For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.  Romans 8:18-25

A. The Children of God: Suffering Now, Glory Then: Rom. 8:16-17

1. Suffering before Glory

– Suffering for Christ’s truth: Acts 5:27-29

– Suffering for Christ’s name: Acts 5:40-42

– Suffering for Christ’s gospel: 2 Tim. 1:8

– Suffering for Christ’s work in us: Phil. 2:12-14

2. The Glory to be revealed: Rom. 8:18, Eph. 1:11-12, 2 Cor. 3:18, Eph 1:13-14, Ps. 63:1-2

a. The glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ: 2 Cor. 4:5-6, Rev. 1:12-18

Today

b. The Glory of Heaven

– A prepared place: John 14:1-3, Hebrews 11:13-16

– A perfect place of no blemish, decay or defilement: 1 Peter 1:3-5, Rev. 21:22-27

– A perfect place of love and fellowship: Rev. 21:1-4

c. The Glory of the Children of God

– Transformation begun: Conversion: John 3:3-8, Titus 2:4-7, 1 Peter 1:22-23

– Transformation continued: Sanctification: 2 Cor. 3:18, 2 Peter 3:18, Rom. 12:1-2, 2 Cor. 5:14, Eph. 4:20-24

– Transformation completed: Glorification: Phil. 3:20-21, Isa. 25:9, Isa. 26:19, 1 Cor. 15:47-57

B. The Children of God and Creation: Certainty of Deliverance: Romans 8:24-25, 1 Thess. 1:3; 5-8, Gal. 5:5-6