THEO324-BibleStudy
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Liberty University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
324
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
9
Uploaded by Kelly8884939392
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
A Christian Perspective on Suffering Through the Inductive Bible Study of Romans 8:18-25
In partial requirements for the completion of
THEO 324 (002)
Theology of Suffering and Disability
Submitted to
Dr. Chris Hulshof
By
Kelly Budd
December 12, 2021
Introduction
One of the most prominent and most widely debated questions in the world today
concerns what is known as the problem of evil. It has been researched, wrestled with, and
addressed countless times, but it always seems to run into the same problem, which is that there
is truly no explanation that explains away the topic that will satisfy a suffering person, since
suffering is so prevalent and cannot be erased. Theologians and apologists have written vast
books and commentaries on the subject, and despite explaining the issue very well, fail to justify
why evil exists in the world; Those who believe in any type of Higher Being also wrestle with
this question, and Christians especially face much scrutiny from the world for believing in a
“good” God that would allow such terrible things to happen to people that He supposedly loves
to the point where He would send His son to die for His beloved people. C.S. Lewis in his novel
The Problem of Pain,
writes that “Evil comes as a result of the abuse of free will.”
1
Despite there
being a perfectly reasonable explanation for why pain occurs, even if it seems to be
inconceivable to the limited human mind, it does not enable humanity to just float on in life
surrounded by evil and suffering without ever experiencing it. There are countless biblical
passages that address this struggle, and are able to provide more hope for those who are currently
in pain and those who have escaped pain by keeping their minds occupied on the One who
orchestrates all of existence’s blessings. One of these hopeful passages is Romans 8:18-25,
which not only addresses suffering in and of itself, but also sheds light on the blessings that are
to follow it. Through thorough analysis and commentary on this passage, one is able to seethe
clearly outlined promises that God continues to fulfill in the lives of believers.
Romans 8:18-25
1 C.S. Lewis.
The Problem of Pain
. (Zondervan, 2001.)
1
Romans 8:18-25 is an oft quoted verse, though often taken out of context to fit the agenda
of those to whom it does not necessarily apply. It reads, “I consider that our present sufferings
are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager
expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration,
not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself
will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the
children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth
right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,
groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For
in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they
already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” This passage
is a lot to unpack, so one may find it easier to analyze it verse-by-verse.
Verse-by-Verse Commentary - Romans 8:18
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be
revealed in us” (8:18). This is a bold statement. In the previous verse (8:17), Paul writes to the
Romans reminding them that, in order to share in the glory of Christ, we must also share in his
sufferings. Both Christ and Paul suffered fairly severely, with the track record between the two of
them featuring unimaginable pains such as literal crucifixion, stoning, imprisonment,
abandonment, etc. Therefore, Paul had every right to hold a pessimistic view of life despite being
full of Christ. It is also written in other places in the New Testament bold statements such as, “If
you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (1 Peter
4:16). With a mindset such as this, one must be focused on something greater than the present
times. Also, the end preposition of this passage can be translated as one of two words. The Koine
2
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Greek preposition εις can be translated as either “in” or “to,” therfoer the end of the verse can be
read as either “…revealed in us” or “…revealed to us.” Either way, there is glory that is going to
be revealed. The main theme of this entire passage (8:18-25) is focused on the glorious future of
all believers. In the midst of it, Paul draws attention to two main points regarding the glory
which we are to share with Christ, the first being its climax in God’s grand plan, and the second
being that God provides. There is such an intense and determined focus on future glory, because
it is the ultimate goal of all creation. It is not only the goal for the entirety of all God’s creation,
but is also the goal for those who place their faith in Him. Since this is the goal, and it has not yet
been reached, his people have almost no choice but to wait patiently and eagerly for it. And, in
the midst of the waiting, God provides everything that we need to better aid in our waiting. He
provides his Holy Spirit to assist in prayer and be a bridge between our humanity and our
adoption into God’s family as his children, he oversees everything in his indestructible plan for
our good.
Verse-by-Verse Commentary - Romans 8:19
“For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed”
(8:19). This verse goes hand-in-hand with verse 18, but provides further clarification on said
glory. While verse 18 noted that there will be glory revealed, verse 19 notes that creation waits
patiently for its reveal, hence implying that said glory already exists and is also waiting to be
revealed. This gives even more hope to believers as it promises that we will one day inherit the
goodness and glory that already exists and is in effect, and that it will dwell within us, thereby
sanctifying us fully to be complete image-bearers of Christ.
Verse-by-Verse Commentary - Romans 8:20-21
3
“For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the
one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay
and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God” (8:20-21). These verses provide
some clarity as to why there is suffering in the world, but is dicey describing who is responsible
for subjecting it. The “one” spoken of could be referring to Adam, God, or Satan, but is unclear.
Regardless, Paul is making a bold claim by stating that creation’s fall was not of its own volition,
but rather was a casualty of some existential war between some “one” and the perfect state of
existence that was before the Fall. Verse 21 states God’s clear promise to one day liberate the
fallen world from its bondage of sin and suffering, and creation’s fat is entangled with the fate of
humanity, which rests in God’s hands. Since humanity fell, God’s perfect creation fell into decay
along with it, so it must be through the children of God that it is restored once more.
