The Attributes of God glory.pdf - Biblicalcounselingonline.org
The Attributes of God glory.pdf - Biblicalcounselingonline.org
The Attributes of God glory.pdf - Biblicalcounselingonline.org
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I. Introduction and review.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Attributes</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>: His Glory 1/6/08 #8<br />
A. Today we complete our series on the attributes <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>.<br />
1. I thought I was done last week, but a few <strong>of</strong> your specifically asked for one more.<br />
2. Because <strong>God</strong> is infinite, one can never really complete a study <strong>of</strong> His attributes.<br />
3. We have considered His tri-unity, His essence: spirit, immutable, infinity: eternal,<br />
omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, righteous, holy, good, loving.<br />
B. Our final subject is the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>.<br />
1. We have already learned that <strong>God</strong>’s attributes are all interrelated.<br />
2. None more than His <strong>glory</strong>: Because all <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s attributes are glorious.<br />
3. Grudem: Not so much an attribute but the brilliance that surrounds <strong>God</strong> in all His<br />
attributes and being.<br />
C. A subject much needed by the church today.<br />
1. We are too much consumed with our own <strong>glory</strong>. Packer: One reason why our faith<br />
is so feeble and our worship so flabby... Modern men, though they cherish great<br />
thoughts <strong>of</strong> man, have as a rule small thoughts <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>... When you start reading<br />
Luther, or Edwards, or Whitefield.. You soon find yourself wondering whether you<br />
have any acquaintance at all with the mighty <strong>God</strong> whom they knew so intimately.<br />
2. Important < the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> is the most important thing: > politics (next<br />
president), > entertainment (latest scandal), > sports (football championship).<br />
3. Practical: Path to joy and success: put <strong>God</strong>’s <strong>glory</strong> first!<br />
Way to encourage despondent people: eyes <strong>of</strong>f: self > the greatness <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
4. What is <strong>God</strong>’s <strong>glory</strong>? How do we glorify <strong>God</strong>?<br />
II. <strong>God</strong> is glorious. Ps. 24:7ff Lift up your heads, O gates, And be lifted up, O ancient doors,<br />
That the King <strong>of</strong> <strong>glory</strong> may come in! Who is the King <strong>of</strong> <strong>glory</strong>? <strong>The</strong> LORD strong and<br />
mighty, the LORD mighty in battle...He is the King <strong>of</strong> <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
A. What is <strong>glory</strong>?<br />
1. We all know about <strong>glory</strong> < lots <strong>of</strong> <strong>glory</strong> in the world: politics, sports, business,<br />
entertainment: Crowds glorify: applause, adulation. Aura: celebrity > autograph<br />
2. Importance or weightiness.<br />
a. OT: KBD - heavy (literally: Eli was a heavy (fat) man. I Sam. 4:18, weighty,<br />
important, worthy <strong>of</strong> respect. Can be used <strong>of</strong> people: Ex. 20:12 Honor your<br />
father & mother. Treat them as important.<br />
b. NT: Doxa: great reputation.<br />
3. Splendor. OT & NT. <strong>God</strong> who is Spirit (invisible) manifests/discloses Himself.<br />
Ps. 145:5 <strong>The</strong> glorious splendor <strong>of</strong> Your majesty...<br />
a. Regal majesty. Isa. 6:1-3 Ps. 93:1 104:1-2 Rev. King: robes, throne. Visual<br />
portrayal: majesty. <strong>The</strong> LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty.<br />
b. Shining expression: physical manifestation: light and fire; Ex. 16:10 II Chr. 7:1-<br />
2 Ps. 145:5 Mt. 6:20 Luke 2:9 Ezek. 9:3 As Aaron spoke to the whole<br />
congregation...behold the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> the LORD appeared in the cloud... When<br />
Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the<br />
burnt <strong>of</strong>fering... and the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> the LORD filled the house. <strong>The</strong> priests could not<br />
enter into the house <strong>of</strong> the LORD because the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> the LORD filled the<br />
LORD’s house... An angel <strong>of</strong> the Lord suddenly stood before them and the <strong>glory</strong><br />
1
<strong>of</strong> the Lord shone round about them and they were terribly frightened.<br />
