THE GLORY THAT AWAITS BELIEVERS

THE GLORY THAT AWAITS BELIEVERS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 8:18-25

Key Verse: "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, KJV)

Supporting Texts: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 1 Peter 1:3-9; Revelation 21:1-7; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 3:1-4; John 14:1-3.

Description: Present sufferings are temporary, but God has prepared an eternal glory that far surpasses every hardship endured by His children.

INTRODUCTION
Romans 8:18-25 is one of the most hope-filled passages in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul acknowledges that believers experience suffering, persecution, disappointment, and various trials in this present world. Yet, he confidently declares that none of these sufferings can be compared with the eternal glory God has prepared for those who belong to Him.

The Christian life is not free from hardship. Following Christ often involves sacrifice, endurance, and spiritual warfare. However, believers do not suffer without hope. Our present afflictions are temporary, while the inheritance awaiting us in Christ is everlasting. This glorious future gives strength to persevere through every trial with joy and unwavering faith.

Paul also teaches that all creation eagerly longs for the day when God will fully reveal His children and remove the effects of sin from the world. Until that day arrives, believers live in hopeful expectation, patiently waiting for the fulfilment of God's promises and the complete redemption that will accompany Christ's return.

1. PRESENT SUFFERINGS CANNOT BE COMPARED WITH FUTURE GLORY
Every hardship endured for Christ is temporary when viewed in the light of eternity.

a) Suffering Is Part Of The Christian Journey (Romans 8:18)
Believers should not be surprised by trials, for they are part of following Christ faithfully.

b) God's Glory Is Eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
The glory awaiting God's people far outweighs every present affliction.

c) Remain Faithful During Trials (James 1:12)
Those who persevere through testing will receive the crown of life.

d) Keep Your Eyes On Eternity (Colossians 3:2-4)
A heavenly perspective enables believers to endure earthly difficulties with confidence.

Biblical Example: Job (Job 1-2; 42:10-17). Despite severe suffering, Job remained faithful to God and ultimately experienced restoration, illustrating that God's purposes extend beyond present pain.

2. CREATION WAITS FOR THE REVELATION OF GOD'S CHILDREN
The entire created order longs for God's final work of redemption.

a) Creation Was Subjected To Futility (Romans 8:20)
Sin affected not only humanity but also the whole created world.

b) Creation Awaits Deliverance (Romans 8:21)
One day God will remove the curse and restore His creation.

c) The Whole Creation Groans (Romans 8:22)
The suffering and brokenness seen in the world point to the need for complete redemption.

d) God Will Make All Things New (Revelation 21:1-5)
The Lord has promised a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness will dwell.

Biblical Example: Noah (Genesis 8:20-22; 9:8-17). After the Flood, God renewed His covenant with creation, pointing forward to His ultimate restoration of all things.

3. BELIEVERS WAIT FOR THE FULLNESS OF THEIR REDEMPTION
Although we are saved, we still await the complete fulfilment of God's salvation.

a) We Have The Firstfruits Of The Spirit (Romans 8:23)
The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of the greater inheritance yet to come.

b) Our Bodies Will Be Redeemed (Philippians 3:20-21)
At Christ's return, believers will receive glorified bodies like His.

c) Hope Sustains The Believer (Romans 8:24-25)
Christian hope is based on God's unfailing promises, not uncertain wishes.

d) Wait Patiently Upon The Lord (Isaiah 40:31)
Those who trust God shall receive renewed strength as they wait for His perfect timing.

Biblical Example: Abraham (Hebrews 11:8-10). Abraham patiently waited for God's promises, looking beyond earthly blessings to the heavenly city prepared by God.

4. THE HOPE OF ETERNAL GLORY STRENGTHENS BELIEVERS TODAY
Our future inheritance should shape the way we live in the present.

a) Live With Eternal Perspective (Matthew 6:19-21)
Believers should invest in treasures that will last forever.

b) Remain Steadfast In Service (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Knowing our future reward encourages faithful labour for God's Kingdom.

c) Encourage One Another With This Hope (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)
The promise of Christ's return strengthens and comforts believers.

d) Long For Christ's Appearing (2 Timothy 4:8)
Every faithful believer should eagerly anticipate the return of the Lord.

Biblical Example: Stephen (Acts 7:54-60). Even while being stoned, Stephen looked into heaven, saw the glory of God, and remained faithful until the end because of the hope set before him.

CONCLUSION
Romans 8:18-25 reminds believers that present suffering is never the final chapter of the Christian life. Every hardship, disappointment, persecution, and trial is temporary when compared with the eternal glory God has prepared for His children. Through Christ, we possess a living hope that sustains us until the day of our complete redemption.

Therefore, let us remain steadfast in faith, patient in hope, and faithful in service. As we keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus and the glorious inheritance awaiting us, we shall overcome present difficulties with confidence, knowing that the best is yet to come for everyone who belongs to Christ.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for the glorious hope You have prepared for all who belong to Christ, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, strengthen me to remain faithful through every trial and hardship, in Jesus name.

3. Father, help me to keep my eyes fixed upon the eternal glory that awaits me, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, fill my heart with hope, joy, and peace as I wait upon You, in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me never to lose courage because of the challenges of this present life, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, prepare me daily for the glorious return of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

7. Father, let the Holy Spirit continually remind me of my heavenly inheritance, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, help me to invest my life in things that have eternal value, in Jesus name.

9. Father, preserve me in faith until I receive the fullness of my redemption, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let my life continually reflect the hope and glory of Christ to the world around me, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall remain steadfast through every trial because God's glory shall sustain you.

2. Every present suffering in your life shall give way to greater testimonies and eternal rewards.

3. The hope of Christ shall continually strengthen your heart and renew your faith.

4. You shall never lose sight of the glorious inheritance prepared for you in Christ.

5. The Holy Spirit shall empower you to endure every season with patience and joy.

6. Every burden seeking to discourage you shall be lifted by the power of God.

7. Your life shall continually reflect the hope, peace, and joy of the Lord.

8. The Lord shall preserve you blameless until the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ.

9. You shall finish your Christian race faithfully and receive the crown of righteousness prepared by the Lord.

10. From this day forward, you shall walk in unwavering hope, overcome every present affliction through God's grace, fulfil His divine purpose, and share eternally in the incomparable glory prepared for all who love Him, in the mighty name of Jesus.