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. There can be no comparison between the sufferings of the present time, and the consummated glory of the heavenly world, IN RESPECT OF NATURE. Without some resemblance of nature, comparison cannot be instituted at all. We may compare the sun with the moon, or with a star, or even with the flame of a candle; because, however much smaller, these are all luminous objects. But we cannot very well compare the sun to a tree or to a reptile, because of the dissimilarity of nature. So, also, we may institute a comparison, however remote, between the ocean and a lake, or river, or fountain, because water is essential in all; but there cannot well be a comparison between the ocean and a quadruped or a flower. So, as there is no sameness of nature in sufferings and glory, they cannot be compared, unless to point out their dissimilarity be comparison. II. There can be no comparison between present sufferings and future glory, IN RESPECT OF ATTENDANT CIRCUMSTANCES. 1. One of the circumstances frequently attendant on the sufferings of this life is solitude. 2. It is another circumstance attendant on suffering, that we cannot always see the good which is designed. 3. It may be mentioned as a further circumstance attendant on suffering, that the causes of grief are seldom single. It has grown into a proverb — Misfortunes come in troops! 4. Let us now reflect, that in the time of that "glory which shall be revealed in us," this array of sorrow will be for ever passed away! Instead of neglect and solitude, will be the banquet with "Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven"; "the innumerable company of angels — the general assembly and church of the first-born — the spirits of just men made perfect"; and more than all, the beatific vision of the immortal God! Instead of the doubt and obscurity of this mortal state, will be the bright result of things; the visible demonstration how these light and momentary afflictions work out "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Instead of the thousand forms of human woe which crowd the span of life with diversified sorrow, there will be consummated happiness; every form of pleasure which holy and exalted souls can take in. III. It is an unworthy comparison between the sufferings of the present life and the glory of the life to come, IN REFERENCE TO DEGREE. It is a fact in the constitution of man's present being, that he cannot endure suffering of any kind beyond a given limit. If pushed beyond that limit, suffering relieves itself. Swooning, and even death itself comes in, to the relief of those whose burden of woe is too great to be borne! Nor should it be forgotten, that in our present being we can no more bear the excess of joy than that of grief. But in the glory which shall be revealed in us, the powers of man shall be, beyond all our present conception, exalted and enlarged. IV. There can be no comparison between the sufferings of the present life and the consummated glory of the heavenly world, IN RESPECT OF DURATION. Time may be compared with time, and one finite thing with another thing which is finite; but time cannot be compared with eternity, a thing which is finite with one that is infinite. The sufferings of this present time will have an end. Were every hour of every day crowded with agony, we know the last hour will soon arrive, and the sorrows of earth be no more! But the glory to be revealed in us has no end! The crown of life never fades: the fountains of pure delight never cease to flow. After this illustration of the apostle's doctrine, we are justified in using it to the following purposes — 1. As a most urgent reason, why we should take care that in all our sorrows we suffer as Christians. 2. The apostle's doctrine is certainly a lesson of patience and submission, under those afflictions it may please Almighty God to permit to come upon us. 3. It will not be possible to give full credit to the apostle's doctrine, and to lay it seriously to heart, without feeling it a call to live in a constant reference to other and brighter worlds. (J. Bromley.) 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. |
    |