Teaching summary
In this teaching, Pastor Leonard Rola addresses the common belief that Christians must suffer to be glorified with Christ. He explains that this idea comes from misunderstandings of certain scriptures, especially Romans 8:17, due to poor translation and interpretation. By examining the broader context of Paul’s writings, he shows that believers are already heirs and already glorified through their union with Christ. The message emphasizes identification with Christ’s death and resurrection, rather than earning glory through suffering.
Bible verses referenced
Romans 8:17- “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.”
Romans 8:18- “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.”
John 17:22- “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.”
Romans 8:30- “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.”
Galatians 3:28-29- “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
Titus 3:5-7- “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Colossians 1:12- “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.”
Romans 6:3-5- “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
Galatians 2:20- “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction and Purpose of the Teaching
- Why Some Scriptures Appear Challenging
- The Filters: “I Am, I Can, I Have”
- Romans 8:17 and the Misunderstanding About Suffering
- Jesus Already Gave Us His Glory
- Paul’s Consistent Teaching on Heirship
- Already Qualified and Already Glorified
- The True Meaning of Suffering with Christ
- Identification with Christ in Romans 6
- Paul’s Personal Testimony in Galatians 2:20
- Flushing Out the Untruth About Suffering
- Preview of Romans 8:18
Introduction and Purpose of the Teaching
Pastor Leonard opens the message by greeting the audience and thanking them for their prayers, encouragement, and financial support. He shares testimonies of people being healed after listening to the ministry, emphasizing that his desire is simply to be used by God to share His love, mercy, grace, truth, and power.
He explains that he is beginning a series of teachings dealing with what he calls “challenging scriptures.” These are passages that often confuse believers or have been taught in ways that produce fear, guilt, or incorrect doctrines. He intends to examine these scriptures regularly in upcoming sessions.
Why Some Scriptures Appear Challenging
Pastor Leonard explains that scriptures often seem challenging for two main reasons: translation issues and poor hermeneutics. He explains that while the Word of God is perfect, it is contained in translations created by people, and sometimes words are not translated correctly. This can lead believers into partial truths or even untruths.
He also explains the importance of hermeneutics, which involves understanding the speaker, the audience, the cultural setting, the original language, and the author’s doctrine. He notes that many Bible schools do not adequately teach hermeneutics, but believers can study these principles themselves using available resources.
He then mentions four things that can keep believers from full revelation: denominationalism, tradition, legalism, and experience. He explains that many people accept teachings simply because of their denomination or tradition, even when those teachings conflict with scripture. He encourages believers not to put ministers on pedestals, but instead to rely on the Holy Spirit as their guide and teacher.
The Filters: “I Am, I Can, I Have
Pastor Leonard explains a key filter he uses when reading scripture: “I am, I can, and I have.” This means that because of faith in Jesus Christ, believers already are who God says they are, already can do what He says they can do, and already have what He says they have.
He emphasizes that these truths are not based on works, but on faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Romans 8:17 and the Misunderstanding About Suffering
Pastor Leonard introduces the main scripture of the teaching:
Romans 8:17: “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.”
He explains that this verse has often been misinterpreted to mean that believers must suffer to be glorified with Christ. Because of this interpretation, many Christians have come to believe that God is pleased with their suffering, or that suffering makes them more like Christ.
He says this belief has become deeply rooted in the thinking of many believers due to improper translations and teachings.
Jesus Already Gave Us His Glory
Pastor Leonard points to the words of Jesus:
John 17:22: “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.”
He explains that Jesus already gave His glory to believers. Therefore, glory is not something believers must suffer to obtain. It is something already given through their union with Christ.
He then references Paul’s words:
Romans 8:30: “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.”
He emphasizes that this verse uses past tense language. Those who are justified are already glorified. It is not a future reward earned through suffering, but a present reality.
Paul’s Consistent Teaching on Heirship
Pastor Leonard explains that if suffering were required to become heirs with Christ, it would appear consistently throughout Paul’s teachings. However, Paul repeatedly states that believers are already heirs without any mention of suffering as a requirement.
He quotes:
Galatians 3:28-29: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
He explains that this verse clearly states believers are heirs because they belong to Christ, not because they suffer.
He also cites:
Titus 3:5-7: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
He notes that once again, believers are made heirs by grace, not by suffering.
Already Qualified and Already Glorified
Pastor Leonard continues by emphasizing that believers are already qualified for their inheritance:
Colossians 1:12: “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.”
He explains that the Father has already qualified believers. There is nothing more they must do to earn that inheritance.
He again repeats:
Romans 8:30: “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.”
He emphasizes that glorification is already accomplished, not something to be attained through suffering.
The True Meaning of Suffering with Christ
Pastor Leonard explains that Romans 8:17 does not teach that believers must suffer in order to become glorified. Instead, it is referring to the believer’s identification with Christ.
He says Paul is describing the reality that believers were united with Christ in His death, and therefore are united with Him in His resurrection and glory.
Identification with Christ in Romans 6
He turns to Romans chapter 6 to explain this identification:
Romans 6:3-5: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
He explains that believers were united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. This is what it means to suffer with Him—not ongoing suffering in life, but identification with His suffering on the cross.
Paul’s Personal Testimony in Galatians 2:20
Pastor Leonard then cites Paul’s personal declaration:
Galatians 2:20: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
He explains that Paul is describing the same identification with Christ. He was crucified with Christ, and now lives in resurrection life through Him.
Flushing Out the Untruth About Suffering
Pastor Leonard concludes that Romans 8:17 is simply teaching the believer’s union with Christ. It is not a command to suffer or a requirement for glorification.
He states that God does not call believers to suffer, is not pleased by their suffering, and does not use suffering to make them more like Christ. Instead, believers become more like Christ by living in their present union with Him in resurrection life and glory.
He encourages listeners to reject the untruth that suffering is necessary for glorification and to embrace their identity as already glorified heirs in Christ.
Preview of Romans 8:18
Pastor Leonard closes by mentioning that the next teaching will focus on Romans 8:18:
Romans 8:18: “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.”
He tells the audience they will appreciate the true meaning of that verse when it is explained in the next session.
Thank you for taking the time to read this teaching. We hope this article blessed you and helped you see more clearly your identity as a glorified heir in Christ. If this message encouraged you, please share it with others so they, too, can walk in the fullness of God’s love, grace, and resurrection life.