Romans 8:14-17 How do we share in Christ’s sufferings and be glorified with Him?

Romans 8:14-17  How do we share in Christ’s sufferings and be glorified with Him?

14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Background

A son of God is evident by his life of love for God and for others. A slave, on the other hand, is evident in his self-serving nature. The Father has committed His sons to fight against the forces of darkness to save mankind from destruction. Those who fight alongside with Christ will share in His glory and rule with Him. Today’s devotion teaches us how we can share in Christ’s sufferings and be glorified with Him.

Observation

14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Those who are led by the Spirit are called the sons of God. To be led by the Spirit is:

• To follow God by accomplishing the mission of the cross, and by obeying His directives to the end.
• To remain faithful and fruitful in every situation while being filled and being hungry, while having plenty and suffering need (see Philippians 4:12).
• To not discern by what we see, hear or by our natural reasoning but by the revelations of the Spirit.
• To overcome the enemy not by our human strength but by the power of God.

15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.

Slaves are those who are under the bondage of sin, who are oppressed and have no hope. Although Adam was created a son of God, he is by nature a slave. Because he refused to be led by God, and in wanting to be his own master, mankind was accursed as slaves awaiting eternal death. And fear became an integral part of mankind whose master is the devil (see Hebrews 2:15).

Christ’s death has given mankind a second chance to undo the mess that Adam created. Those who choose to be led by the Spirit will be reconciled to the Father. And God’s Spirit continuously assures our spirit that we are His sons. Because we are no longer slaves, we are freed from the fear of condemnation and death.

And if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

As children of God, we are heirs and fellow heirs with Christ, having rights to the Father’s inheritance. The word “heir” connotes the royal right to rule. As sons of the King, we are charged with the mission to conquer and establish God’s rule over creation. The process of fighting the forces of darkness involves “suffering” by putting our personal agenda aside. Only those who fight alongside Christ will be glorified and rule with Him.

Truth

A slave is driven by love for himself, but a son is motivated by love for his Father and for others.

A slave is driven by the fear of not having enough despite having much. He is constantly haunted by sudden abandonment, sickness and disaster. Hence, he works continuously to protect his personal wellbeing. Although he seeks happiness as his primary goal, he is shrouded with sorrows and insecurities. Because he is without God, he seeks to create gods or to make himself a god. There are many in Christendom who are like Adam. They are sons in name but slaves by nature. Such profess to worship God as a pretext to exact salvation and blessing from Him.

On the other hand, a son dwells in the safety of his Father’s house. Hence, he does not fear sickness or sudden mishaps. Because his Father provides for him, he is not concerned about not having enough. Thus, he works not to secure his personal interests but to fulfil his Father’s plans. He does not strive to make himself happy because he overflows with God’s blessing and joy. And he seeks to bring happiness and blessing to the people around him. He does not harbour idols or gods neither does he take on the role of a god. Instead, he lives by understanding and obeying the Father’s directives one day at a time.

How do we share in Christ’s sufferings and be glorified with Him?

Indeed, when there is no cross, there is no crown. Unless we suffer alongside Christ, we will not be glorified with Him. Therefore, our vision is to accomplish the mission of the cross by saving as many as we can. Many Christians have put salvation and personal blessing as their vision. And taking up the cross has become for them a mere option. Yet God has commanded all believers to deny their self-interests to take up the cross. Jesus said,

“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? – Matthew 16:24-26

Indeed, he who does not carry the cross will lose his life and forfeit his soul.

What should we do? By following in the footsteps of Abraham, Noah and Moses.

In the case of Abraham, he suffered when he waited patiently for Isaac. Subsequently, he offered him up and created a legacy of righteousness. In the same way, we must look for our Isaacs and raise them up to become great men and women of God.

In the case of Noah, he suffered when he bore with the wickedness of the people. For 120 years, he warned the people of the impending flood that would destroy all life. In the same way, we must warn our generation of the judgment to come and to save as many as possible.

In the case of Moses, he suffered while he delivered God’s people from Egypt to the land of Canaan. For 40 years, he wrestled with a stiff-neck people for they would not listen to the truth. In the same way, we must continue to shepherd God’s people no matter how difficult it may be.

Application

How do you intend to share in Christ’s sufferings?

Dear Lord, thank you for making me Your very own son. I want to become more and more like You in your love and power. Help me to be patient and to be faithful to the tasks at hand even though I may not see the rewards for my efforts immediately. Help me see and understand Your plans for the world. Prepare me to be an instrument of Your salvation work. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.