Notes of Faith April 10, 2026
Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series: Romans 8
May 19, 2002
“PRESENT SUFFERING – FUTURE GLORY”
Romans 8:18-22 Part I
For I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Paul talks about the suffering of this present time (literally “the now time”). He says that these “now time” sufferings are not in the same category of intensity with the glory that is to be revealed to us. That is the suffering is not to be compared with the future glory.
The fall of man affected, in a drastic way, the creation we live in – both animate and inanimate. He says the anxious longing of the created order waits eagerly (literally “with neck outstretched”) for the revealing of the sons of God.
I so well remember, on long ago Christmas mornings, swinging on the gate in front of our house with my neck stretched out as far as I could reach as I looked, with great anticipation, down the road for the arrival of my cousins!
It was the fall of man that brought about the ruin of creation. Man was over creation (Genesis 1:28). Whatever happened to man also affected creation to the same degree. Paul says:
For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope. (Romans 8:20).
It is God who subjected creation to futility - in hope. In other words, God had a plan for restoring fallen creation. He explains that truth in verses 21 and 22. Creation will be liberated from its slavery to corruption, which is evident all around us, into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
Creation was enslaved because of the sin of man. It will be liberated into the same blessed glory of God’s redeemed people. Paul then describes, in graphic terms, the suffering of the created order.
For we know the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.
Creation will one day receive a new birth (Isaiah 65:17 ff) for which it is anxiously awaiting. This also includes you and me. What a legacy! We will take up that subject in our next Pen Pulpit
Have a great week, rejoicing in the goodness of our wonderful Lord. God bless.
Love to you all,
Pastor Charles Covington
We all suffer because the fall of man brought sin and death as a consequence. The Apostle Paul suffered much and gives us great detail about his physical suffering. But he also suffered spiritual suffering. He calls himself the chief of sinners for he persecuted the church even chasing down followers of Jesus, putting them in jail, standing by while they were stoned to death, actually doing in his ignorance, what he thought God wanted him to do. After meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, pursuing more followers of Jesus, he was transformed from Saul the Pharisee, to Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ!
Acts 9:15-17
he (Paul) is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16 for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake."
Paul suffered greatly, both physically and spiritually in this world, saying that these things are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
He was filled with joy about the promises of God for future glory both physically and spiritually! Let us endure this temporary earthly suffering knowing that our eternal glorious life is prepared and waiting for us in heaven!
Pastor Dale