Read Romans 8:16-23; 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:8
We have set the foundation for this series by reaffirming the importance of the body as a good gift of God in creation. This positive, biblical view can reorient us to the wonder of the whole human person, one made as body and soul. If the body is so good and wonderful, what about the suffering we experience in the body? The reality is that many of us, or those we know, are beset with bodily diseases, disabilities, or deteriorations of some kind. On the surface, it may seem like having a different body would solve all our problems, but God’s Word takes us much deeper to help us see how He relates with us and offers lasting hope in our bodily suffering.
1. Consider Rightly
Our passage begins with Paul transitioning in Rom 8:18, “for I consider,” which should give us pause. It gives us pause because it gives him pause. The depth of the context moves from transformation and change to suffering and glory, and these are not merely vague and spiritual for Paul but real and present. To handle suffering well, we have to consider it rightly. We have to think about it, gather our thoughts, and reckon with it. We cannot avoid it. Paul knows we wish to hear that God will lead us to glory around or over suffering. But instead, he tells us the truth: Through suffering, we become full, true selves in glory, like Jesus.
These are not things we like to consider. In our culture, by and large, we avoid considering suffering, especially bodily suffering. Suffering is something for hospitals and other facilities that stay out of the way. We value fit, healthy, and young bodies. We are experts at avoiding and ignoring pain and suffering. Scripture tells us something different. An essential part of Christian discipleship is considering our present, embodied suffering. When it comes, it threatens to engulf everything in our lives until it is the only story. But there is a greater story, one that is real but elusive to our embattled hearts and minds. Only when we “consider” this can we face embodied suffering with hope.
2. Compare Accurately
One of the ways we wrongly consider our suffering is by comparing. We are tempted to compare our suffering with others and desire what life would be like in “that” body. But just like body image can create anxiety and worry with comparison, our issues with comparing bodily suffering follow suit. Paul doesn’t tell us not to compare, but he tells us to compare accurately. Instead of comparing your body with others, compare your body with the “glory that is going to be revealed to us” (Rom 8:18) or the “absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor 4:17).
Your bodily suffering is not a sign God has abandoned you, that you are less useful, or that you are in the wrong body. Your bodily suffering is a sign that God is not done with you yet as you continue your journey to become glorious like Jesus. Paul urges you to compare your broken, ailing, and hurting body, not with others or some prior version of yourself, but to the glorious body you will receive by faith.
3. Groan Confidently
Paul introduces us to the reality of groaning, not just “out there” in creation, but inwardly, within each of us. He describes two instances of groaning in Romans 8 and 2 Corinthians 5, both of which indicate its dual nature of suffering with pain and yearning with confidence. An analogy he makes is the groaning that comes with the labor pains. The pain of labor is real, but the glory of labor is just as real. It produces the most glorious thing, a brand new person made in the image of God. Groaning is the only thing that holds this tension together, and Paul is preparing us for the reality that groaning will become one of our spiritual disciplines in this life. We groan, knowing that God hears us and even groans with us (Rom 8:26).
We groan confidently, not because we are promised compensation for our suffering. It is much more profound than that. Our suffering results in glory by “producing” it in us (2 Cor 4:17). Our suffering imparts something real to our person because we are “with him.” So our glory is also “with him” (Rom 8:17). The Gospel reminds us that Jesus groaned in despair, “My God, My God why have you abandoned me,” so that we can groan with confidence. His groan guarantees we can be saved from the greatest suffering of all and that our suffering will ultimately be turned into glory.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What about the sermon most impacted you or left you with questions?
Why is it important to “consider” our suffering? Shouldn’t we just ignore it and get past it? What does it look like to consider it “rightly” without allowing it to take over our lives?
What are some ways that our culture avoids pain and suffering to an unhealthy degree? What about prioritizing comfort? How have you done either of these in your own life?
Have you ever wrestled with comparing yourself to others related to body image or bodily suffering? How did you overcome this and learn to make healthier comparisons (ex. “compare accurately”)? What advice would you give to someone younger about this process?
Read Romans 8:22-23, 26, and 2 Corinthians 5:1-4. What do you notice about “groaning”? Who does it in these passages? What do these passages tell you about the reality of “groaning” in your life?
Do you know someone else who is currently suffering? How might you “groan” with them in their suffering? How could this lead to both of you learning to “groan confidently”? See graphic below for visual.
If suffering brings us closer to God and helps us grow in our relationship with Him, then how should we approach praying for healing? How does the Gospel message speak to this tension?
Bonus: Groaning with Confidence
How have you seen these quadrants at work in your life?
How have you seen each in the church’s approach to suffering?
How does the gospel offer a unique resource on “faithful suffering” with confidence AND groaning?
