Paul's Epistles Part 18 – Present Suffering and Future Glory

Paul's Epistles

Part 18 – Present Suffering and Future Glory

Pastor Bruce A. Shields

House of Faith Church | www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org

INTRODUCTION

We are going to look at the Epistles of Paul in this series of sermons. In Chapter 6 we looked at Paul telling us to be Dead to Sin, and Alive in Christ and that we are Slaves to Righteousness, Released from the Law and Bound to Christ, That which I hate, I do, Life in the Spirit.

Today we will take a look at Romans 8, our Present Suffering and Future Glory.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE Romans 8:18-30

¹⁸ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. ³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

                   I.            THE SUFFERING OF CREATION (VS. 18-20)  

a.      The suffering of this present time

                                                                         i.      Speaks of the world and its present condition because of the fall

                                                                      ii.      The glory of the coming future time (the new earth) will bear no relation to the misery of this present time.

b.     The coming glory is to be revealed in US!

                                                                         i.      Our glory shall be a reflective glory, coming from Christ.

                                                                      ii.      The way we live is important, for we foreshadow God's love, Christ's forgiveness, and the coming Glory of a redeemed man and creation.

c.      For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 

                                                                         i.      Creation, like us, are in desperate need of redemption from the fall, and are eager to receive our all the benefits of the resurrection of life.

d.     The creation did not willingly fall

                                                                         i.      Not that it is possible for creation to sin.

                                                                      ii.      However, just as you and I did not willingly fall, we too, are subject to the result of Adam's sin which is death.

                                                                   iii.      vs. 20 "For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope"

1.      Speaks of God as the one who passed sentence because of Adam's fall, but at the same time gave us a "Hope"; that "Hope" is Christ, who will rectify all things.

               II.            DELIVERANCE (VS. 21-25)

a.      Creation itself shall also be delivered!

                                                                         i.      like us, from the bondage of corruption (death, decay)

                                                                      ii.      And brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

                                                                   iii.      When man fell, creation fell.

                                                                     iv.      When man is delivered, so shall creation be.

b.     All of creation groans in pains

                                                                         i.      Everything has been affected by Satan's rebellion and Adam's fall.

                                                                      ii.      Like us, creation too logs for being brought back to its original perfection.

c.      But we, followers of our Lord, are but a dim reflection

                                                                         i.      Although our souls have been redeemed, and we have obtained part of the promise, through the Holy Spirit, we only have part of the possession now. The remainder will come at the resurrection when we will receive our new bodies.

                                                                      ii.      Until then, we, through the power of the Holy Spirit, produce FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT, and use the GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT, and withstand our sufferings and groans until we receive our resurrected bodies with the power of the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD.

                                                                   iii.      During this time, fulfilling the Will of God.

1.      God's first Will - You receive Salvation

2.      God's second Will - You share it with EVERYONE

3.      God's third Will - Specific to how God has enabled YOU to serve Him.

            III.            OUR SUFFERING UNTIL FUTURE GLORY (VS. 26-30)

a.      We have PART of our inheritance now

                                                                         i.      The greater part of our Salvation is to come in the future.

                                                                      ii.      Our souls redeemed, and having received the Holy Spirit, we await the greater part of our reward. Our new perfect bodies, to be in the presence of the Lord, and live eternity out with fellow believers in a New Creation.

b.     What is coming is beyond our comprehension

                                                                         i.      vs. 24 reveals that our hope is not for what we already have, but for what is coming, and that what is coming is so far beyond what is present, there is no comparison.

c.      Until then, we, and all of creation still suffer the consequence of the fall

                                                                         i.      We are shown in vs. 26 that we who follow Christ have the Holy Spirit, who helps us through our infirmities, which we receive because of Christ and the Cross.

                                                                      ii.      And also reveals that prayer without the Holy Spirit is to no avail.

1.      If you have not received Salvation that is the ONLY prayer the Lord will receive.

2.      After Salvation, all prayers go through the Holy Spirit, even when we do not know what to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us.

3.      If we step out of life IN THE SPIRIT and return to LIFE IN THE FLESH, God can no longer hear us, because sin has separated us from Him.

4.      The only prayer the Lord will receive at this time is confession, and repentance to return you to life in the Spirit.

CONCLUSION

The Holy Spirit "Himself" makes intercession for us, even when we know not what to pray.

To carry out the Will of God in our lives, not our personal will!

Want to learn more about Salvation and Getting Saved?    CLICK HERE!

