​​“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

–Romans 8:18

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Annotation: Paul offers perspective on suffering, reminding believers that future glory with God will far outweigh any present pain.
 

Note: Sorrow is temporary, and the eternal joy of God's presence will overshadow all sadness.

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Context of the Passage:

Romans 8 is one of the most powerful and comforting chapters in the New Testament. In it, the apostle Paul addresses the reality of suffering in the world, especially for Christians, while also offering the hope and assurance of future glory. In the earlier verses of Romans 8, Paul speaks about the freedom and life we have through the Holy Spirit, the redemption of our bodies, and the fact that God is working in all things for our good.
 

Romans 8:18 comes in the midst of Paul's reflections on suffering and the hope that Christians have for the future. He acknowledges that suffering is real and painful but emphasizes that it is temporary and incomparable to the eternal glory that believers will experience when Christ returns.
 

Breaking Down the Verse:

1. “I consider that...”

   • Paul begins by making a deliberate judgment or decision. This is a choice of perspective. In the face of suffering, he chooses to focus not on the pain, but on the future hope. He is setting the tone for the believer’s mindset when enduring trials—it’s a matter of focus.
      

2. “Our present sufferings...”

   • Paul acknowledges the reality of suffering. He doesn’t downplay or ignore it. Christians face real challenges in life, whether it’s persecution, physical pain, loss, or other trials. He refers to present sufferings as the temporary struggles that we experience in this world.
      

   • This includes everything from personal hardships, relational struggles, and the natural consequences of living in a fallen world, including illness and death. For Christians, it may also involve suffering for their faith.
      

3. “Are not worth comparing...”

   • Here, Paul asserts that the present suffering cannot even begin to be compared to the future glory. He doesn’t say that suffering is meaningless, but he suggests that it is temporary and small in comparison to the eternal rewards that await those who are in Christ.
      

   • The word "compare" implies that any contrast between the two—suffering and glory—is vastly unequal. Suffering, however painful, is finite and momentary, while the glory that is coming is infinite and eternal.
      

4. “With the glory that will be revealed in us.”

   • Glory here refers to the future revelation of God’s full presence and the eternal state of blessedness and joy that believers will experience in Heaven. This "glory" will be made fully known when Christ returns, and believers are transformed into the full likeness of Christ.
      

   • The phrase “revealed in us” is significant. It suggests that this glory is not something distant or impersonal, but will be revealed in believers. It points to the ultimate redemption of the body and soul when believers are fully transformed, free from the effects of sin and suffering.
      

Key Themes:

1. The Reality of Suffering:

   • Paul doesn’t deny the reality of suffering. In fact, he fully acknowledges it. This makes the verse especially powerful, as it speaks to those who are experiencing pain or trial. Paul’s message isn’t that suffering doesn’t matter, but that it is temporary and insignificant compared to what is coming.
      

2. The Promise of Future Glory:

   • The hope of glory is central to this verse. Paul encourages believers to endure suffering by focusing on the glorious future that awaits them. The glory revealed in us refers to the future transformation and inheritance believers will receive when Christ returns. This is an eternal and immense joy, something far beyond anything we experience in this life.
      

3. Eternal Perspective on Suffering:

   • This verse teaches believers to view suffering through the lens of eternity. Yes, suffering is real and painful, but when viewed against the backdrop of eternal glory, it becomes small and temporary. This eternal perspective helps us endure and gives us hope in the midst of difficulty.
      

   • The apostle Paul frequently encourages believers to live with an eternal mindset, reminding them that what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).
      

4. God’s Redemptive Plan:

   • This verse also affirms the redemptive plan of God in the lives of believers. Suffering is part of the present world because of sin, but God has a future where He will redeem all things and bring glory to His people. Our ultimate destiny is not suffering, but glory in the presence of God.
      

Application for Believers:

1. Endurance in Suffering:

   • Romans 8:18 is a powerful reminder that suffering is temporary. For believers, suffering is not the final word. Hope and glory are promised to those who endure in faith. This perspective helps us to persevere in times of trial, knowing that our present struggles are momentary compared to the eternal glory we will experience with God.
      

2. Living with Eternal Hope:

   • Paul encourages believers to set their minds on the things above (Colossians 3:2) and to focus on the eternal rather than the temporary. When we are going through hard times, it's easy to become consumed by our pain, but remembering that glory awaits us can bring peace and strength. The weight of our suffering is lightened when we focus on the unimaginable joy that will be ours in eternity.
      

3. Perspective on Trials:

   • This verse encourages us to see our suffering in a new light. While we should never minimize pain or hardship, we should also remember that this world is not all there is. We have a glorious future to look forward to, where God will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4) and bring us into eternal joy.
      

4. Encouragement for Believers Facing Persecution:

   • This verse is especially encouraging for Christians facing persecution or suffering for their faith. The trials they endure because of their allegiance to Christ are not without purpose. In the end, they will be rewarded with the eternal glory of Christ. This encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of hardship.
      

Summary:

Romans 8:18 assures believers that the sufferings of this present world are nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed in them. While suffering is real and painful, it is temporary, and it pales in comparison to the eternal joy that awaits Christians. This verse invites believers to endure in the hope of future glory, keeping an eternal perspective that strengthens and encourages them through difficult times. It reminds us that God’s plan for His people involves ultimate redemption and a glorious inheritance that will make all suffering seem insignificant.

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Additional Information:

Read the full chapter and find more resources at biblegateway.com (external site)>>

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