Introduction

If there is anything that is certain in this life, suffering is one of them. No one is exempted – including Christians. It is difficult to endure suffering especially when you don’t know the ending. It breaks our hearts to see evil around us, endure the pain of chronic or terminal sickness, or witness the death of loved ones. Why is this happening to me? Why do evil people prosper and succeed in their ways? Has God forgotten me? When will this end? The big question is this: How can we persevere and live a life of peace and purpose in the midst of present sufferings? It is by having the right perspective!

Three Perspectives about the Future:

1. Deliverance of the whole creation from bondage. (Romans 8:18-21)

As believers we are called to endure present difficulties with patience, emphasizing the unmatched glory that awaits us in the future. Paul highlights the cosmic anticipation of both humanity and creation for liberation from the impact of sin and decay. We are encouraged to maintain hope and resilience, grounded in the assurance of a future transformation through Christ as promised by God.

2. Redemption of our human body from sickness and death. (Romans 8:22-27)

We eagerly anticipate our full redemption in the future. The Holy Spirit is our intercessor, aiding us in expressing our needs with groans that words cannot express. Overall, we are assured that God, through the Holy Spirit, understands our hearts and actively works to fulfill His perfect will in and through us, providing us with a profound source of hope in our faith journey until we reach our future destination.

3. Completion of God’s glorious plan of salvation. (Romans 8:28-30)

The Lord gives us a reassuring message, that all things work for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. We are predestined to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus, ensuring us a purposeful and transformative journey in this life unto the next. We have this unshakable confidence that God’s calling will be completed in and through us.

Conclusion:

1. Turning Point: “Our future is far more gloriously exciting in spite of our present suffering.”

2. God is preparing YOU now to rule in His visible future kingdom – according to the perfect image of His Son full of love, power, and wisdom.

3. Live your daily life WITH GOD. Be connected and accountable with your fellow Christians. Attend RLBS and Freedom Day.

Discussion:

1. How does the sermon address the common human struggle of enduring suffering, especially when the outcome is uncertain? What insights were shared about the challenges of enduring pain, sickness, or witnessing the death of loved ones?

2. In the first perspective about the future, focusing on the deliverance of the whole creation from bondage (Romans 8:18-21), how does the idea of cosmic anticipation resonate with your understanding of hope in the midst of suffering? How can maintaining hope and resilience be practically applied in daily life?

3. The second perspective discusses the redemption of our human body from sickness and death (Romans 8:22-27), emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit as our intercessor. How does the concept of the Holy Spirit understanding our hearts and aiding us in prayer resonate with your personal experiences and faith journey?

4. Reflecting on the completion of God’s glorious plan of salvation (Romans 8:28-30), how does the reassurance that all things work for the good of those who love God provide a foundation for living with purpose and resilience in the face of challenges? How can believers maintain confidence in God’s calling throughout their journey?

5. In conclusion, the sermon highlights the idea that our future is more gloriously exciting despite present suffering. How can this perspective influence the way believers approach daily life, particularly in terms of being prepared to rule in God’s future kingdom? What practical steps were suggested, such as staying connected with fellow Christians and attending RLBS and Freedom Day, to help believers live with this future-oriented mindset?