IF SO BE WE SUFFER

[Doug]

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.


I do not see this verse saying, as some do, that we are heirs; but to be joint-heirs, we must suffer with Christ.

I see this verse saying, that if so be, can be understood as saying, seeing, though, if indeed, or if it is so. Then the verse can be understood as; if indeed we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together; or, if it is so that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

The emphasis in this verse is our glorification. we are heirs and joint-heirs, and will be glorified together with Christ.

We are to view suffering in light of our future glorification. Our response to suffering is to contrast our present sufferings to future glory, and acknowledge that our glorification far outweighs our sufferings. Romans 8:18

We are to comprehend that no suffering can seperate us from the love of God, in Christ. Romans 8:39

 

[LoveBeacon]

Suffering is a part of every Christian walk. We must be willing to take up our cross (a torture device) and follow Jesus whersoever He goest (Revelation 14:4)
In peace

 

[Windmill Charge]

f it is so that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

To suffer for Jesus can take many forms. In Pauls day it could mean death, just as it does for many Christians around the world today.

For us in the west it is more subtle.

Are you known as a Christian at work or socially?

As a Christian whose word is there bond. As a Christian who will not do anything underhand, sneaky or back stabbing?

As one of those intolerant Christians who believes sex out side of marriage is always wrong?

If you are then you can expect to be regarded as 'odd', to be excluded from the 'in' crowd and because of your unpopular views to start loosing out on promotion, if you aren't fired because of your views.

Expect also that your fellow Christians will call you names like being 'legalistic' because you expect Christian lives to conform to the example set by Jesus.