Pastor Chris reminded us that the biblical promise of a future, eternal kingdom without sin, pain, injury, or deep hurts can energize us in the present moment, and help us to embrace our current suffering with a sense of meaning and purpose.
MY STORY
What’s something for which you are looking forward? How does the prospect of that event energize you in the present moment?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us .... And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8:18, 23-25)
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:4)
Why do you think nature is longing for its own redemption?
How does this help us to understand our own yearning to be free of the pains of original sin, especially in our bodies?
How do those consequences from the Fall of Adam and Eve contribute to the suffering we experience in this life?
What painful things will disappear after the final judgement?
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passages above, what are the factual “takeaways” that are meaningful to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
We often hear the phrase: “The Kingdom of God is now, and not yet.”
How is this also true of the biblical concept of hope? How is hope ... “now, but not yet?”
In what sense is the hope that Paul describes a meaning-drenched present experience, as we await the fulfillment of God’s promises, when our hopes are ultimately fulfilled?
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit’s leading, nudging us toward?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
What are you most looking forward to when it comes to receiving your glorified body? What ailments will finally and forever be gone?
Take some time this week to prayerfully enter into this state of hope, knowing that God will ultimately address, deliver you from, or heal every challenge you’ve ever experienced, or are currently experiencing, in this life.
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step that the Holy Spirit is calling you toward?
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