c. Dangerous.<br />
B. <strong>God</strong> is glorious by nature. Ex. 33:18-22<br />
1. His person is unapproachable. Ex. 33:18,22 II Chron. 7:2 Moses said, “I pray You,<br />
show me Your <strong>glory</strong>!”... But He (the LORD) said, “You cannot see My face, for no<br />
man can see me and live.”<br />
2. His <strong>glory</strong> is closely related to His holiness. Isa. 6:3 Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD<br />
<strong>of</strong> hosts, <strong>The</strong> whole earth is full <strong>of</strong> His <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
3. All <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s attributes are glorious and praiseworthy.<br />
4. <strong>God</strong> is beautiful. Ps. 50:2 27:4 Isa. 4:2 33:17 Out <strong>of</strong> Zion, the perfection <strong>of</strong> beauty,<br />
<strong>God</strong> has shone forth... One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek:<br />
That I may dwell in the house <strong>of</strong> the LORD all the days <strong>of</strong> my life, to behold the<br />
beauty <strong>of</strong> the LORD. Beauty: not phys. seen: eyes, but character seen by faith.<br />
C. All that <strong>God</strong> does is for His own <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
1. His creation is glorious. Rev. 4:11 Psalm. 19:1-6 97:1-6 Worthy are You, our Lord<br />
and our <strong>God</strong>, to receive <strong>glory</strong> and honor and power, for you created all things and<br />
because <strong>of</strong> your will they existed and were created... <strong>The</strong> heavens are telling <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>; And their expanse is declaring the work <strong>of</strong> His hands. Day to day<br />
pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge... Mankind as the<br />
pinnacle <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s creation - in His image & meant to reflect His <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
2. His <strong>glory</strong> is manifested in His dealings with Israel. Ex. 24:16-17 29:43 14:4,18<br />
Num. 14:10 16:19,42 20:6 Dt. 5:24 I Ki. 8:11 Isa. 49:3 <strong>The</strong> <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> the LORD<br />
rested on Mount Sinai...the appearance <strong>of</strong> the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> the LORD was like a<br />
consuming fire on the mountain top... You are My Servant, Israel, in whom I will<br />
show My <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
a. Splendor:<br />
b. Redemption out <strong>of</strong> Egypt (Ro. 9:17), and deliverance from enemies.<br />
c. Judgment: (Korah). Exile, return from exile.<br />
3. His work <strong>of</strong> redeeming mankind is most glorious.<br />
D. <strong>God</strong> the Son is glorious. Ps. 8:5 Is. 4:2 12:41 Rev. 1:12-16 Lu. 19:38 24:26 Heb. 3:3<br />
II Co. 4:6 Jo. 7:18 In that day the Branch <strong>of</strong> the LORD will be beautiful and glorious<br />
... For <strong>God</strong>, who said, “Light shall shine out <strong>of</strong> darkness,” is the One who has shone in<br />
our hearts to give the Light <strong>of</strong> the knowledge <strong>of</strong> the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> in the face <strong>of</strong> Christ.<br />
1. Isaiah saw His <strong>glory</strong>. Isa. 6:1ff John 12:41 <strong>The</strong>se things Isaiah said because he<br />
saw His <strong>glory</strong>, and he spoke <strong>of</strong> Him. (Right after quoting Isa. 6: and 53)<br />
2. <strong>God</strong>’s <strong>glory</strong> is revealed in the Son. Jo. 1:14 Js. 2:1 Heb. 1:3 13:20-21 I Cor. 2:8<br />
<strong>The</strong> Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His <strong>glory</strong>, <strong>glory</strong> as <strong>of</strong> the<br />
only begotten from the Father, full <strong>of</strong> grace and truth... He is the radiance <strong>of</strong> His<br />
<strong>glory</strong> and the exact representation <strong>of</strong> His nature ...<br />
a. NT relates <strong>glory</strong> to Christ in the same way as to <strong>God</strong>.<br />
b. Jesus sought the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> His father in all He did. John 7:17 14:13<br />
3. His first coming was glorious. Luke 2:9,13-14,20,32 Suddenly there appeared with<br />
the angel a multitude <strong>of</strong> the heavenly host praising <strong>God</strong> and saying, Glory to <strong>God</strong> in<br />
the highest; And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.<br />
4. His works were glorious. Luke 5:25-26 7:16 17:15 18:43 John 2:11 Immediately<br />
he went up before them and picked up what he had been lying on, and went home<br />
