Suffering according to God's will is good.(Marks of a Spiritual Christian)

This post is meant to be read with a Bible in your hand.  I recommend reading the scriptures for yourself as you follow along.

​Romans 8:18-27
Suffering according to God’s will proves we are His children.
vs. 18a “sufferings of this present time”—everything we experience now, right?
18b. “not worthy to be compared to the glory yet to be revealed, “glory of the children”
19-21.  Creation longing for revealing of the sons of God, as it will be set free from slavery to corruption—>futility
22. Creation groans, suffers pains of childbirth
23. We, having the Spirit, also groan, waiting for the redemption of our bodies
24-25…we can’t see it yet, so we need perseverance
26-27…the Spirit helps us in our weakness to pray (and live) in accordance to God’s will
Sufferings are opportunities to be proven spiritual—children of God.
Marks of a spiritual Christian
1 Peter 4:12-13—rejoicing in the midst of suffering…REWARD: See God’s glory
1 Corinthians 13:8-13—uncompromising in faith, hope and love…REWARD: fully know God
Revelation 21:1-8—Overcome.  Don’t succumb again to cowardice, unbelief, immorality, idolatry, dishonesty…REWARD: experience eternal life in God’s presence.  No more suffering, pain, sadness, thirst, hunger.  Complete satisfaction.
Lord’s supper: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26—“proclaim the Lord’s death”—Am I willing to suffer as Jesus did?  “until He comes”—is that all I am looking forward to?  If the answer to both those questions is, “yes,” then I can partake with a good conscience, not eating and drinking condemnation to myself.