Suffering and glory are often mentioned together in the New Testament. When we partake of the sufferings of Christ we are encouraged that we also will partake of the glory of Christ (I Peter 4:12 - 5:1,10; Matthew 5:10-12; II Timothy 2:8-12; Romans 8:18). Peter mentions that a certain glory is already upon us (I Peter 4:14 cp. Acts 13:50-52; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3:10). The presence of Christ is not a visible presence, but this reality is to be comprehended by faith (John 14:23; I Peter 1:8; Colossians 1:25-27; Ephesians 3:14-19). So, there are two important things we are establishing in this lesson.
First Present Glory - Enjoying Christ. We can have confidence, courage, love, joy, and peace which is untouched by the world's unbelief, hatred, and wrath (John 15:9-21,25-27; 16:1-4,33; Romans 8:31,35-39; Philippians 1:27-30; 4:4-9; II Timothy 1:7; 4:16-18; I John 5:4-5).
We are preserved in the present - for testimony and service to Christ. As one hymn states, "Mortals are immortal here, until their work is done." ("All Things Work Out for Good" - John W. Peterson) We are presently in Christ's spiritual kingdom - which is not of the world. It has no distinct geographical location. It is heavenly in nature and exists in the hearts and souls of men (Colossians 1:12-13 cp. Luke 17:20-21 ["within you / in the midst of you"]; John 3:3; 18:36-37; Matthew 6:10; Mark 12:32-34; Romans 14:17-19; I Corinthians 4:19-20).
Second Future Glory - Anticipating Christ. When the world has passed away and we receive our inheritance and reward, and so shall we ever be with the Lord, we shall have eternal, perfect, glorious joy and peace. We will be in Christ's heavenly kingdom - when there will be a new heaven and a new earth (II Timothy 4:18; Matthew 25:34; I Corinthians 15:51-58; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:9-11; Titus 2:11-15; II Peter 3:10-14; I John 2:15-17; Jude 1:20-21).
Jesus prayed,
"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them [Present Glory], that they may be one just as We are one: …
Father, I desire that they also Whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory [Future Glory] which You have given Me…" (John 17:20-22,24)
As we stated in the previous lesson ("The Fellowship of His Sufferings"), "Christ is sharing the elements of His former earthly life, so that He can also share the elements of His present and future glory and honor." All followers of Christ share these two great things in common: His present glory (with sufferings and persecutions) and the prospect of His future glory (eternal, sinless perfection in heaven). In these things we are to encourage one another continually.
Words to Remind Us and Encourage Us about the Glory that We Share and Anticipate.
Proverbs 10:22 - "The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it."
Scripture abounds with discussions of the afflictions, trials, and sorrows of God's people. But we must train ourselves to focus on the end result, when God is finished. We must focus on what is happening in us, more than what is happening to us. Hopefully, something glorious is happening through us (II Corinthians 3:18; 4:15-18 cp. Philippians 1:20).
Proverbs 10:22-25
Luke 6:20-26
Jeremiah 29:11
Psalm 34:1-22 (especially vs. 1-8,19,22)
Psalm 37:1-40 (especially vs. 11,16-19,22-26, 28-29,34,37,39-40)
Job 23:10
Romans 8:18,28-39
II Corinthians 4:6-18
Ephesians 1:3-14; 3:8-19
Colossians 1:3-14, 25-27
I Peter 1:3-9; 5:1-11
I John 3:1-3
Revelation 1:5-6; 2:8-11 (See note below).
What is the second death? - Eternal separation from God. See John 8:21-24; Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 14:13; 20:14 (Revelation 20:11-15);
Revelation 21:1-8 (especially vs. 7-8).
Turn to Christ and begin to partake of His kingdom and glory!
Romans 5:1-5
I Thessalonians 2:11-12
Colossians 3:1-4
Galatians 6:14
II Corinthians 3:18; 4:6; 5:14-21
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