glorifying <strong>God</strong>. <strong>The</strong>y were all struck with astonishment and begun glorifying <strong>God</strong>...<br />
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This beginning <strong>of</strong> signs Jesus did in Cana <strong>of</strong> Galilee and manifested His <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
5. <strong>The</strong> veil covering His <strong>glory</strong> was lifted at His transfiguration. Luke 9:29ff<br />
Mt. 17:1-8 II Pe. 1:16 While He was praying, the appearance <strong>of</strong> His face became<br />
different and His clothing became white and gleaming.<br />
6. Jesus fully entered into His <strong>glory</strong> through the cross. Jo. 7:39 12:23 13:31-32 17:1-<br />
5,24 21:19 Heb. 2:9 I Pe. 1:11 Jesus... lifting up His eyes to heaven, said, “Father,<br />
the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You...I have<br />
accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. Now Father glorify Me<br />
together with Yourself with the <strong>glory</strong> which I had with you before the world was.”<br />
a. When Jesus came his <strong>glory</strong> was veiled.<br />
b. Accomplishment on the cross > ress: <strong>glory</strong> revealed, magnified. Redemption<br />
7. He has ascended to <strong>glory</strong>. Acts 7:55 I Ti. 3:16 He. 8:1 Rev. 1:12ff He was revealed<br />
in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, Proclaimed among the<br />
nations, believed on in the world, taken up in <strong>glory</strong>...We have such a High priest who<br />
has taken up His seat at the right hand <strong>of</strong> the throne <strong>of</strong> the Majesty in the heavens.<br />
a. Rev. 1:12-16 How picture Him. Not helpless baby, on cross: but awesome.<br />
8. He will be glorified at His return. Mt. 24:30 Phil. 2:9-11 Titus 2:13 Rev. 5:12-13<br />
II Th. 1:10 <strong>The</strong>y will see the Son <strong>of</strong> man coming in the clouds <strong>of</strong> the sky with power<br />
and great <strong>glory</strong>... <strong>God</strong> highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is<br />
above every name, that at the name <strong>of</strong> Jesus every knee will bow, <strong>of</strong> all those who are<br />
in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus<br />
Christ is Lord, to the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> the Father... looking for the blessed hope and the<br />
appearing <strong>of</strong> the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> our great <strong>God</strong> and Savior, Christ Jesus...Worthy is the Lamb<br />
that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and <strong>glory</strong><br />
and blessing.<br />
E. Heaven will be Glorious.<br />
1. <strong>God</strong>’s <strong>glory</strong> will be fully displayed in the culmination <strong>of</strong> the ages. Ps. 86:9 Isa. 9:1<br />
66:18-19 Luke 21:27 Hab. 2:14 Glory is the destiny <strong>of</strong> the universe. For the<br />
earth will be filled with the knowledge <strong>of</strong> the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> the LORD as the waters cover<br />
the sea.<br />
2. Even His wrath displays His <strong>glory</strong>. Ro. 9:22-23<br />
3. <strong>God</strong>’s <strong>glory</strong> will shine in the heavenly city. Rev. 21:23 Isa. 60:19-21 <strong>The</strong> city has<br />
no need <strong>of</strong> the sun or <strong>of</strong> the moon to shine on it, for the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> has illumined<br />
it, and its lamp is the Lamb.<br />
4. <strong>The</strong> anticipation <strong>of</strong> future <strong>glory</strong> enables us to endure hardship now. Ro. 8:17-18<br />
II Co. 4:17 I consider that the sufferings <strong>of</strong> this present time are not worthy to be<br />
compared with the <strong>glory</strong> that is to be revealed to us.<br />
Summary: <strong>God</strong> is glorious: weighty/important, majestic<br />
III. Our chief purpose is to glorify <strong>God</strong>. WSC #1.<br />
A. What does it mean to glorify <strong>God</strong>?<br />
1. Because <strong>God</strong> is infinitely glorious it is impossible for us to increase His <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
2. We glorify <strong>God</strong> by putting His infinite greatness on display.<br />
a. Take inglorious sinful creatures > share His holiness.<br />
b. Enhance His reputation on earth (and among the angels). Eph. 3:10<br />
c. Illus: talk about greatness LT is doesn’t make him better, but spreads fame<br />
B. Everyone and everything has been made to glorify <strong>God</strong>. Isa. 43:7,20-21 Everyone<br />
