(Rom 8:18) “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”  In other words, “Denying self for the glory of God is worth it.” Many will not truly give the Lord their heart because they love the world. In reality they do not receive the gift of salvation though they deceive themselves into believing they did. The life testifies of the reality by living out, “He is worth it.” 

(Rom 8:17) “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (18)  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”  Yesterday’s posting was interpretation error. There was truth there but not correct interpretation. When a person gets saved they are thankful enough to endure hardship for the glory of God. Sad, that so many will not do so in the smallest of things in comparison to what is in this passage. 

 (Rom 8:17) “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”    The last part is referring to the miracle of God in the salvation experience. I am on the cross with Jesus, the accusation of my sins being nailed to it (Col 2:14). In the same experience I am buried with Him. And then, I am glorified sitting in the heavenlies already in the mind of God (Eph 2:6). So, in reality it is saying, “IF you have been saved.” 

(Rom 8:17) “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”   We often speak of the glories of heaven as revealed in the Book of Revelation. That’s really all we know of it except for a few points. But seldom do we ponder that the glories of “eye hath not seen, not ear heard, neither hath entered the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him” (1 Cor 2:9) from the standpoint that they are ours through inheritance. In other words, they belong to us.

(Rom 8:17) “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”  Notice the inheritance rightly belongs to Christ: “…All that the Father hath is Mine” (Jn 16:15). Therefore, being put “in Christ” we now share that which is rightly His! Praise His Name for His loving kindness and sacrifice for such a sinner as me! 

  (Rom 8:16) “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” There is a simplicity in truth that the lost do not see. Notice the witness is Spirit (of God) to man’s spirit. Jesus said it had to be “made alive” (born Jn 3).  Jesus told us God is a Spirit (Jn 4). Heaven is a spiritual place for spiritual people. If you are to go there, you must make sure you are alive spiritually.

(Rom 8:16) “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”  Oh the precious assurance of salvation! It is the Holy Spirit Who whispers to our heart, “You are Mine”. Think of it: not just (only) saved, but taken from the position of enemy of God (enmity) to child of God! Oh what grace and mercy! Is He not to be praised continually in our hearts?

(Rom 8:15) “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” The relationship between God the Father (Abba – Daddy) and the true child of God is a sweet thing. One finds themselves longing to please Him as any young child their parent. We now look to Him to meet our needs, to comfort our hearts, and to guide our way

(Rom 8:15) “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” When it comes to the things of God, it is eternally imperative that you be honest with self. One must examine their heart with honesty. Do I have a longing for the things of God? Do I think of Him as my Father? Do I have a thirst for His Word? Do I long to be in the house of God?To fake it or assume it or dismiss it is to condemn one’s eternal soul.

(Rom 8:12)  “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. (13)  For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (14)  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”   The Spirit of God prompts us to be obedient the God’s Word. God has chosen to do His work through the local saved body of believers – the church (Matt 16:18). The books of the NT were either written to churches or to those ministering to churches. If a person isn’t prompted towards the local church then they have not the Spirit.