Our Daily Dose
Day 312 of 365 · Week 45 · Victory Over Trials
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The Hope of Future Glory
Romans 8:18-25
Scripture · Romans 8:18-25
18I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. 19The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. 20For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time. 23Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.
Berean Standard Bible (BSB), public domain.
Paul shifts his focus to the future hope that believers have in Christ, emphasizing that the sufferings of the present time are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us. He speaks of the creation’s longing for the revealing of the children of God and the hope of redemption that extends to all creation.
Exegesis and Study
- Present Sufferings vs. Future Glory: Paul acknowledges the reality of present sufferings but contrasts them with the future glory that awaits believers. This future glory is so magnificent that it far outweighs any suffering we experience in this life. Paul encourages believers to endure their current trials with the hope of what is to come.
- Creation’s Longing for Redemption: Paul personifies creation, describing it as eagerly awaiting the revealing of the children of God. Creation itself is subjected to frustration and decay due to the fall but looks forward to the day when it will be liberated from its bondage. This hope of redemption is not limited to humanity but extends to all of creation.
- Hope and Patience: The hope that Paul speaks of is a confident expectation of future realities that have not yet been fully realized. This hope requires patience as we await the fulfillment of God’s promises, including the redemption of our bodies and the full manifestation of our adoption as children of God.
Practical Application
- L i v i n g w i t h a n E t e r n a l P e r s p e c t i v e : Understanding that our present sufferings are temporary and that a future glory awaits us should influence how we live. We are called to endure hardships with hope, knowing that they are part of our journey toward something far greater. This eternal perspective can help us persevere in faith, even in the face of significant challenges.
- Embracing the Hope of Redemption: The hope of future redemption should inspire us to live with patience and anticipation. While we wait for the full realization of God’s promises, we are called to live faithfully in the present, trusting in God’s timing and His plan for our ultimate redemption.
Prayer Guide
- Pray for Endurance in Suffering: Ask God to help you endure present sufferings with the hope of future glory. Pray for the strength to maintain an eternal perspective and to trust in God’s promises.
- Pray for Patience as You Wait for Redemption: Reflect on the hope of redemption that extends to all creation. Pray for the patience to wait for the fulfillment of God’s promises, trusting that His timing is perfect.
This devotional is one day from Our Daily Dose, a 365-day journey through Scripture by Armstrong & Zanele Ogwuche.
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Scripture is shown in public-domain translations, so you can share it freely. The study text is from Our Daily Dose by Armstrong & Zanele Ogwuche.
A daily devotional from KingdomOS. Share freely; every card links back here.
A daily devotional from KingdomOS. Share freely; every card links back here.