who is called by My name And whom I have created for My <strong>glory</strong>...<strong>The</strong> beasts <strong>of</strong> the<br />
3
field will glorify Me...<strong>The</strong> people whom I formed for Myself will declare My praise.<br />
1. We were created in <strong>God</strong>’s image to bring Him <strong>glory</strong>. Ps. 8:4-6 I Co. 11:7<br />
Heb. 2:6-9 What is man that you take thought <strong>of</strong> him... You crown him with <strong>glory</strong><br />
and majesty You make him to rule over the works <strong>of</strong> your hands; You have put all<br />
things under his feet... He (man) is the image and <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong><br />
2. <strong>The</strong> greatest possible happiness for mankind is found in glorifying <strong>God</strong>. WCF 1b<br />
3. Because <strong>of</strong> sin we fall far short <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s glorious purpose for us. Rom. 3:23 For all<br />
have sinned and fall short <strong>of</strong> the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>. Sin not just doing evil criminal<br />
acts, but failing to glorify <strong>God</strong>.<br />
C. <strong>God</strong> is jealous for His own <strong>glory</strong>. Isa. 42:8 48:11 I will not give my <strong>glory</strong> to another.<br />
1. <strong>God</strong> humbles the proud who rob Him <strong>of</strong> the <strong>glory</strong> due His name. Js. 4:6 I Pe. 5:5<br />
Is. 16:14 Esth. 5:11 Ps. 37:20 49:16-20 Da. 4:30ff Acts 12:21-23 Re. 18:7 <strong>God</strong> is<br />
opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble...<strong>The</strong> wicked will perish; and the<br />
enemies <strong>of</strong> the LORD will be like the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> the pastures...like smoke they vanish...<br />
a. OT prophets: judgments against nations: Lift themselves up against Him.<br />
b. Haaman, Nebuchadnezzar, Herod. Acts 12:21-23<br />
c. Football player doing dance, taunting opponent: not recognizing that it is <strong>God</strong><br />
who made him fast and powerful. Robs <strong>God</strong>! (Some give credit to <strong>God</strong>).<br />
d. We have nothing to be proud <strong>of</strong>. Every good gift comes down from above.<br />
What do you have that you did not receive? (Ill. Fan trash talk: though did<br />
nothing).<br />
2. Why is it wrong for us to seek our <strong>glory</strong> while it is right for <strong>God</strong> to seek His own<br />
<strong>glory</strong>? Nu. 14:21 As I live, all the earth will be filled with the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> the LORD.<br />
a. He is <strong>God</strong> and He alone is worthy <strong>of</strong> such <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
b. Just as wrong for us to avenge ourselves. His <strong>of</strong>fice: bring about justice.<br />
c. <strong>God</strong>’s <strong>glory</strong> is best for us. Jonathan Edwards: <strong>God</strong> in seeking His <strong>glory</strong> seeks<br />
the good <strong>of</strong> His creatures...<strong>God</strong> is their good. Piper: <strong>God</strong>’s passion for His own<br />
<strong>glory</strong> and His passion for my joy in Him are not at odds. <strong>God</strong> is as committed to<br />
my eternal and ever-increasing joy in Him as he is to His own <strong>glory</strong>...<strong>God</strong> is the<br />
one being in the universe for whom self-exaltation is the most loving act. In<br />
exalting Himself He gets the <strong>glory</strong> and we get the joy.<br />
D. <strong>The</strong> essence <strong>of</strong> sin is placing another <strong>glory</strong> above the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>. Mal. 1:6<br />
1. Idolatry. Ps. 106:20 Rom. 1:23 <strong>The</strong>y exchanged the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> the incorruptible <strong>God</strong><br />
for an image in the form <strong>of</strong> corruptible man and <strong>of</strong> birds and four-footed animals<br />
and crawling creatures.<br />
a. Worship false gods: idols<br />
b. Worship creation/creatures. Some today give reverence <strong>glory</strong> to the<br />
planet/nature/chance: not <strong>God</strong> for magnificence <strong>of</strong> His creation<br />
c. Worship men: politicians, celebrities, athletes<br />
d. Worship possessions, travel: worldliness. (I Jo. 2:15ff) Js. 4:<br />
2. Pride. Gen. 3:5 Isa. 14:12ff Seek own greatness. Praise for self.<br />
a. Take credit for <strong>God</strong> has done: sports stars strut around.<br />
b. Satan fell when he sought to elevate himself to be like <strong>God</strong>.<br />
c. Eve also sinned because she desired to be godlike.<br />
3. We sin when our life-agenda is for what will make us more great and important,<br />
