For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us. Romans 8:18 WEB

Paul begins chapter eight of his letter to the Romans with an explanation of life through the Spirit of God for those who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Paul teaches that the law of the Spirit sets us free from the law of sin and death. Although suffering continues in this life, Paul encourages the faithful to understand the eternal hope believers have by redemption from sin in Christ. 

Jesus speaks to Nicodemus of rebirth in the Spirit in John 3:3 saying, “Most certainly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can’t see God’s Kingdom. WEB” The Lord continues in John 3:5 teaching, “Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can’t enter into God’s Kingdom. That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. WEB”

The World Is Passing Away

Because of sin, the law condemns each of us to death. With the exception of Christ, we all sin and are therefore condemned in the flesh. But for those reborn in the Spirit, there is no condemnation. As Jesus says in John 5:24, “Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. WEB”

Having accepted by faith the teaching of Christ, Paul understands although our flesh shares in the suffering of Christ, spiritually we also share in his eternal reward. Therefore, Paul gives his perspective on the sufferings of this present time. Compared to the glory to come, our suffering is of little consequence. Birth pains of a new spiritual world, the hardships of this present time come with the expectation of new life. As we read in 1 John 2:17, “The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God’s will remains forever. WEB”

Yesterday’s Devotional: His Handiwork