The phrase, sufferings of this present time,
does not only refer to being persecuted. It refers to all suffering that exists in the current dispensation in which we find ourselves. The time in which we live is characterized by the reign of sin, the consequence of which is death (Romans 5:12–21. The degeneration of society, depicted in Romans 1:24–32, is also part of the sufferings of this present time.
Therefore, the suffering referred to here is inherent to the very lived realty of sinful people (Romans 5:12). Christians in particular, just like Lot in Sodom, suffer under injustice and sin in this world. Thereby Christ’s Lordship is continually denied and dishonored. Those who belong to Christ suffer this with him during this dispensation.1
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.