rather than that which will display <strong>God</strong>’s greatness.<br />
a. New year: plans: education, career, purchases: Live for Him?<br />
b. Resolutions: lose weight: for own <strong>glory</strong> or His.<br />
4. We sin when we decide some pleasure or possession has greater <strong>glory</strong> than <strong>God</strong>.<br />
4
Piper: Sin is the suicidal exchange <strong>of</strong> the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> for the broken cisterns <strong>of</strong><br />
created things. <strong>The</strong> <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> immorality, drunkenness, gluttony. Key: freedom!<br />
E. Through Christ we enter into <strong>God</strong>’s <strong>glory</strong>. John 17:10,22 <strong>The</strong> <strong>glory</strong> which You<br />
(Father) have given Me I have given to them...<br />
1. <strong>The</strong> unbeliever is completely incapable <strong>of</strong> willingly glorifying <strong>God</strong>. Ro. 3:23 8:8<br />
Those who are in the flesh cannot please <strong>God</strong>.<br />
2. <strong>God</strong> saves us to His <strong>glory</strong>. Eph. 1:3-6 To the praise <strong>of</strong> the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> his grace...<br />
a. <strong>God</strong> chose us before the foundation <strong>of</strong> the world.<br />
b. Christ paid for our guilt and provides the righteousness we lack.<br />
c. Spirit regenerates us. Not cooperative effort, but sovereign grace.<br />
3. Now we reflect His <strong>glory</strong>. Mt. 5:16 Phil. 2:15 Prov. 4:18-19 Let your light shine<br />
before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify you<br />
Father who is in heaven... <strong>The</strong> path <strong>of</strong> the righteous is like the light <strong>of</strong> dawn, that<br />
shines brighter and brighter until the full day. <strong>The</strong> way <strong>of</strong> the wicked is like<br />
darkness...<br />
a. Old paintings: halos/glow around holy people. Not literal, but figurative.<br />
b. Grudem: <strong>The</strong>re should be a brightness, a splendor, a beauty about the manner<br />
<strong>of</strong> life <strong>of</strong> a person who deeply loves <strong>God</strong>, and it is <strong>of</strong>ten evident to those around<br />
such a person.<br />
c. Born again: Transformed from seeking earthly human <strong>glory</strong>, to <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong><br />
F. How can we glorify <strong>God</strong>?<br />
1. We glorify <strong>God</strong> when we acknowledge His work in saving us. Acts 13:48 Ro. 5:2<br />
6:4 9:23 15:9 Eph. 1:6 Col. 1:27 I Co. 1:30-31 But by His doing you are in Christ<br />
Jesus, who became to us wisdom from <strong>God</strong>, and righteousness and redemption, so<br />
that just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.<br />
2. We glorify <strong>God</strong> by acknowledging His greatness through worship. Ps. 57:11 66:2<br />
72:19 96:3 108:5 115:1 29:1-2 95:3,6 I Chr. 29:10-13 Be exalted above the<br />
heavens, O <strong>God</strong>; let Your <strong>glory</strong> be above all the earth... Not to us, O LORD, but to<br />
Your Name give <strong>glory</strong>.. Ascribe to the LORD, O sons <strong>of</strong> the mighty, Ascribe to the<br />
LORD <strong>glory</strong> and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the <strong>glory</strong> due His name.<br />
a. Packer: <strong>God</strong>’s majesty is an invitation to worship.<br />
b. Psalms. Tell <strong>of</strong> His greatness. Declare His <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
c. Way we look at worship (big issue for contemporary church).<br />
(1) Not how it makes us feel, whether we enjoy: upbeat music, funny speaker.<br />
(2) What worship puts the focus on <strong>God</strong> > reverence & awe.<br />
(3) Hymns: not beat, but content: truth, substance; Preaching: meat.<br />
(4) Piper: People don’t go to Grand Canyon to increase their self esteem.<br />
Deepest joys in life come, not from savoring the self, but seeing splendor.<br />
<strong>The</strong> love <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> is not <strong>God</strong>’s making much <strong>of</strong> us, but <strong>God</strong>’s saving us from<br />
self-centeredness so that we can enjoy making much <strong>of</strong> Him forever.<br />
3. We glorify <strong>God</strong> when we pray for His <strong>glory</strong>. Mt. 6:9 Jo. 12:28 Hallowed be Your<br />
name... Father, glorify Your name. (Pray that <strong>God</strong> would display His greatness)<br />
a. Rev. Prayers <strong>of</strong> saints: incense.<br />
4. We glorify <strong>God</strong> when we express our dependence upon Him in prayer. Ps. 50:13<br />
