In today's message, Kenny continues the exploration of Romans 8, focusing on verses 17-30, which he refers to as "Sonship from suffering to glory." He emphasizes that suffering is an integral part of the Christian journey, necessary for transformation into mature sons of God. Kenny highlights that while believers will face trials, these sufferings are insignificant compared to the glory that awaits them. He explains that creation itself longs for the revelation of the sons of God, indicating a cosmic expectation for redemption. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this process, interceding for believers and aiding them in their weaknesses. Kenny reassures that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. He outlines God's plan, which includes foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification, affirming that believers are destined for glory. Ultimately, Kenny encourages the congregation to focus on the hope of glory rather than the present sufferings, reminding them that their identity as sons of God is secure in Christ.
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 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. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.