Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. I. COUNTERBALANCING TEMPORAL THINGS WITH ETERNAL, IS THE WAY TO CLEAR OUR MISTAKES, OR PREVENT THE DELUSIONS OF THE FLESH. The apostle observeth this method here and elsewhere (2 Corinthians 4:17, 18). This may be done in four ways. Comparing — 1. Temporal good things with eternal good things, that we may draw off our hearts from the one to the other, and so check the delights of sense (Hebrews 10:34; Psalm 16:11; John 5:44). 2. Temporal bad things with eternal bad things; so to defeat the terrors of sense. All the sufferings of the world are but the scratch of a pin to that tribulation that abideth for every soul that doth evil (Luke 12:4, 5). 3. Temporal good for eternal evil (Hebrews 11:25). 4. Temporal bad things, with eternal good things (2 Corinthians 4:17). (1) Our sufferings come from men, but our glory from God; now as the agent is, so is the effect; man afflicts as a finite creature, but God rewards as an infinite being; man showeth himself in his wrath, and God in His love (Isaiah 51:12). (2) Our sufferings are earthly, but our glory is heavenly, As the place, is, so is the estate; here both the good and evil is partial, but there both are complete. Here we have the earnest, there the whole bargain; here a taste, there a full feast. (3) Our sufferings are but short, but our glory eternal (1 Peter 1:6; 1 Peter 5:10). (4) As they are short, so they are light (2 Corinthians 4:17). (5) The sufferings are in our mortal bodies, but the glory is both in soul and body. (6) Sufferings do mostly deprive us of those things which are without a man; but this is a glory which shall be revealed in us. (7) Our sufferings dishonour us in the sight of the world, but this glory maketh us amiable in the sight of God. (8) The order is to be considered. As to the wicked, God will turn their glory into shame; so as to the godly, He will turn their shame into glory (John 16:20). II. THE COMPARISON, THOUGH IT BE RIGHTLY WEIGHED, WILT HAVE NO EFFICACY UNLESS WE HAVE FAITH, or a deep sense of the world to come. It is easy to show how much eternal things exceed temporal; but this taketh no hold of the heart, till there be a firm belief of the glory reserved for God's people (Hebrews 11:1; 2 Peter 1:9). III. THIS FAITH MUST BE OFTEN EXERCISED BY SERIOUS MEDITATIONS. For the greatest truths work not, if we do not think of them. Faith showeth us a truth, but consideration is the means to improve it (Luke 14:28-30). IV. There is, besides, NEED OF THE ASSISTANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Sense is too strong for reason without faith; and faith cannot do its office without the Spirit. (T. Manton, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. |
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