Call upon Me in the day <strong>of</strong> trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.<br />
5. We glorify <strong>God</strong> when we thankfully acknowledge that every good gift comes from<br />
Him. I Th. 5:18 Rom. 1:21 Deut. 8:11-18 Js. 1:17 In everything give thanks;<br />
for this is <strong>God</strong>’s will for you in Christ Jesus.<br />
a. Condemnation <strong>of</strong> the world: receive <strong>God</strong>’s good gifts, refuse to give thanks:<br />
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Even though they knew <strong>God</strong>, they did not honor Him as <strong>God</strong> or give thanks, but<br />
they became futile in their speculations and their foolish heart was darkened.<br />
b. Think they did it themselves. Beware that you do not f<strong>org</strong>et the LORD your<br />
<strong>God</strong>... otherwise when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good<br />
houses..and when your herds and flocks multiply, and your sliver and gold<br />
multiply, and all that you have multiplies, then your heart will become proud<br />
and you will f<strong>org</strong>ive the LORD your <strong>God</strong>...you may say in your heart, ‘My power<br />
and the strength <strong>of</strong> my hand made me this wealth.’<br />
(1) Fits our materialistic age: Donald Trump, Ted Turner, Warren Buffet, Bill<br />
Gates > no time or interest in <strong>God</strong>. Prosperity <strong>of</strong> West! > judgment.<br />
(2) Accomplishments in other fields: sports, entertainment.<br />
c. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from<br />
the Father <strong>of</strong> lights... Christians are thankful. Don’t take credit for anything.<br />
House, car, job, family, health, success, sp. progress/service ><strong>glory</strong>: <strong>God</strong> alone<br />
6. We glorify <strong>God</strong> as we meditate upon His attributes. Ps. 145:5 27:4 On the<br />
glorious splendor <strong>of</strong> Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.<br />
7. We glorify <strong>God</strong> by telling others <strong>of</strong> His excellencies. I Chr. 16:23-29 Ps. 29:9<br />
96:7-8 145:12 I Pe. 2:9-10 Sing to the LORD, all the earth; Proclaim good tidings<br />
<strong>of</strong> his salvation from day to day. Tell <strong>of</strong> His <strong>glory</strong> among the nations, His wonderful<br />
deeds among all the peoples. For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised...<br />
Make known to the sons <strong>of</strong> men Your mighty acts and the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> the Majesty <strong>of</strong><br />
your kingdom.<br />
a. This is why <strong>God</strong> saved us. You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy<br />
nation a people for <strong>God</strong>’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the<br />
excellencies <strong>of</strong> Him who has called you out <strong>of</strong> darkness into his marvelous light.<br />
b. Fellow Christians: encourage faith: Psalms.<br />
c. Evangelism. Tell what <strong>God</strong> has done for you.<br />
8. We glorify <strong>God</strong> by proclaiming the gospel. II Th. 3:1 Acts 13:48 Ro. 10:15<br />
a. Primary aim <strong>of</strong> missions: Glory <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>; secondary: help humanity.<br />
9. We glorify <strong>God</strong> when we refuse to give His <strong>glory</strong> to others. Pr. 29:25 Ps. 49:16-20<br />
10. We glorify <strong>God</strong> by faithfully obeying and serving Him. Mt. 5:16 John 15:8<br />
I Th. 2:12 I Pe. 2:12 4:11 My Father is glorified by this that you bear much<br />
fruit, and so prove to be My disciples... Keep your behavior excellent among the<br />
Gentiles so that.. <strong>The</strong>y may because <strong>of</strong> their good deeds, as they observe them,<br />
glorify <strong>God</strong> in the day <strong>of</strong> visitation... Whoever serves is to do so as one who is<br />
serving by the strength which <strong>God</strong> supplies, so that in all things <strong>God</strong> may be<br />
glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the <strong>glory</strong> and dominion forever<br />
and ever, amen.<br />
a. Law: people try to serve <strong>God</strong> out <strong>of</strong> fear. (Or trying to get something)<br />
b. Gospel: We serve <strong>God</strong> because we love Him (not trying to bargain w/<strong>God</strong>).<br />
Gospel frees us from slavery to love <strong>of</strong> sin. Expulsive power: a new affection<br />
c. Wage war against sin. I Pe. 2:11 I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain<br />
from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.<br />
