Soul Building

April 11, 2021              NOTES NOT EDITED
Soul Building:  No Pain, No Gain
Romans 8:12-30 

SIS—God never wastes the pain in our lives but uses it to empower for Kingdom service now and purify us for Kingdom living eternally. 

Arnold Swartznegger is best known for his iconic line in the movie, “terminator” where he says, “I’ll be back.” He’s less known for serving as Governor of California from 2003-2011.  Have you ever wondered:  what does it take to be governor of California?  Well, for Swartznegger, it took a lot of iron in his diet – pumping iron, that is.  The road to the governor’s mansion for Arnold Swartznegger passed through the gym.  [Picture of Arnold]

Swartznegger became famous as a body-builder holding the Mr. Olympus and Mr. Universe titles seven consecutive times.  At one point in his body-building career he slept in a gym in Munich because he had nowhere else to stay.  He is a massive man with exquisitely defined muscles – big ones.

It took years of sacrifice and more than a few painful injuries to get a body like Swartznegger’s.  It takes hours of sacrifice and painful exercise to maintain a body like that.  A phrase you will often hear around a gym is:  “No Pain—No Gain.”

That concept aptly applies in nearly ever area of life: from body building to building a career.  It also applies to “Soul Building.”

Just like there is no “painless” way to become a world-class athlete, there is no painless way to become a Christ-like believer.  Body building at the level of a professional like Swartznegger takes a massive amount of dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to pain.

That same principle applies to becoming a Christ-like believer.  Being human will bring you pain.  Following Christ will bring you even more pain.  What you do with and about your suffering will be determined by whether you choose to “surrender to Spirit” or “struggle in the flesh.”  Let’s read how Paul addresses the issue of suffering versus blessing.

READ PASSAGE:  Romans 8:12-30.

This passage explains three significant issues in regard to suffering:

1.  Pain is INEVITABLE (20-23) 

To live is to suffer.  Suffering touches the whole of creation, both living and non-living.  Suffering is universal because “sin is universal.”

Holocaust Survivor, J.C. Beker said, “The tension between Suffering and hope are basic to the Christian life.”

 Paul describes the universal suffering of this life in vss 20-23:

²⁰For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope ²¹that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. ²²For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. ²³And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 

In these three verses the Scriptures describe the horrible condition of the universe because of sin.  Three different word pictures are used. 

① The word translated, “futility,” (v20) has a wide range of meaning but the key issues are “nothingness and absolute frustration.” In the brilliant translation of the Bible by St. Jerome into Latin, this idea is called, “vanitas vanitatum.”  Empty Emptiness, or as Solomon describes in the Book of Ecclesiates, “vanity of vanity.”  This would be like “pitch black darkness.”  We would call it in our day, a “black hole.” A black hole in outer space is a region that sucks up everything within its gravitational field and is so dense that not even a “speck of light” can escape.  Morally, spiritually, and actually our universe is like a giant black hole.

② Second, the Word describes the state of the world as “slavery to corruption” (v21). This word, corruption, describes a “complete loss of purpose, hence, absolutely worthless.” It can refer to a “rotting corpse.”  The ancient 5^th century BC philosopher, Euripedes, used this word in classical Greek as a word to describe a “shipwreck.”  Nothing is more useless and represents a loss of purpose like a ship decaying in the depths of the deep. This text paints an ugly, malodorous, malignant picture of humanity in the strongest terms.

③ A third description of the awful state of the world because of sin uses the word, “groaning” (twice in fact; vv 22, 23).  It describes the kind of groaning related to the pain of childbirth.  It was a word that describes the deep wailing when one hears of the death of a close loved one.  It is used in the Scripture to describe a human crying out to God in absolute anguish. 

Because of sin, our efforts to find any sense of true happiness apart from God is an absolutely futile effort leading to an emptiness that can only be described as “complete, oppressive darkness.”  Because of sin the entire creation has suffered shipwreck and is decaying in the abyss of uselessness.  Because of sin, the whole creation “groans from unimaginable pain.”

Reading this passage one must come to grips with the harsh reality confirmed by human experience: This is a sin-rotten world and   “pain is inevitable.” 

