Romans 8:17b, . . . if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

 

  1. Live Like a Child of God.

Romans 8:17a, Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ

Galatians 4:5, God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.

 

Roman Adoption:

  • Your family debts would be erased.
  • You were given a new name and full family rights.
  • You became an heir to everything your new father owned.

 

Spiritual Adoption:

  • Family debts – we once owed a huge debt due to our sin, but we can be forgiven.
  • New name and family rights – we can now walk in spiritual authority over the things of the world. We don’t have to be a slave to things like shame, fear, condemnation.
  • Inheritance – We have an eternal inheritance.

 

Romans 8:17b, . . . if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

 

Living Like an Heir:

  • Do we approach God with confidence, knowing He loves us?
  • Do we live in freedom, or are we bound by the weight of guilt and shame?
  • Do we endure suffering with hope, knowing glory is coming?

 

2. Wait with Hope, Not Despair. (Your Pain Points to Promise)

Romans 8:18-24, 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved . . .

 

What does it mean to live with hope?

  • When we feel overwhelmed by suffering—remember, it’s temporary. 
  • When we see brokenness in the world—know that restoration is coming.
  • When we feel discouraged—cling to the hope that God is making all things new.

Our groaning isn’t pointless—it’s proof that something greater is ahead!

 

3. Lean on the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:26-27, 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

 

The Helper:

  • When we feel weak, the Holy Spirit gives strength.
  • When we don’t know what to do, the Holy Spirit will be a guide.
  • When we’re tempted to give up, the Holy Spirit will remind us of God’s promises.

 

How to lean on the Holy Spirit:

  • Read God’s Word – reading God’s words help us know God’s voice.
  • Prayer – don’t just talk – listen!

Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

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