What the Bible Contains: Pt. 13. For the Glory of God Alone!
Good morning
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.
The glory of God is the chief end of all scripture. The word "glory" is used 402 times in the Bible and the vast majority of times it is connected with God's glory.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.
This century's old English church reminds us that only an active faith and a dynamic relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ can help us weather the storms of life.
The glory of God is the chief end of all scripture. The word "glory" is used 402 times in the Bible and the vast majority of times it is connected with God's glory.
What does glory mean? It refers to honor, excellence, majesty, splendor and reverence that belongs to God alone. It reminds us that God is light and there is no darkness in him at all. It recalls that our God is a consuming fire.
Exodus 24:15-17 And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount. 16 And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. 17 And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.
We are probably familiar with the context of this text. We have Jehovah giving His law to Moses on Mount Sinai. The mountain quaked, thunder rumbled and the mighty trumpet of God sounded with a powerful blast. This was a fearful and yet and awe inspiring sight to behold. God's glory came in a cloud and it looked like a raging fire on top of Mount Sinai.
Hebrews 12:18-21 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: 20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: 21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)
Moses was a humble servant of His God and Jehovah spoke to him face to face. The overriding concern of Moses was the glory of God being magnified by His people.
The glory of God is so overwhelming that Moses himself said "I do exceedingly fear and quake." I think that statement tells us a lot about the glory of God. This glory emanates from Him and belongs exclusively to Him.
God is all Light & all Glory.
1 John 1:5-7 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
The apostle John tells us right up front that God is light and then he puts it another way by saying that there is no darkness in Him. John gave us a good litmus test for determining if someone is born again or not. Those who walk in darkness and do whatever the sin depraved culture is doing, are liars. They are not born again because they walk in darkness instead of the light.
Believers walk in the light of God and walk in the light of His Word and heed the leading of His Spirit. The born again people of God enjoy sweet fellowship with each other by walking in the light.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
The apostle James demonstrates the infinite contrast between the glory of Jehovah and the vanity of man made pagan idolatry. James calls Him the Father of lights. There is no variableness with Him because He is always the same. There is not shadow caused by Him turning His back on His children because He never will.
The name of our God is All Glorious.
Psalm 72:17-20 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed. 18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. 19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen. 20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.
This is the last Psalm recorded by King David. Three times in the text David mentions the name of the Lord. His name will endure forever and continue as long as the sun rises and sets. This is the idea of the eternal being of God. He always was, He is now and He always will be. This is the meaning of the Divine Name "I Am." David then proclaims that the glorious name of God be forever blessed.
Jehovah will not give His glory to any idolatrous rival made by man.
Isaiah 42:5-12 Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: 6 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; 7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. 8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. 9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. 10 Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof. 11 Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.
12 Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands.
The prophet Isaiah exalts God as the Creator and Sustainer of all. He made all things and governs all the universe with the word of His power. He alone gives life and breath to all living things.
Next, Isaiah tells us that He calls all people to righteousness and He will make an everlasting covenant with those who trust Him for salvation.
The prophet shows us that when Messiah comes He will heal the sick and release the prisoners held captive by sin.
It is within this context that Jehovah declares His beautiful name and He expressly declares He will not give His glory to anyone or anything.
Isaiah 42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Isaiah 48:11 For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.
The saved of all the ages are for the glory of God.
Isaiah 43:7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
It is amazing to consider that Jehovah calls us by His name out of the darkness of sin into the light and joy of the Lord. He created us for His glory and that is something we all need to remember. If He created me for His glory how can I fail to live a life that reflects His glory to others around me?
The Light and Glory of God rises above the darkness and all are invited to come.
Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
The glory of God is to be evident in our lives. His glory brings light just like the entrance of His Word brings light into our soul. The light and glory of God is to be put on display because people will be drawn to Jehovah's light and glory.
Mankind's chief end is to glorify the Lord God Almighty.
Psalm 29:1-2 A Psalm of David. Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Psalm 96:7-8 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
Read through these texts and take note of the clear command to give unto Jehovah all glory. Twice it says to give Him glory and strength and twice it says to give Jehovah the glory that His name deserves.
Psalm 22:23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
This is why we were created. To glorify our wonderful God. Evidence of the new birth and walking in newness of life while leaning upon the everlasting arms will cause other people to glorify God. (See Romans 15:6-9; 1 Corinthians 6:20).
Christ is glorified by the Father in heaven.
John 16:13-15 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Thoughts to Ponder...
I know that we only briefly touched on this vast subject. The word "glory" is used 402 times, the word "glorify" is found 22 times and the word "glorified is used 49 times in the Bible. That means there are almost 500 references to study with regard to the glory of God.
I tried to bring out the main points about glory that rightfully belongs to God alone and how the primary goal of all things is to bring glory to God.
Believers have a unique role in this joyous undertaking. Jehovah saved us with the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost. We all know how vile and ungodly we were before Christ saved us. We have all been blessed to walk in newness of life in the Spirit of God.
