God is working in our lives to conform us to the image of Christ.
Click here for an online Bible. Romans 8:18-30
Paul contrasted life in the flesh to life in the Spirit. The solution to the temptations of the flesh is walking close to the Spirit. Because of our faith in Christ, we are heirs with Christ. Part of our inheritance is suffering. Just as Christ suffered, we are likely to face suffering.
But Paul says that the suffering that we face here on earth is nothing compared to what awaits us in heaven. I can go through anything now, because I know what is in store for me. Paul expands his image of anticipation to all of creation. Everything is awaiting the renewal that God has promised.
We, in our corruptness, await the fullness of renewal in heaven. The corrupt universe awaits the fullness of renewal in the new heaven and new earth. We don’t really know what it will be like, but we know that we can depend on God’s promise.
It is the Holy Spirit that guides us to follow God even in our present state. We can not even pray properly, but the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. That is pretty amazing. God the Holy Spirit prays to God the Father on our behalf. It is like Jesus praying for us in John 17.
Verse 28 is a passage that gives us great hope, yet sometimes is hard to accept. Paul says that God will cause everything to work to the good for those who follow Him. Even the bad things that happen to us work for good. Even the sufferings that we endure work for good. What does Paul mean by good? He doesn’t mean wealthy or healthy or comfortable. He means spiritual growth. God uses all things to help us to grow in our relationship with Him. He amplifies this in the next verse. God is working to conform us to the image of Christ.
In other words, God is all about making disciples out of us. He will use anything and everything for our discipleship. The Holy Spirit will lead us and circumstances will mould us. But, God is at work conforming us to be like Christ.
Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.
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