QT 11/26/2024 Rom 8:12-17, Knowing Jesus will bring suffering

Romans 8:12–17 (ESV) —

12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

 

NOTE: There is too much in this passage to possibly discuss in a paragraph or two. Verse 17 may seem out of place -- what does it mean "provided we suffer …." Mounce (1995) writes,

 

"What appears to be a condition on this promised inheritance (“if indeed”) is actually a simple statement of fact. Sharing the sufferings of Christ leads to sharing his glory. Obviously we do not share the redemptive suffering of Christ, but we do share the consequences in terms of opposition from the world he came to save (cf. Phil 3:10; 1 Pet 4:13). As members of the same family we share in the trials of life as well as the benefits."

 

We are God's children, and as God's children, we will suffer in this world. Because we carry God's name, we will suffer. The world hates God. Satan hates God. And consequently, everyone hates true Christians just as everyone hates the Jewish nation as well. The enemy will attack us at work, in our community, and even in our church (if it's a dead church). Jesus promised his followers, persecution because of his name. We should not hide from it, but we should expect it.

 

PONDER:

1. Have I ever suffered spiritually, physically, emotionally in an attempt to disrupt my faith?
2. If life has always been easy, that should make a person wonder if they really have died to the world and been born again in Christ …

 

PRAYER: Father, the enemy has attacked me at many points in my life. It has not always been suffering, but there has been suffering. The enemy has tried to make me give up on my faith. But I still believe, and I will continue to believe and hold onto the faith.