We are best equipped to shout out praises to the God who saved us. We are best equipped to give Him glory for all that He did to lift us out of sins miry clay and set us on the solid rock of Christ.
May each one of us today think long and hard about how we might give glory to God by our thoughts, words and actions. May Jesus Christ be praised.
Bob
Exodus 24:15-17 And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount. 16 And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. 17 And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.
We are probably familiar with the context of this text. We have Jehovah giving His law to Moses on Mount Sinai. The mountain quaked, thunder rumbled and the mighty trumpet of God sounded with a powerful blast. This was a fearful and yet and awe inspiring sight to behold. God's glory came in a cloud and it looked like a raging fire on top of Mount Sinai.
Hebrews 12:18-21 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: 20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: 21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)
Moses was a humble servant of His God and Jehovah spoke to him face to face. The overriding concern of Moses was the glory of God being magnified by His people.
The glory of God is so overwhelming that Moses himself said "I do exceedingly fear and quake." I think that statement tells us a lot about the glory of God. This glory emanates from Him and belongs exclusively to Him.
God is all Light & all Glory.
1 John 1:5-7 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
The apostle John tells us right up front that God is light and then he puts it another way by saying that there is no darkness in Him. John gave us a good litmus test for determining if someone is born again or not. Those who walk in darkness and do whatever the sin depraved culture is doing, are liars. They are not born again because they walk in darkness instead of the light.
Believers walk in the light of God and walk in the light of His Word and heed the leading of His Spirit. The born again people of God enjoy sweet fellowship with each other by walking in the light.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
The apostle James demonstrates the infinite contrast between the glory of Jehovah and the vanity of man made pagan idolatry. James calls Him the Father of lights. There is no variableness with Him because He is always the same. There is not shadow caused by Him turning His back on His children because He never will.
The name of our God is All Glorious.
Psalm 72:17-20 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed. 18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. 19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen. 20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.
This is the last Psalm recorded by King David. Three times in the text David mentions the name of the Lord. His name will endure forever and continue as long as the sun rises and sets. This is the idea of the eternal being of God. He always was, He is now and He always will be. This is the meaning of the Divine Name "I Am." David then proclaims that the glorious name of God be forever blessed.
Jehovah will not give His glory to any idolatrous rival made by man.
Isaiah 42:5-12 Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: 6 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; 7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. 8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. 9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. 10 Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof. 11 Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains.
12 Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands.
The prophet Isaiah exalts God as the Creator and Sustainer of all. He made all things and governs all the universe with the word of His power. He alone gives life and breath to all living things.
Next, Isaiah tells us that He calls all people to righteousness and He will make an everlasting covenant with those who trust Him for salvation.
The prophet shows us that when Messiah comes He will heal the sick and release the prisoners held captive by sin.
It is within this context that Jehovah declares His beautiful name and He expressly declares He will not give His glory to anyone or anything.
Isaiah 42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Isaiah 48:11 For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.
The saved of all the ages are for the glory of God.
Isaiah 43:7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
It is amazing to consider that Jehovah calls us by His name out of the darkness of sin into the light and joy of the Lord. He created us for His glory and that is something we all need to remember. If He created me for His glory how can I fail to live a life that reflects His glory to others around me?
The Light and Glory of God rises above the darkness and all are invited to come.
Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
The glory of God is to be evident in our lives. His glory brings light just like the entrance of His Word brings light into our soul. The light and glory of God is to be put on display because people will be drawn to Jehovah's light and glory.
Mankind's chief end is to glorify the Lord God Almighty.
Psalm 29:1-2 A Psalm of David. Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Psalm 96:7-8 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 8 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
Read through these texts and take note of the clear command to give unto Jehovah all glory. Twice it says to give Him glory and strength and twice it says to give Jehovah the glory that His name deserves.
Psalm 22:23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
This is why we were created. To glorify our wonderful God. Evidence of the new birth and walking in newness of life while leaning upon the everlasting arms will cause other people to glorify God. (See Romans 15:6-9; 1 Corinthians 6:20).
Christ is glorified by the Father in heaven.
John 16:13-15 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Thoughts to Ponder...
I know that we only briefly touched on this vast subject. The word "glory" is used 402 times, the word "glorify" is found 22 times and the word "glorified is used 49 times in the Bible. That means there are almost 500 references to study with regard to the glory of God.
I tried to bring out the main points about glory that rightfully belongs to God alone and how the primary goal of all things is to bring glory to God.
Believers have a unique role in this joyous undertaking. Jehovah saved us with the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost. We all know how vile and ungodly we were before Christ saved us. We have all been blessed to walk in newness of life in the Spirit of God.
We are best equipped to shout out praises to the God who saved us. We are best equipped to give Him glory for all that He did to lift us out of sins miry clay and set us on the solid rock of Christ.
May each one of us today think long and hard about how we might give glory to God by our thoughts, words and actions. May Jesus Christ be praised.
Bob
Comments
Post a Comment