“18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.
Paul just told us in verse 17 that if we are going to be heirs with, and glorified with Christ, it is likely that we will encounter suffering. Paul now wants to encourage his readers to take on the task ahead. Don’t worry, Paul says, even though we will suffer because of our association with Christ, in light of the glory that is to come, it is almost as nothing to us. We can endure our current suffering by looking backward to what Christ endured on the cross for us, and by looking forward to what Christ has prepared for us in heaven. Even the earth and all that God has created is longing, waiting, and pining for God to restore things to their former glory.
“For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings that we suffer.” — 2 Corinthians 1:5-6
“Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.” — 2 Corinthians 4:16-17
“Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you. Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed. If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler. But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name.” — 1 Peter 4:12-16
These verses make it clear that most Christians will face some form of suffering in this lifetime. Peter reminded us in that last verse that we would do well to check that our suffering is not being brought about because of our own sinfulness. “Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler.” If you are sinning, and you face trials, persecution, and suffering as a result of that, that is your own fault! But, if you are suffering righteously, as a Christian, may your suffering glorify God! These verses bring great comfort to those who are dealing with difficulty, yet are saved by faith in Jesus. The confidence we have in our eternal salvation through Jesus life, death, resurrection, and ascension far outweighs the dread and difficulty brought about by the momentary afflictions this world presses upon us.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 15:13