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Sermon #3174

Minimising Suffering

A Sermon on Romans 8:18-23

Originally preached May 5, 1961

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Scripture

Romans 8:18-23 ESV KJV
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because …

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Sermon Description

As Christians, no trial or tribulation in this age compares to the age to come. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones points out that Paul has referenced the doctrine of time and of the last things, and now explains the present age of this universe. In this sermon on Romans 8:18–23 titled “Minimizing Suffering,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the Christian should never make light of their suffering because Christians know about the greatness that is to come. In fact, the whole of creation is looking forward to that day. Scripture teaches that all creation has an earnest expectation for the manifestation of God; creation is actually groaning with anticipation for that time. Why would creation also be looking forward to that day? Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that it is because of the fate of creation is linked with that of humanity. Humanity’s sin caused the whole world to be affected by vanity and corruption and creation cannot free itself. It is that sin that causes creation to actually decay and will only be liberated in that day alongside the children of God. In that time, the whole of creation and those who are in Christ will all be redeemed.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. The apostle Paul introduces the doctrine of time - the present age and the age to come.
  2. The apostle introduces the doctrine of the last things and the second coming of Christ which will usher in a new glory.
  3. The apostle introduces a third doctrine explaining the present state of the universe. The present state of the world is that it is looking forward to the coming glory.
  4. The apostle says the whole creation is eagerly expecting and waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God.
  5. The apostle says the present state and condition of creation is due solely to man's sin. Creation was subjected to vanity and the bondage of corruption because of man's sin.
  6. The fate of creation is linked to the fate of man. What happens to man happens to creation.
  7. Creation did not willingly become vain and corrupt. Man sinned voluntarily but creation was subjected involuntarily.
  8. God cursed the ground because of man's sin which is why there is decay, corruption and death in creation.
  9. We do not see creation as God originally made it or intended it to be. There was no vanity, bondage or corruption in the original creation.
  10. Man was meant to be the lord of creation so when man fell, creation fell with him.
  11. The positive will also happen - creation eagerly awaits the manifestation of the sons of God.

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.