Grosey's Messages

Romans 5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope

8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. (ESV)

But if everything is so good, why does life hurt so much?

⁶ 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. ¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.¹⁹ For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.

²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope²¹ that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.²² For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.²³ And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (ESV)

1. Suffering Is Inevitable

Suffering Is Inevitable in Creation.

Suffering Is Inevitable in Christians.

Suffering with Christ is to be Expected.

Philippians 1:29 says, ""To you it has been granted  (echaaristhe = graciously given) for Christ's sake not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake."

2. Suffering Is Insignificant

COMPARED TO GOD'S GLORIOUS HOPE

1. Hope comes from Intimacy with the Father

Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, (NKJ)

2. Hope comes from Companionship with Christ

3. HOPE Comes From A Biblical Worldview and Understanding of History.

4. HOPE Comes from Our Confidence In The Future.

ALL OF CREATION ANXIOUSLY ANTICIPATES THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST. Rom 8:19-23

THE TRUE SONS OF GOD WILL BE REVEALED.  Rom 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.(NKJ)

ALL OF CREATION WILL BE RESTORED.    Rom 8:19-22

THE PHYSICAL BODIES OF CHRISTIANS WILL BE REDEEMED. Rom 8:23

Questions For Family and Group Bible Study

1. Why do Christians suffer?

2. Which of these passages is most helpful to you at the moment? 2 Corinthians 4:16-18,  1 Thess 3:1-3.

3. How can we develop and strengthen our hope?

4. Which of these passages do you find most encouraging to your hope and why? Revelation 21:1-4,  1Corinthians 15:50-57,   John 14:1-3,