God Is. . . For His Own Glory
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Introduction
Introduction
God is. . . series is meant to:
correct our misconceptions of God.
open the box we’ve placed God in.
unleash the power, the presence, the joy of God in our lives.
ILLUST - Adam and I using a firehose to water grass
More power there than was needed to water the grass - could do damage if not used rightly.
Used rightly it caused things to grow.
Never even began to use the depth and breadth of its power.
Even the smallest drink from the faucet of God’s glory will leave you drenched in a profound understanding of who he is and his love for you.
We will be talking about something that lies at the foundation of our study on God.
This lies at the heart of all that God does, yet we often times spend so little time discussing it or focusing on it ourselves.
This concept is perhaps the most pervasive concepts throughout all of Scripture.
How we will explore this topic:
statement
explanation
implications
applications
5 Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it: 6 “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, 7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. 8 I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.
Explanation
Explanation
“Glory” = the external display of God’s intrinsic worth - his perfection and holiness
δόξα - used over 160 times
The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament B. The NT Use of δόξα, I.
In the NT, however, the word is used for the most part in a sense for which there is no Greek analogy whatever and of which there is only an isolated example in Philo. That is to say, it denotes “divine and heavenly radiance,” the “loftiness and majesty” of God, and even the “being of God” and His world. How does the word come to have this new significance? To answer this question it is necessary that we study the OT כָּבוֹד
כָּבוֹד
Glory of God
- root and derivatives used over 370 times in the OT.
literally means ‘heavy,’ or ‘weighty’ - generally not in physical sense but in the sense of importance
Ichabod - glory has departed - 1 Samuel - when ark of God was captured by Philistines
God’s glory is displayed in two different ways:
Physical manifestations
1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”
34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
Sometimes referred to as shekinah glory - settled
2. The work of God that reveals his character
1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Implication / **Application
Implication / **Application
We are not the center of all things - God is. (v8)
We are not the center of all things - God is. (v8)
I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.
I am the LORD; that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to carved idols. (ESV)
“The End for Which God Created the World” - Jonathan Edwards
The ultimate end of God’s work is God’s glory -
tells us
God chose his people for his glory:
he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. ()
says that God created us for his glory.
God called Israel for his glory:
() You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.
How is this not narcissism or make God a megalomaniac?
God rescued Israel from Egypt for his glory:
Our fathers, when they were in Egypt,. . . he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make known his mighty power. ()
People we see fight for their own glory do so in a way that does not benefit others - only benefits themselves
tells us
God raised Pharaoh up (even in his rebellion against God )to show his power and glorify his name:
For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” ()
God defeated Pharaoh at the Red Sea to show his glory:
And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host; and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord . . . And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen. (, ;
God spared Israel in the wilderness for the glory of his name:
I acted for the sake of my name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, in whose sight I had brought them out. (:l4)
God did not cast away his people for the glory of his name:
Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord . . . For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake. (l Samuel 12:20, 22)
Jesus sought the glory of his Father in all he did:
The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. (
Jesus endured his final hours of suffering for God’s glory:
“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again’ ().
God forgives our sins for his own sake:
I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. ()
All are under judgment for dishonoring God’s glory:
They became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images. (, )
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. ()
Jesus’ ultimate aim for us is that we see and enjoy his glory:
Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. ()
God’s plan is to fill the earth with the knowledge of his glory:
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. ()
Everything that happens will redound to God’s glory:
From him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. ()
In the New Jerusalem the glory of God replaces the sun:
And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives its light, and its lamp is the Lamb ().
God is not for YOU (even though God is FOR you)
This will get me in trouble
did you ever wonder what happens when two believers pray opposite?
God’s not sharing his glory. (He will display it in and through those who follow him, but it is still HIS glory - it is still displaying HIS worth and weight)
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Name it, claim it.
This coffee cup verse does not mean that God will make you happy at the expense of his glory.
From the Creation of the world to the end of all things - God will get the glory.
**You can stop fighting for your own glory.
**You can stop fighting for your own glory.
the weight of your self-worth does not rest on how much you make, who you marry, what degree to have, your social status, etc.
You don’t have to
Fighting for your glory will fail ( - Tower of Babel)
You don’t have to burden yourself to make a name for yourself.