2
Verse-by-Verse Commentary - Romans 8:22-25
“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up
to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan
inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this
hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already
have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently” (8:22-25). Creation is
often in Scripture compared to a woman groaning in childbirth. Though the pain and agony of
labor are prevalent and are impossible to ignore, it is nothing compared to the beauty of
childbirth. This is just one other example that the scriptures give as a metaphor for glory coming
as a result of suffering. Therefore, believers too groan in labor pains as we strive to see the glory
that is to come as a result of worldly pain. Some Bible translators take the term “firstfruits” a bit
2 Douglas J. Moo,
The NIV Application Commentary: Romans
(Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan
Publishing House, 2000).
4
too far, saying that believers groan in pain despite the fact that we possess the Holy Spirit, but it
is better understood that we groan because of the fact that we possess the Spirit. The Spirit gives
us conviction of our basic code of morality as outlined in Scripture, and we can know inherently
that this world is not as it was designed to be, and that something is wrong. Furthermore, we can
also know that we are not of this world, since we belong to Christ, and he is not of this world
(John 17:16). One can see throughout these passages that hope is a very dominant topic, as it
should be when discussing suffering and pain. After all, evil cannot just exist for evil’s sake. It is
here as the result of the abuse of God-given free will, and must serve some sort of purpose.
When in the midst of evil, we must look to eternal hope and glory promised by God himself.
Key Principles – Hope and Glory
How does one combat suffering and evil without hope? What is there to look toward if
not to a greater goal or purpose? Paul expounds greatly on the hope found in Christ in Romans
8:18-25 by demonstrating the existence of glory that is already in existence and reserved for
those who share in the sufferings of Christ, and does so in a way that also explains the present
reality of inescapable suffering; not only why it happens, but also how to suffer well and in a
way that honors God’s plan and coming return. He gives clear instructions on how we are able to
wait so patiently, the importance of waiting patiently, and also the greatness of the blessings that
are to come at the end of the age when Christ returns and allows us to finally partake in his glory.
This hope is unmatched in the world; there is nothing like it. This is also emphasized in verse 18,
when Paul notes that the sufferings that we may face seem like absolutely nothing when
compared to the greatness of the glory and blessings that will be rewarded to us after our patient
and eager wait has come to an end. This provides believers not only hope for this world, but also
5
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
allows steadfast endurance to come more easily and provides a greater sense of purpose and
drive to continue in this lifetime.
Contemporary Significance – Situations Related to Suffering
All humanity is prone to suffering, but Christians are explicitly warned in Scripture of the
coming persecution and trials that are guaranteed to come our way. Suffering almost must
become a sort of second nature to a Christian, and this is mentioned several times in Scripture,
such as 2 Timothy 3:12, which states clearly that everyone who wants to live life according to
Christ will be persecuted. Also, Jesus mentions in John 15:18 that all believers will be despised
by the world and that it hated Jesus first, therefore we too will suffer as his children. This being
said, as believers navigate the world of ministry and pursuing a godly lifestyle, they will fall into
difficult places where suffering is ever-present and unrelenting. Therefore, it is important to be
well-versed in what the Bible has to say about suffering, how to suffer well, and how to help
others who are in the midst of pain. Even though Christians hold onto the hope of redemption in
Christ, suffering is no less brutal towards us. Knowing how God perceives his children and how
he has never failed to execute a promise in Scripture or in our lives is comforting in the midst of
worldly suffering, and helps us keep our focus on the Lord and his plan whenever we are caught
in tribulation.
Since unbelievers have differing views than believers on why there is evil in the world,
suffering provides a gateway to share the gospel and its explanation of why there is evil and
suffering in the world. While it may not be the most ideal place to witness to someone in the
midst of suffering, it is a good way to bring light into a dark situation by sharing the hope of
future glory promised to God’s people. It can also be comforting for someone who has no belief
in God or objective morality to hear about a belief system that features not only answers as to
6
why there is pain, but also a loving, personal God who empathizes with our pain. Furthermore,
explaining how Jesus took on all of humanity’s sins and suffered at the hands of men as a ransom
for our own souls so that we could have the option to spend eternity in a place where there is no
pain, sorrow, or suffering could be mind-blowing to an unbeliever.
Conclusion
Romans 8:18-25, as one can clearly see, provides so much hope for those who have
suffered, are currently suffering, and who will suffer in the future. There is so much wisdom,
guidance, and clarity packed into these verses that it is difficult to not see the goodness of God
shining through it. As all of God’s people wait eagerly and patiently alongside all of creation for
the glory of God that is to be revealed, it is important to not lose focus of our true mission, which
is to love the Lord as well as others, and to reach others for Christ so that they, too, can patiently
wait for the glory that is to be revealed, as well as witness the entirety of creation break free from
its bondage to decay and experience glory and freedom in the presence of Christ.
Bibliography
7
Lewis, Clive Staples.
The Problem of Pain
. Zondervan, 2001.
Moo, Douglas J.
The Niv Application Commentary: Romans
. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan
Publishing House, 2000.
Tripp, Paul David.
Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn't Make Sense
. Wheaton, IL:
Crossway, 2018.
8
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help