Romans Chapter 8 Vs. 18

 

Future Glory

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. Rom 8:18

sufferings of this... No suffering can compare with the eternal glory (2Cor. 4:17; 1Cor. 2:9).

In short, this describes the trials and tribulations that we go through in this life on earth. Paul puts this clearly (in 2Cor. 4:17), when he says: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”.

Paul’s own testimony lists a seemingly unbearable litany of sufferings and persecutions he endured throughout his life, yet he viewed them as weightless and lasting for only a brief moment. To Paul the future glory he would experience with the Lord far outweighed any suffering he experienced in this world. Paul understood that the greater the suffering, the greater would be his eternal glory.

Paul can speak from first-hand about suffering. He was stoned, shipwrecked, and so many times left for dead: suffering was no stranger to him.

with the glory... Looks forward to the resurrection of the body and the subsequent complete Christ likeness which is the believer’s eternal glory.

We can easily see that this present suffering is minor compared to the great glory we will receive when Jesus recognizes us as His when we stand before Him in heaven.

Goal of sanctification

In one sense this verse is the conclusion of the preceding paragraph in which believers are assured of being heirs of Christ’s coming glory. However, Paul reminded his readers that sharing in the glory of Christ in the future required sharing “in His sufferings” in this life. But after careful figuring (Logizomai, I consider) Paul concluded that our present sufferings are far outweighed by the glory that will be revealed in (as well as to and through) us. This future glory is so great that present sufferings are insignificant by comparison. Also the glory is forever, whereas the suffering is temporary and light (2Co. 4:17). Certainly this truth can help believers endure afflictions. Rom. 8:18 also serves as a topic sentence for the following discussion on the relationship between believers and the whole Creation, both in their afflictions and in their future glory.