A Share in the Glory
A Sermon on Romans 8:18
Originally preached April 28, 1961
Scripture
18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Sermon Description
In Romans 8:18, Paul says that no present trial or suffering is to compare with the glory that is to come. What would enable a person to say that? In this sermon on Romans 8:18 titled “A Share in the Glory,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explains this view of Christians in two viewpoints. There are certain sufferings that only Christians have but a Christian also has a hope that is to come and this outshines any hardships they are currently experiencing. Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that a Christian has a correct view of time and their life in this world. There is a distinct separation of time in this present world and then there is eternity with Christ. Dr. Lloyd-Jones also says that the Christian has grasped Scripture in light of what is to come. A Christian should continually declare the name of the Lord and do His will until that day comes; everything one does should be done in light of that great day. The future glory is already here but has not yet been revealed. Christians do not belong to this present age but are citizens of another age and eagerly awaiting that day. Those who are in Christ will not be spectators but actual partakers of that glory.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul has a correct view of time and life in this world. He understands there are two ages: the present age and the age to come. The present age is what we are currently living in, between Christ's resurrection and second coming. The age to come begins at Christ's second coming.
- The "glory which shall be revealed" refers to the age to come, which will be ushered in by Christ's second coming. This glory already exists but is not yet visible to us. At Christ's return, this glory will be revealed and made manifest.
- Christ's second coming will mark the end of the present age and time itself. Eternity will begin. The present age is temporary, but eternity and the glory to be revealed are permanent.
- Christians will not just observe this glory but will participate in it. We will share in Christ's glory and be transformed. We will be glorified with Christ.
- The present sufferings of this life are brief and light compared to the eternal glory to come. Our present lives are but a breath compared to eternity.
- We must set our minds on the eternal glory to come, not the temporary things of this present age. We must be weaned from the world and contemplate the eternal glory awaiting us.
The Book of Romans
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.