Paul's Epistles Part 17 – Life in the Spirit

Paul's Epistles

Part 17 – Life in the Spirit

Pastor Bruce A. Shields

House of Faith Church | www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org

INTRODUCTION

We are going to look at the Epistles of Paul in this series of sermons. In Chapter 6 we looked at Paul telling us to be Dead to Sin, and Alive in Christ and that we are Slaves to Righteousness, Released from the Law and Bound to Christ, That which I hate, I do.

Today we will take a look at Romans chapter 8, and how we are Life in the Spirit.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE Romans 8:1-17

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you^[a] free from the law of sin and death. ³ For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

⁵ Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ⁶ The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. ⁷ The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. ⁸ Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

⁹ You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. ¹⁰ But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. ¹¹ And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

¹² Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. ¹⁵ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

                   I.            THEREFORE, THERE IS NOW NO CONDEMNATION

a.      For those who are in Christ Jesus

                                                                         i.      Through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit who gives life, has set you FREE from the Law of sin and death.

                                                                      ii.      The Law was powerless to do this!

                                                                   iii.      However, the righteous requirement of the Law was paid for by Christ, and thus, created a New Covenant.

                                                                     iv.      And those in Christ, the New Covenant, are no longer bound by the sin and death of the Law, the Old Covenant.

b.     Two covenants, two laws.

                                                                         i.      Law of Moses (10 Commands), the Law of Sin & Death

                                                                      ii.      Law of the Spirit (Salvation in Christ), the Law of Life & Peace

c.      Two Realms for our minds to dwell

                                                                         i.      The Law of Moses, 10 Commands, the Law of Sin and Death, this is the realm of the flesh which leads to condemnation.

                                                                      ii.      The Law of the Spirit, Salvation in Christ Jesus, the Law of Life and Peace, this is the realm of the Spirit where there is no condemnation.

               II.            YOU LIVE ACCORDING TO YOUR MINDS GOVERNING

a.      Your MIND is "WHO" you are.

                                                                         i.      Not your flesh.

1.      For that will pass away, and "you" will still exist!

                                                                      ii.      Not the Spirit within you.

1.      There are many Spirits in this world, we were created to have the Spirit of God within us...if He is not, then another will want to take His place.

                                                                   iii.      But your MIND, (sometimes referred to as your heart in scripture)

1.      This is the essence of who you are.

2.      This is where Salvation takes place.

a.      Romans 10:10 "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

3.      This is where sin takes place.

a.      2 Corinthians 11:3 "I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ."

4.      This is where we are told to "change" the way we think.

a.      Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

b.     Romans 15:5 "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had"

c.      2 Corinthians 4:4 "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."

b.     Who is governing your MIND?

                                                                         i.      If you live under the 10 Commands, you are in the Law of sin and death, and under condemnation, living in the realm of the FLESH.

1.      Therefore, your mind if being governed by your flesh!

                                                                      ii.      If you live under the Law of the Spirit in Christ Jesus, the Law that sets you FREE from the Law of Sin and Death, there is no condemnation, you are living in the realm of the Spirit.

1.      Therefore, your mind is being governed by the Spirit!

c.      Whichever leads your mind, dictates your life, and secures your afterlife.

                                                                         i.      If your flesh is governing your mind, you will be hostile toward God, you will not, and cannot keep the 10 commands of God, and therefore, it is impossible for you to please God in the realm of the flesh!

1.      You will die, and be condemned under the Law of sin and death. You will not receive a new body, because the Spirit of God that raised Jesus is NOT in you!

                                                                      ii.      If the Spirit is governing your mind, you will be led by the Spirit of God, and desire that which the Spirit desires, and be called a child of God.

1.      Children are heirs, and we too will inherit from God.

2.      Because we have the Spirit of Life within us, we, like Jesus will have our bodies raised, and receive NEW and SINLESS bodies like Christ Jesus.

            III.            IN WHICH REALM TO YOU RESIDE?

a.      Are you led by your flesh, or the Spirit of God?

                                                                         i.      You cannot live in two realms!

                                                                      ii.      Galatians 5:13-14, 16 "¹³ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

¹⁶ So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever^[c] you want. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

b.     The flesh governs the mind by desiring

                                                                         i.      ¹⁹ The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; ²⁰ idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹ and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

c.      The Spirit governs the mind

                                                                         i.      But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

CONCLUSION

¹² Therefore, brothers and sisters (those IN Christ), we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. ¹⁵ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Want to learn more about Salvation and Getting Saved?    CLICK HERE!