Anchor My Faith

Author: Stephen Weller
1,192 words, 6 minutes read time

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Present Suffering Future Glory

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 ESV)

For the context of this verse, one must read the verses that follow to determine that when sin entered God’s creation, through the disobedience of Adam, it brought forth all forms of evil resulting in suffering and death. It is that suffering that Paul is referring to that he is comparing to “the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

That suffering, that we all experience, comes in different forms depending upon many situations. It may be in the form of sickness, the death of a loved one, tension in the workplace, financial problems, relationship difficulties, persecution for our faith to name a few. No matter how severe the suffering becomes, even from being tortured for our faith to the point of death, Paul says it is no match when being compared “with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV) that this suffering, “this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” A hint of this contrast is found in Psalm 30:5 ESV: “For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” His anger, our suffering in our verse is for a short time compared to his favor. Our weeping through the pain of suffering is for a short time, but the joy he provides is eternal.

The glory that is to be revealed, is it to us or in us as translations very. According to the Greek the preposition εἰς preceding an accusative noun is frequently translated as “in” or “to,” so both are grammatically possible. John Piper says, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” Thus, it is God’s glory in us, however when we stand before our Savior, it will be his glory to us. God is both in us and before us.

When I think of this verse, I think of my many flights to and from China and recall those times when flying just above broken clouds. The top side of the clouds are a bright white, which reminds me of holiness and God’s glory, but as I look through the breaks in the clouds, I see darkened conditions and maybe falling rain and I feel the suffering and evil that exist down there. Our time below the clouds may include intense suffering and will include death for all of us, but for those of us who through Jesus Christ have spiritual life, we will one day rise above the clouds of death into God’s glory. Father thank you for this living hope we have in Jesus Christ.

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Summary Theme

Present Suffering and Future Glory

Summary Paragraph

Romans 8:18 is one of the great verses of encouragement in Scripture. Paul acknowledges that believers experience real suffering in this present life, including persecution, trials, sickness, loss, and the ongoing struggles of living in a fallen world. Yet he declares that these sufferings are insignificant when compared to the glory that God will reveal in His people. The future glory includes the completion of salvation, the resurrection of the body, perfect fellowship with Christ, freedom from sin, and eternal life in God’s presence. Paul is not minimizing suffering; rather, he is magnifying the greatness of God’s promises. The certainty and magnitude of the coming glory enable believers to endure present hardships with hope, faith, and perseverance.

Discussion Questions with Extended Answers:

1. What does Paul mean by “the sufferings of this present time”?

Answer:
Paul refers to all the difficulties believers face while living in a fallen world. These include persecution for faith, physical illness, emotional pain, loss, disappointment, temptation, and the effects of sin upon creation. Throughout his ministry, Paul personally endured beatings, imprisonment, rejection, hunger, and many hardships. He understood suffering firsthand. Yet he viewed these trials as temporary and limited in duration. By calling them the sufferings of “this present time,” Paul reminds believers that suffering belongs to the current age and will not continue forever. A day is coming when Christ will return and all suffering will end for those who belong to Him.

2. What is the “glory” that will be revealed in believers?

Answer:
The glory Paul describes is the full and final realization of God’s salvation. Believers will receive resurrected bodies free from sickness, weakness, and death. They will be completely transformed into the likeness of Christ and freed forever from the presence of sin. This glory also includes living in the direct presence of God, enjoying perfect fellowship with Him, and sharing in Christ’s eternal kingdom. The glory is not merely something believers will observe; it is something that will be revealed “in us.” God’s work of redemption will be completed, and His people will reflect His holiness and splendor in a way that is presently beyond our understanding.

3. Why does Paul compare suffering with future glory?

Answer:
Paul compares the two to help believers maintain an eternal perspective. Human nature tends to focus on present difficulties, allowing them to overshadow hope and joy. Paul encourages believers to weigh present suffering against the immeasurable blessings that await them. When viewed beside eternal glory, even the greatest earthly trials become small in comparison. This perspective does not remove pain, but it gives meaning and purpose to endurance. Believers can remain faithful because they know that God’s promises are certain and that every hardship is temporary compared to the endless joy of eternity.

4. How should this verse affect a believer’s response to trials?

Answer:
This verse calls believers to respond to trials with hope, perseverance, and trust in God. Rather than becoming discouraged or questioning God’s goodness, Christians can remember that God is working through every circumstance to accomplish His purposes. The promise of future glory strengthens faith during difficult seasons. Knowing that suffering is temporary and that eternal blessings are certain helps believers endure with patience. This hope does not depend on changing circumstances but on the unchanging promises of God. As a result, believers can continue serving Christ faithfully even when life is difficult.

5. What does Romans 8:18 teach us about God’s ultimate plan for His people?

Answer:
Romans 8:18 reveals that God’s plan extends far beyond the struggles of this present life. His purpose is not merely to help believers survive hardship but to bring them into eternal glory. Every aspect of salvation points toward this future fulfillment. God is preparing His people for a destiny that includes resurrection, perfection, and everlasting fellowship with Him. The trials of life are part of a temporary journey, while glory is the believer’s eternal destination. This truth provides confidence that God’s work in His children will be completed and that His promises will never fail.