A Message by Pastor Michael Palmer

Given to Green Ridge Baptist Church

April 19, 2009

 

ASSURANCE OF FUTURE GLORY

Romans 8:18-25

 

        In this chapter, we are learning about the ministry of the Holy Spirit.  We have learned these things in this chapter already:

 

1.    The Holy Spirit leads us (born again believers) and, as a result, our conduct is changed into increasing Christlikeness.

 

2.    The Holy Spirit gives each of us an internal witness of our position in God’s family (Abba Father).

 

3.    The witness of the Holy Spirit brings a security, a peace that we have as a result of His presence – i.e., a “knowing” that we belong to Him and He is working in and around us.

 

And that brings us to the fourth truth that we want to emphasize today:

4.    The Holy Spirit leads us through the sufferings of this world and guarantees our future participation in God’s Glory!

 

I.   CHRISTIANS WILL EXPERIENCE SUFFERING

 

·        Suffering is common to the human condition – pain, trauma, sickness, death, broken relationships, disappointment of family

 

·        Some suffering comes because of the natural antagonism in the world against God and anyone who represents Him.

 

·        Some wrong responses to persecution

 

(1)Anger

We get mad at God.  People forget we were called to a disciplined life – it’s not about life being easy here!  They have unbiblical expectations.  They are selfish – it’s all about their comfort…not about the gospel!

 

(2)Avoidance

Ø      “hedonism” – let it all hang out; don’t worry about the requirements of a godly life

Ø      “self worth counseling” – our happiness is paramount; avoid facing the truth or that which brings hardship to your feelings!

Ø      “name it, claim it crowd” – God heal me – I should not have to go through this.

 

(3)Apathy

Ø      “stoicism” – just get by – no joy

Ø      don’t get too involved with church, real Godly friends, or serious Bible study – take it easy – don’t push – and certainly don’t go to a church where you will be pushed!

 

1.    PERSECUTION IS A PROOF OF SONSHIP!

·        Jesus himself suffered.  We live in the same sinful world.  Why should we expect any different if we follow Him?

·        Suffering is sometimes allowed by God, even brought by God to PURIFY US (Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:3)

·        Illustration – the song “How Firm a Foundation”

·        Suffering DISCIPLINES US

·        Suffering TRAINS US (2 Timothy 2:3)

 

  1. SUFFERING STRENGTHENS AND EMPOWERS THE CHRISTIAN’S WITNESS

·        While dying, many give witness to God’s upholding, sustaining grace!

·        When choosing the more difficult (or costly) way—but the right way—our witness is even more powerful.

·        Illustration – Church in China

 

  1. SUFFERING IS THE PATH TO GLORY (Romans 8:17; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

·        Praise God that suffering is not the end – Glory Is!! (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

·        “As followers of Christ, our suffering comes from men, whereas our glory comes from God.  Our suffering is earthly, whereas our glory is heavenly.  Our suffering is short, whereas our glory is forever.  Our suffering is trivial, whereas our glory is limitless.  Our suffering is in our mortal and corrupted bodies, whereas our glory will be in our perfected and imperishable bodies.” – John McArthur

 

II.  THE WHOLE COSMOS IS IN BONDAGE, AWAITING THE DAY IN WHICH IT SHALL BE LIBERATED (MADE NEW – A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH)

 

The Christian Worldview:

  1. This is God’s world.  He is the Creator God.

·        The cosmos has value not because of what it is, but it has value because God created it.  Christians do not worship that which was/is created!

 

  1. This world is not what it was created to be (Genesis 3:17-18)

·        There is frustration – the annual renewal of Spring eventually gives way to Winter

·        There is bondage – the creation is powerless to deliver itself; it too must be delivered by God

·        There is decay – Second Law of Thermodynamics; Einstein’s formula of relativity – energy becomes dissipated over time

 

  1. The world one day will be renewed.

 

III. WE TOO WILL BE REDEEMED AND RENEWED

·        We will have a glorified body

·        We will be in glory with Jesus

 

IV.  GOD DESIRES US TO CONSIDER OR THINK ABOUT THIS SO HE CAN BREAK THE SPELL OF THE WORLD ON US

Go back to verse 18, what is the point Paul is making here? We need to be delivered from the pull that the world, the flesh, and this materialistic world have on us.  If we “weigh” the present suffering if we live for Christ with the future Glory….well there just isn’t any comparison!  That kind of weighing or thinking can help you break the back of any bondage you currently have. 

 

Would you let Jesus forgive you and give you assurance of future glory?  You can receive Christ right now!