sufferings?

2Cor.4:17 For our momentary lightness of affliction works out for us, more and more surpassingly, an eternal weight of glory.

This verse gives a detailed view on how Paul sees sufferings. He considers sufferings, first as momentary, meaning all sufferings are temporary (only for a moment) and second as light (not heavy). He also said that it will work out for us something, an eternal weight of glory. Here 3 things were contrasted - momentary vs. eternal; lightness vs. weight; affliction vs. glory. Though we don't like to suffer, we must realize that there is a benefit, we are gaining through it, and that something is being wrought into us, something that is eternal, something that is very weighty.

2Cor.4:18 Because we do not regard the things which are seen but the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

This “eternal weight of glory” in 2Cor.4:17 is not seen by us yet, but one day it will be seen.

Rom.8:17-19 And if children, heirs also; on the one hand, heirs of God; on the other, joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him that we may also be glorified with Him. For I consider that all sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the coming glory to be revealed upon us. For the anxious watching of the creation eagerly awaits the revelation of the sons of God.

God’s salvation for us is a complete and full salvation. From sinners we become the children of God and are being made the sons of God being conformed to Christ, our hope of glory. Yet, we may be so excited about being called ”brothers of Christ” (Heb.2:11) but we may not see that through His sanctifying work in us, that He is bringing us in glory, for even He Himself as our Captain, the Author of our salvation was perfected through suffering (Heb.2:10). He lived a suffering life on this earth so He can lead us into glory.

So whenever we are suffering, we need to read these verses and pray read them. This will strengthen our faith to pass through the turmoil, sufferings, and afflictions of human life so that we may enter into the eternal glory of God.

Rom.8:18-19 For I consider that all sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the coming glory to be revealed upon us. For the anxious watching of the creation eagerly awaits the revelation of the sons of God.

(A portion I enjoyed from our Full Ministry of Christ class msg. 20.)