For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us.  (19) For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits 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 hope; (21) because the creation it self also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.  (22) For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.  (23) Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

The letter to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome.  The church, already in existence in Rome, consisted of both Jews and Gentiles and Paul wrote Romans as a clear, concise articulation of the gospel he preached, focusing on Christ Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.  Paul preached that sin had entered the world and the consequence of sin was estrangement from God.  Christ, true God and true man, entered the world at God’s chosen time,  to bring redemption to man through his suffering and death.  He was the perfect sacrifice and was raised from the dead by the power of God –  Salvation comes by free grace through faith in the completed works of Christ Jesus.

The Apostle  Paul, in the verses we study today, writes on present suffering and future glory for man.  All suffering is because of sin – this is the history of man since the fall.  God’s judgment on Adam included a judgment on creation – not just the botanical world but the animal world came under the curse.  Violence and death are the result of the curse on man’s sin which was not part of the original creation,  which God pronounced “Good”.   Even fallen creation still bears witness to “God’s majesty and glory – if fallen creation has this beauty, just imagine the new creation promised by God.

All believers suffer because of man’s sin.  Our Lord suffered – why would we think we are exempt?  We cannot know the sovereign purpose of God in that some suffer more and others less, but all suffer.  But, we have hope in our present suffering which is short lived in comparison to future glory.

The future for God’s adopted children is the glory of complete salvation which is not yet revealed.  This includes the full renewal of creation to its original perfection and purpose.  This future glory also includes freedom from sin and corruption including the full redemption of our bodies.  Paul’s doctrine tells us that as believers we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit –  this is a promise of God’s future glory for us.  We cannot see or understand the image of this future glory but salvation includes hope which is certain.  We hope because it has not yet been accomplished but we can be certain of our hope as God is true.  We know how it will all turn out but we do not know fully in our present limited way.  This certainty of future glory gives us hope to persevere through suffering.