d. Not just avoid evil deeds, but positively do good. Titus 2:14 Eph. 2:10<br />
e. To the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>: Some do-gooders give no <strong>glory</strong> to <strong>God</strong>. Mt. 5:14 6:1-2,5<br />
Give > sound trumpet for their own <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
f. Serve by His strength, consciously seeking His <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
11. We glorify <strong>God</strong> when we trust Him in trials. I Pe. 1:6-7 4:13,16 You have<br />
been distressed by various trials, so that the pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> your faith, being more<br />
precious than Gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be<br />
found to result in praise and <strong>glory</strong> and honor at the revelation <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ...<br />
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if anyone suffers as Christian he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify <strong>God</strong> in<br />
this name.<br />
12. We glorify <strong>God</strong> by our loving unity. Jo. 17:22 13:35 Ro. 15:6-7 II Co. 9:13<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>glory</strong> which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one,<br />
just as We are one...accept one another just as Christ also accepted us to the<br />
<strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>.<br />
13. We glorify <strong>God</strong> as we seek His <strong>glory</strong> in all we do. I Co. 6:20 10:31 You have<br />
been bought with a price; therefore, Glorify <strong>God</strong> in your body... Whether then<br />
you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>.<br />
a. Not just going to church. But a particular way <strong>of</strong> living: Let your light shine...<br />
b. Eat: with thankfulness: BEST NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION. I Tim. 4:3-5<br />
c. Don’t eat (or watch: TV) what you can’t give thanks w/a clear conscience.<br />
d. This is why an Unbeliever can do no good work (to <strong>God</strong>’s <strong>glory</strong>).<br />
e. Students: Piper: the task <strong>of</strong> Christian scholarship is to study reality as a<br />
manifestation <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s <strong>glory</strong>, to speak about it with accuracy, and to savor the<br />
beauty <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> in it. Math, music, science, history.<br />
G. We share in <strong>God</strong>’s <strong>glory</strong>. Col. 3:4 Ps. 73:24 I Co. 15:43 Eph. 5:27 Phil. 3:21 II Th.<br />
1:10 2:14 Heb. 2:10 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be<br />
revealed with Him in <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
1. That which was connected to <strong>God</strong> under the Old Covenant, including the<br />
priesthood and the tabernacle, was glorious. Ex. 28:2,40 40:34 Eze. 9:3 I Ki.<br />
8:11 Ps. 87:3 You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for <strong>glory</strong> and<br />
for beauty... <strong>The</strong> cloud covered the tent <strong>of</strong> meeting and the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> the LORD filled<br />
the tabernacle...<br />
2. <strong>The</strong> New Covenant is more glorious than the Old as we are a royal priesthood<br />
who make up His spiritual temple. I Pet. 2:9-10 4:14 Eph. 2:19-22 II Cor. 3:7-11<br />
a. Contrast the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> Moses with the more glorious ministry <strong>of</strong> the Spirit: NC.<br />
3. We have been predestined to <strong>glory</strong>. Rom. 8:29-30 I Co. 2:7 Those whom He<br />
foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image <strong>of</strong> His Son,..and those<br />
whom He predestined, He also called, and those whom He called, He also justified;<br />
and those whom He justified, He also glorified.<br />
4. In what sense will we be glorified? Dan. 12:3 Mt. 13:43 Phil. 3:21 Ro. 8:17 Co.<br />
3:4 (He) will transform the body <strong>of</strong> our humble state into conformity with the body<br />
<strong>of</strong> his <strong>glory</strong>, by the exertion <strong>of</strong> the power that He has even to subject all things to<br />
Himself... When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed<br />
with Him in <strong>glory</strong>. We will fully reflect His image. Splendor.<br />
5. Our hope is the final and full manifestation <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s <strong>glory</strong> when Christ returns.<br />
Is. 40:5 66:18-19 Re. 21:23 I Co. 15:43 I Pe. 5:10 <strong>The</strong>n the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> the LORD will<br />
