Text: Romans 8:17
"And if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him."
Reference Texts: Galatians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 21:7.
Introduction
One of the greatest privileges of the Christian life is not merely that our sins are forgiven, but that we have been adopted into God's family. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers become sons and daughters of God. With this new relationship comes an astonishing promise: we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.
However, Paul also reminds us that the road to glory passes through suffering. The crown comes after the cross. Every believer who shares Christ's life must also be willing to share His reproach, trusting that His glory awaits.
1. We Are Children of God.
Paul begins with the word "if we are children." This is not a statement of doubt but a confirmation of the believer's identity.
Through Christ:
•We are adopted into God's family (Galatians 4:6-7).
•We are no longer slaves to sin.
•We have the privilege of calling God, "Abba, Father."
A child belongs to the family not because of merit but because of birth. Likewise, believers belong to God because they have been born again through faith in Christ.
Lesson:
Never forget your identity. You are God's child before you are anything else.
2. Children Become Heirs
An heir is one who has a legal right to an inheritance.
Paul declares that believers are:
Heirs of God—God Himself is our greatest inheritance.
Joint heirs with Christ—everything Christ inherits, His redeemed people will share by grace.
Our inheritance includes:
•Eternal life.
•The presence of God forever.
•The Kingdom of God.
•A glorified body.
•An everlasting home in heaven.
Earthly inheritances fade away, but God's inheritance is eternal and cannot perish.
3. Sharing Christ's Sufferings.
Paul adds an important condition:
"If indeed we suffer with Him."
This does not mean suffering earns salvation. Rather, suffering is evidence that we belong to Christ.
Believers suffer through:
•Persecution for righteousness.
•Rejection because of faith.
•Sacrificial obedience.
•Spiritual warfare.
Trials permitted by God to strengthen faith.
Jesus Himself declared that His followers would face tribulation (John 16:33).
The cross always comes before the crown.
4. Sharing Christ's Glory
The suffering of believers is temporary, but the glory is eternal.
Paul later writes:
"The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)
Christ's resurrection guarantees our future resurrection.
The faithful believer will one day:
•Reign with Christ.
•See Him face to face.
•Receive an incorruptible crown.
•Enjoy everlasting joy in God's presence.
What is painful today will become a testimony of God's faithfulness tomorrow.
Live as a true child of God.
•Value your heavenly inheritance above earthly possessions.
•Do not be discouraged by present trials.
•Remain faithful, knowing that suffering with Christ leads to reigning with Christ.
•Keep your eyes on eternity rather than temporary hardships.
Conclusion.
Romans 8:17 reminds us that Christianity is both a privilege and a calling. We have been adopted into God's family, granted an eternal inheritance, and invited to walk the same path our Savior walked. Though that path includes suffering, it ends in everlasting glory.
No earthly treasure can compare with being an heir of God. Therefore, let us endure faithfully, knowing that our future with Christ is secure.
Illustration.
Imagine a prince who is sent into a distant land to complete a difficult assignment before returning to inherit the throne. During his mission, he experiences hardship, rejection, and sacrifice. Yet he never gives up because he knows the palace awaits him. Likewise, believers may endure trials now, but our eternal inheritance with Christ is certain.
Call to Commitment.
If you are in Christ, rejoice—you are a child of God and an heir of His eternal Kingdom. If you are facing suffering, do not lose heart. Remain faithful, for the glory that awaits far outweighs the pain of the present.
"If we endure, we shall also reign with Him." (2 Timothy 2:12).
-Kunle Solomon.
Minister.
SheepGate Evangelical Ministry. Join us on our WhatsApp page: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BsioVIQmwKW4jX6n6PcKGm?mode=gi_t
Or call +2347051874707
Email: sheepgateevangelicalministry@gmail.com
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