Romans 8:18

Romans 8:18

Teaching of Romans 8:18

Romans 8:18 (NKJV):
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

This verse teaches that today’s trials—however intense—pale into insignificance beside the eternal glory God has prepared for His people.

Literary and Theological Context

Romans 8 marks the triumphant centre of Paul’s letter.

• Freedom from Condemnation (vv. 1–4): Believers stand justified in Christ.
• Life in the Spirit (vv. 5–11): The Holy Spirit empowers growth and holiness.
• Adoption and Hope (vv. 12–17): Christians are God’s adopted children and co-heirs with Christ.
• Suffering and Glory (vv. 18–25): Present afflictions are framed by future glory.
• Intercession and Sovereignty (vv. 26–30): The Spirit prays for us, and God works all things together for good.
• Unshakeable Love (vv. 31–39): Nothing can separate believers from Christ’s love.

Within this structure, verse 18 begins the section on hope amidst suffering.

Exegesis of Romans 8:18

1. “I consider” (λογίζομαι)
   Paul deliberately “calculates” or “reasons” this conclusion. It is not sentiment but the fruit of sober reflection.
2. “sufferings of this present time”
   Encompasses all forms of hardship—persecution, physical affliction, social marginalisation—experienced by believers under sin’s curse.
3. “not worthy to be compared”
   The Greek prosphora (“to compare”) underscores the utter imbalance between temporal pain and eternal reward.
4. “glory which shall be revealed in us”
   Points to our future transformation—resurrection bodies and full conformity to Christ’s image, the consummation of our adoption as God’s children.

The Christian Perspective

• Sovereignty of God
  Our trials occur under God’s sovereign providence. He ordains suffering to sanctify us and strengthen our faith (cf. Romans 5:3–5).
• Doctrine of Justification
  Justification removes our guilt but does not exempt us from hardship. Instead, suffering refines and confirms our union with Christ.
• Perseverance of the Saints
  Those whom God has called will persevere. Present trials cannot undo God’s eternal purpose of conforming us to Christ (Romans 8:29–30).
• Eschatological Hope
  The assurance of future glory fuels present obedience and joy, anchoring our hope beyond this world.

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Application to Modern Christian Living

• Enduring Trials with Perspective
  Recall Paul’s “reasoned conclusion” when facing stress at work, health setbacks or family strife. Frame every hardship by the lens of coming glory.
• Comfort for the Persecuted
  In contexts of social hostility or workplace bias, lean on the promise that present affliction is temporary and purposeful.
• Sanctification through Suffering
  View challenges as God’s means to mature character—love, joy, peace—that the Spirit cultivates within us (Galatians 5:22–23).
• Mobilising Gospel Witness
  A church that faithfully endures suffering displays the gospel’s power, drawing unbelievers by the hope it sustains.
• Community Encouragement
  Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness in trials. Encourage one another with Paul’s words: “the glory that shall be revealed in us” is worth every cost (Romans 8:18).

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