There is no one with a meaningless life if we were made for God’s glory. And there is nothing in our lives that can’t be made meaningful if we allow God to use it for your glory.
How is God being jealous for his glory not narcissism or make God a megalomaniac? We think this way for two reasons:
People we see fight for their own glory do so in a way that does not benefit others - only benefits themselves.
We place God on a human plane - there are no humans who have more intrinsic worth than another.
All human life is worth the same, so when someone promotes themself - it is seen as they are promoting their worth
People we see fight for their own glory do so in a way that does not benefit others - only benefits themselves.
God being for his own glory is both right and good. (5)
God being for his own glory is both right and good. (5)
Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
Thus says God, the LORD,
who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
Right
God doesn’t need you to be awesome - he already is.
He created the stars, the earth, etc.
It takes teams of scientists to focus on one area of science to even begin to grasp what God said in an instant.
You don’t fill some void in his life - He doesn’t pass you a note asking if your interested in him, hoping you’ll circle YES.
If for no other reason, God deserves the glory because he is God.
Good
Most amazing thing - God doesn’t need you, but he wants you.
He made you.
(5b) who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it:
How many think that Eden was a pretty good deal?
When was the time in human history when was most glorified on earth? When no person was competing for his glory? Eden.
(5b) who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it:
and spirit to those who walk in it: (ESV)
Right
He made you.
7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.
God created and formed the people of Israel for his glory and that was the whole purpose of creating man in his image - to display his glory
When was the world at it’s best? Eden.
How many think that Eden was a pretty good deal?
When was the time in human history when was most glorified on earth? When no person was competing for his glory? Eden.
Things are made good when God is made most glorious.
**We should reorient our lives to display God’s glory.
**We should reorient our lives to display God’s glory.
31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
This is a command
ILLUST - The PS10 Solar Power Plant ( concentrating solar power tower operating near Seville, in Andalusia, Spain. The 11 megawatt (MW) solar power tower produces electricity with 624 large movable mirrors.
The mirrors adjust themselves to reflect the light of the sun in such a powerful way that PS10 produces about 23,400 megawatt-hours (MW·h) per year.
God wants to display his glory through you.
Objection: You don’t know all I’ve done.
Name one guy in Scripture that didn’t have some major flaw (except for Jesus).
Abraham - lied
Moses - anger issues.
David - adulterer / murderer
This is done in two ways:
Make decisions with the thought of (not making your name great) making God’s name great.
Recognize God’s work in your life and allow him to use it for his glory.
How many times do we pray for our good but not for his glory?
The church exists to display and advance the glory of God (6-7)
The church exists to display and advance the glory of God (6-7)
“I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness;I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.”
“I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness;
I will take you by the hand and keep you;
I will give you as a covenant for the people,
a light for the nations,
to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
from the prison those who sit in darkness. (ESV)
Statement is about the Servant - fulfilled in Jesus
Matt
2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.
2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” 7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written, “ ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ 11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear. 16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, 17 “ ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” 20 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.” 25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;
Life Group - asked the question, “If had no previous knowledge of church history or modern-day church and only had the Bible, how would you describe the church?”
“The world is perishing for lack of the knowledge of God and the Church is famishing for want of His Presence.” A. W. Tozer in The Pursuit of God.
Wherever the people of God are found, the glory of God should be displayed.
The glory of God should be the most attractive thing about the church.
One theologian once said:
‘The church look radically different from the world, and that should be what attracts people to it.’
“The world is perishing for lack of the knowledge of God and the Church is famishing for want of His Presence.” A. W. Tozer in The Pursuit of God.
**We must seek God’s glory.
**We must seek God’s glory.
:13-
13 Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” 14 And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15 And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. 16 For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” 17 And the Lord said to Moses, “This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” 18 Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” 19 And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
30 And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.
Application
Application
“The world is perishing for lack of the knowledge of God and the Church is famishing for want of His Presence.” A. W. Tozer in The Pursuit of God.
.
Conclusion
Conclusion
In what ways have you been seeking your own glory?
Have you been resisting God seeking his own glory in your life?
Do you need to confess that you have NOT been doing everything to the glory of God? You’ve been pursuing things to make your name great.
Maybe you need to bring to God what it is you are going through and instead of demanding it work out for your good (thinking you know what that looks like) you simply lay it before God and ask him to use it for HIS glory. ‘