What Are You Suffering For?
Romans 8:18-30
Keep in mind this week that this passage is built upon the fact that when one is lead by the Spirit, their perspective is changed. Suffering, when put into perspective is not really suffering at all. What we see in the physical seems like suffering but when seen through the proper “glasses” you see the work the God our loving Father is doing.
In addition, one must realize that creation itself is groaning, 18-22. I just spent a week speaking at Camp Northfield and we looked at the wonders of God’s creation. God is truly a creative and great creator. All of creation screams out the truths of God and yet it is fallen. When man fell, creation paid a price. It is continuing to groan and will until the Lord returns.
We also “suffer” because we ourselves are groaning, 23-25. We know that this life is only for a short while and then life really begins. As much as I enjoy life on earth, it is nothing compared to what awaits us in glory. Our bodies are yearning to be redeemed and many of us are
reminded of this with each pain and set back.
The Spirit also helps our groaning, 26-30. The first verse tells us that the Holy Spirit helps us in our infirmities. We have infirmities or issues. We “suffer” sometimes because we are human and sinful. Even when we know Christ, there are things we know we should not do and do them anyways. We know there are things we should do and do them not. We also make poor choices at times and have to deal with the consequences. However, notice the Spirit helps us. We cannot live the Christian life apart from the Word and the Spirit’s help.
When the Word guides us and the Spirit illuminates us, our perspective is changed and we can live the victorious Christian life. When we govern our own lives, the journey is long, arduous and ends in ruin, however; with the right perspectives, we have the right values and our lives are lived for Christ and Christ alone. Once again, the choice is yours and mine. Will you suffer on your own or will you “suffer” for Christ?