Now, this would be an ugly, discouraging perspective on life if it weren’t for a significant principle laid out in verse 20:

²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 

Note those words, “because of Him.” Though our human reason cannot reconcile fully how a loving, benevolent God could be responsible for the suffering of the world, but that is a fact that cannot be disputed in the Scriptures.  God is sovereign over everything – including evil and suffering.  This does not mean that God is the direct cause, or what the legal system calls the “proximate cause” of evil and suffering, but He is ultimately responsible for suffering—including the suffering of His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ.  For example, when a drunk driver crashes into another in a Ford Mustang, ultimately Ford might be accused of being responsible for building the car, but the law holds the driver responsible as the “proximate” cause of the accident.  God is ultimately sovereign even over the evil of our world, but not “proximately” guilty for causing that evil.

This brings us to another key issue in the discussion of pain:

2.  Misery is OPTIONAL (18, et. al.)

Paul certainly was no “stranger to pain.”  In fact, we know he had a horrible eye condition that made it hard to write a letter.  In Galatians Paul says: (Galatians. 6:11)

¹¹ See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.

This probably refers to a condition caused by a form of malaria that caused the eyes to be swollen, to use a pus-like liquid, and cause the eyes to have a “bulging look.”  Paul also describes in the Book of Corinthians, a “thorn in the flesh.”  Poor eyesight meant Paul often had a secretary write but in this case he wrote “in large letters.”

In addition to the suffering Paul experienced simply by the fact of being in this sin-infected, dying globe, Paul experienced the suffering from living a fully devoted, sold-out life for Jesus Christ.  As a result Paul declares:  Romans 8:24–28 (NASB95)

²⁴ For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. ²⁶ In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; ²⁷ and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. ²⁸ And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 

Paul experienced as much pain as any of us, but yet, his conclusion is not one of despair, but of great hope.  Look in verse 18:

¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 

Now, scoot down to verse 24:

²⁴ For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. 

This same phrase, “eagerly wait” is used in verse 19 also, but the
brilliant translation of J.B. Philips fills out the meaning of the phrase: 

The whole creation is on tiptoe to see the wonderful sight of the sons of God coming into their own. (Rom. 8:19, Philips) 

Paul experienced immense pain, but he did not give in to misery.  As Barbara Johnson’s book title states: “Pain Is Inevitable But Misery Is Optional So Stick A Geranium In Your Hat And Be Happy!”

We cannot avoid pain, but we can avoid despair.

Now, how was it that Paul could face unparalled hardship and pain but avoid becoming miserable?  Three truths seem to surface in that regard here in this passage:

① Paul got hold of God’s Promise for His life (vv 18-19).

Paul had “heaven in his eyes.”  When one has the eye-blinding glory of God’s eternal promise of heaven shining in one’s eyes, it blinds one to the pain in one’s life.  The hope of heaven is so heavy, that the burdens of this light seem like a feather in comparison.

② Paul got a hold of God’s Purpose in His life.  Look at verse 28.  This is an oft-quoted, but I think much underappreciated, verse in the Holy Record:

²⁸ And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 

Not even the greatest disability one can imagine can keep God’s plan for your life from unraveling just as He has ordained that it should.  Not a communist nor a coma will keep the God-ordained plan of your life from unfolding.

Recall, the verse we read earlier in regard to the evil and suffering of this world.  Verses 20-21:

²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 

This theme of absolute trust in the Sovereign Grace of God runs throughout Paul’s writing.  Philippians 1:6, for example, states:

 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (CSB) 

Pain is inevitable.  You can’t avoid it.  But, misery is optional.  You can keep your eye on God’s Promise and put your hope in God’s purpose in order to avoid becoming miserable because of the pain in life.  But, another aspect in this regard surfaces in our text—not just looking to God’s promise or trusting in God’s purpose, but Paul experienced:

③ God’s Presence.  Look at verse 26:

In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. (CSB) 

People who understand suffering much better than I do, and have experience it much more than I have, have pointed out that “one is never so close to God as when one is suffering.”  Pain does something to bring us to an understanding of God’s presence in our lives like nothing else can.  The great scholar, C.S. Lewis referred to pain as “God’s megaphone.”

