Christ, if we suffer with Him (v. 17). “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).
“Reckon” is an old English word that means ‘to consider’ or ‘to give account’. In other words, this was a new mindset that he had assumed. All the sufferings that he had gone through in his persecutions for Christ didn’t begin to compare with the blessings he will receive in heaven. ‘Think this way…’ Paul was saying.
People who study these things say my life expectancy in 85 years, and my wife has a few more. Then what? Just as we all need to plan financially for retirement, we also need to plan spiritually. Store up treasures in heaven now as an investment toward the future eternity in heaven. That investment will never expire.
So, let’s get our eyes off our difficulties today, and focus on the glory in heaven. The two just don’t compare.
Tags: comparing, suffering
“And if children, then heirs – heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ – if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:17).
This verse is not popular with American Christians. If we want to use God for our own gain, we don’t want to talk about suffering with Christ. But the Son of God set an example before us: Deny yourself, sacrifice your own desires for others, and you find great blessing is the result. The Father sent His son to suffer in our place. Don’t tell me that’s not the Father’s will.
And if we are children of God (speaking clearly to mature Christians), then we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Everything the Father owns is already at your disposal. But, Paul does give us clear condition to that promise. “If… we suffer with Him“.
What does “suffer with Christ” mean? It means we stop being selfish and seeking worldly blessings. We cease looking out for number one and start making investments in others. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…soul…mind…and strength…and your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31). In other words, we behave like Christ behaved.
Just as Jesus laid down His life for others, and then was glorified, so we sacrifice first, then receive reward.
Tags: heir, suffering
Now that everyone knows what I’ve been battling with, I would appreciate your prayers. I have every intention of overcoming this obstacle and serving the Lord for many more years. Satan can’t get rid of me that easily. God is the healer of my soul and my body.
When I was younger I didn’t take care of my body like I now know I must. Now I’m paying the price for that carelessness and am doing everything in my power to reverse these problems. And I’m confident God is teaching me much about Himself, grace, physical health, and compassion for others.
What is God teaching you through the things you suffer?
Tags: healing, suffering
As Paul was dealing with some adversities in his own life, he consoled himself with these words: “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). As he kept his eyes on the prize it made the problems of this life minuscule. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus!
Since I’ve come “out of the closet” with this prostate cancer issue, I’ve heard from many others who have been a real help to me because they have been through this also, or something similar. One older gentleman had this surgery 10 years ago, others more recently, and others struggling, wishing they had had this surgery done earlier. One man has prostate cancer and needs this surgery, but is afraid to have any treatment done to him.
I believe I’m beginning to see a pattern develop that I am to motivate men to take fearless steps to identify and take aggressive steps against this kind of cancer. I believe this is war with Satan who wants to silence our voices and rob our joy.
Tags: adversity, glory, suffering