The Gospel (Lesson 14)
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
–Romans 8:18
The gospel is a promise of glory.
Consider the difference between a seed planted in the ground, covered by dirt, and the beautiful flowering tree it will become.
Or, you may have witnessed a caterpillar crawling on the ground that eventually is transformed into a graceful butterfly with magnificent colors that no longer crawls but flutters through the air.
You may not know that sparkling diamonds worn as jewelry were once hidden deep within the earth as rough, unpolished pieces of rock. But when mined, cut, and polished, the rock becomes a radiant gem people pay thousands of dollars to possess.
The before and after of seeds, caterpillars, and diamonds reflect the before and after of this temporary life and eternal life.
In Romans 8:18, Paul says,
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
We know what it means to suffer. When we're sick. When people are cruel, saying unkind, hurtful things to us. When people exclude us because we follow Jesus.
But all of these hard trials are like a seed in the ground compared to what God has planned for us in the fullness of his glory. They are just caterpillars and rocks. Glory is the butterfly and the diamond.
Psalm 16:11 says, "In your presence Lord, is the fullness of joy." Can you imagine being filled to overflowing with joy, all the time, without the warm feeling ever decreasing? That's glory.
In Revelation 21:1-5, the apostle John gives us a glimpse into what the fullness of joy will look like.
1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying:
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.
4‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death
or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”
5And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.”
Of course, all of this is the result of Jesus giving up his glory in order to bear the greatest suffering imaginable. His suffering on a cross becomes the door to experiencing eternal glory.
This is good news!
And the way we enter in is to trust that what Jesus did upon that cross, he did for you. Believe and rest, with full confidence, that the sufferings of this life are not worth comparing to the glory that awaits.
Because the gospel is a promise of glory.
Discussion Questions
In your own words, define "glory."
How does the gospel offer us the opportunity to experience glory in the future?
In what ways can we "taste" glory now?
How does the idea of eternal glory help us to endure the hardships of this life?
In what ways can we practically keep our minds focused on the promise of glory?
A Suggested Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for the promise of glory that is ours because you gave up your glory for us on the cross. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on the promise that our present sufferings can't compare to what you have planned for us.
For we pray in your name, Amen.