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world”. 

Martin Luther, the Father of the Reformation, explained how suffering in surrender to God brings us into His presence:

“Oh!  [God’s] grace and goodness toward us is so immeasurably great, that without great assaults and trials it cannot be understood.” 

I have been in the room of dear saints who have slipped from consciousness, but have not yet slipped from the surly bounds of this earth.  I am convinced that one’s disconnection from those love them does not mean they have disconnected from the Savior Who died for them.  

Paul did not give in to misery because he kept sight of God’s promise, placed his trust in God’s purpose, and rested in God’s Presence. 

Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional.  Here’s where the rubber really meets the road in this discussion of suffering. The issue is not so much that you will suffer, or even how you suffer.  The real key issue is, WHO suffers with you. 

3.  The Holy Spirit is ESSENTIAL (12-17)

Upon what does this whole discussion of experiencing “gain amidst pain” rest?  What we really have in this passage is the very essence of the foundation of the Christian life.  The key issue that resolves our doubts, calms our fears, and allows us to snatch victory from the mouth of defeat is expressed in verses 12-17.

¹² So then, brothers and sisters, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, ¹³ because if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. ¹⁴ For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. ¹⁵ For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, ¹⁷ and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. (CSB) 

There’s the proverbial answer to the “$64,000 Question (1956, $622,027 today).”  What gives ultimate meaning to life?  What is so powerful that even suffering leads to unimagined bliss?  What has such transforming power that death becomes life, the temporal becomes eternal, and the material becomes spiritual?

The Holy Spirit – “Christ in you the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27)

Without the Holy Spirit your life will be a futile, darkened ship lying beneath the sea of misery.  You simply cannot find joy in this life—and certainly no hope for the next life—unless the Holy Spirit of God has filled your life and fused Himself to your soul. 

Notice the word, “obligated,” in verse 12.  Paul is referring to a “creditor/debtor” relationship.  In ancient days (and continuing through even to our day) when someone holds a debt, they control the life of the debtor—even to the point of being able to have them thrown into debtor’s prison until the obligation is lifted by someone.

Every person has a spiritual master.  Either we are fulfilling our obligation to the Lord Jesus Christ or we are debtors to the Devil through the flesh.  It is one or the other – never both.  One is either saved and God’s Spirit resides in him, or one is lost and the spirit of the Devil resides in him.  Everyone is “possessed.”  The issue is:  possessed by what Spirit.  Paul had already talked about the relationship between God’s Spirit and the spirit of saved men and women.  Look back up at Romans 8:8-9:

⁸ Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. ⁹ You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him. (CSB) 

Overcoming the pain, disappointment, darkness, and emptiness of this sinful world will not happen unless and until the Holy Spirit floods into your soul and you are saved.  The Holy Spirit’s filling is absolutely essential to salvation – no if’s, ands, or buts about it as my Dad used to say.

Pain and suffering in this world is inevitable.  Misery is optional through complete and total surrender to God.  The filling of the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential to this process.

Once again I refer to J.C. Beker, A Holocaust Survivor:  “Because suffering is such a pervasive part of our world, the question is not “that” we suffer, but “how” we suffer.”  I would add, it is even more important to realize, “Who,” suffered FOR us and “Who” is suffering WITH us.”

Now, this brings us to the question we must ask and answer for ourselves:  has there ever been a time in my life when I humbly received the filling of the Holy Spirit and was saved?  Everyone can answer that question either “yes” or “no.”  Maybe doesn’t count.  I thought I did does not count.  I joined the church doesn’t count.

The only thing that is absolutely essential in getting past death and into God’s Heaven is:  does God’s Holy Spirit reside in my soul and control my life?

There is no such thing as “painless” living in this life.  But, we also know that as with any endeavor:  “no pain means, no gain.” 

Today, if you have not already done so, you can turn from your sins and invite the Holy Spirit to enter your life and bring about your salvation. 

 

Pain is inevitable.  Misery is optional.  The Holy Spirit is essential.