be revealed, And all flesh will see it together... After you have suffered for a little<br />
while, the <strong>God</strong> <strong>of</strong> all grace, who called you to His eternal <strong>glory</strong> in Christ, will<br />
Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.<br />
a. We look forward to future <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
b. Piper: Heaven will be a never-ending, ever-increasing discover <strong>of</strong> more and<br />
more <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s <strong>glory</strong> with greater and ever-greater joy in Him.<br />
IV. Concluding applications.<br />
A. It is all about <strong>God</strong> and His <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
1. <strong>The</strong> world seeks an entirely different <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
a. Piper: sin: devotion to inferior <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
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. Perhaps some <strong>of</strong> you still don’t see how glorious <strong>God</strong> is. Not worth your life.<br />
c. Schaeffer: People in the world seek personal peace and affluence.<br />
2. Even the church has lost its way: trying to use <strong>God</strong>/religion to promote human<br />
<strong>glory</strong> rather than humbly pursuing <strong>God</strong>’s <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
3. <strong>The</strong> <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> is the only <strong>glory</strong> worth pursuing. Most enjoyable <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
4. Glorify <strong>God</strong> by seeking His <strong>glory</strong> in Christ.<br />
B. Doxology (<strong>glory</strong> to <strong>God</strong>). Ro. 11:33-36 16:25-27 I Ti. 1:17 Jude 1:24-25 Heb. 13:20-21<br />
<strong>Attributes</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>: His Glory: Quiz<br />
1. How has the modern church lost its way when it comes to <strong>glory</strong>?<br />
2. What do the biblical words translated ‘<strong>glory</strong>’ mean?<br />
3. Where in the Old Testament is <strong>God</strong>’s <strong>glory</strong> displayed?<br />
4. How is the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> displayed in Christ?<br />
5. How is <strong>God</strong> glorified even through human sin?<br />
6. What does it mean to glorify <strong>God</strong>? Do we increase His <strong>glory</strong>?<br />
7. Why is it wrong for us to seek our <strong>glory</strong> while it is right for <strong>God</strong> to seek His own <strong>glory</strong>?<br />
8. Explain how sin is rooted in placing another <strong>glory</strong> above the <strong>glory</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>.<br />
9. Why is the unbeliever incapable <strong>of</strong> even one good work?<br />
10. List several ways in which we can glorify <strong>God</strong>.<br />
11. In what sense will we be glorified?<br />
V. Misc<br />
A. Sing: Fairest Lord Jesus. Blessed be Your Name.<br />
B. Stdy<br />
1. See Worship<br />
C. Misc<br />
1. I Chron. 29:14 who are we?<br />
2. His name. Ps. 47:4<br />
3. We <strong>glory</strong> in <strong>God</strong>. Hallal. Ps. 64:10<br />
4. Hos. 9:11 human <strong>glory</strong> is fleeting.<br />
5. Eph. 3:19 <strong>glory</strong> is shame.<br />
6. I Th. 2:6 not seek <strong>glory</strong> from men.<br />
7. II Th . 1:9 Wicked shut <strong>of</strong>f from His <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
8. I Pe. 5:4<br />
9. Throughout Rev. Call to give <strong>God</strong> <strong>glory</strong>.<br />
10. Rev. 19:1,7 21:23 glorious city <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>.<br />
11. Our good works display His <strong>glory</strong><br />
12. Beauty and <strong>glory</strong>. Ex. 28:2,28<br />
13. Beauty <strong>of</strong> Zion. Ps. 48:2 50:2 96:6 Is. 33:17 Dan. 11:16<br />
14. Our beauty. Isa. 62:3<br />
15. Rom. 10:15 beautiful feet.<br />
16. Ezekiel: visions <strong>of</strong> the divine <strong>glory</strong>: cherubim, throne, light.<br />
17. Angels glorioius. Heb. 9:5 Ezek. 9:3 Rev. 18:1 Jude 8 II Pe. 2:10<br />
18. <strong>The</strong> Bible teaches two steps we must take to form a right idea <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong>’s<br />
greatness.<br />
a. Remove from our thoughts <strong>of</strong> <strong>God</strong> limits that would make him small. Ps. 139<br />
b. Compare Him with powers and forces which we regard as great. Isa. 40:12ff<br />
nations, tasks, world, rulers, cosmos/stars.<br />
19. Johnson: Expulsive power: replace impure affections.<br />
20. We trash talk when our teams wins though we had nothing to do w/it.<br />
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