Sermon Info
Summary
Scripture counsels us to have the glory of God at the center of our lives. That means we are to live for His renown, and this should be evident in our lives. In fact, when we live for His glory over our own, it is always for our good. Paul says, “To Him be glory in the church.” The church (this is us) should be the most beautiful manifestation of His glory in the world. The picture of this in the early church shows a group of people focused on God, and the result is their good and God’s glory. This should be true of us and the church today.
Content
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us to Him be glory in the church... Ephesians 3:20-21
God’s glory is always for our good.
God’s Glory
Hebrew – Kabod
Greek – Doxa
God’s glory is all of which He has done, is doing, and can (will) do.
God’s glory is also the sum of His characteristics.
The Unfolding of God’s Glory in Scripture
1. God’s Glory Around Us
All of creation is pleading with us to see and contemplate the glory of God.
Psalm 19:1-2
We were created in the image and glory of God.
Genesis 1:27
2. God’s Glory With Us
God’s glory is experienced in His special presence with His special creation.
Exodus 24:15–18
Jesus is Immanuel (God with us).
Matthew 1:22-23
3. God’s Glory In Us
Through the work of Jesus, we now have God’s cosmic glory in us.
His glory is what changes us and is what we are changed into.
2 Corinthians 3:18
2 Peter 1:3
We were made in glory and are now being re-made in glory.
4. God’s Glory For Us
The greatest manifestation of the glory of God in the world today is the Church.
Ephesians 3:21a
God’s design is for individual carriers of cosmic glory to collectively gather.
Acts 2:42–47
The early Church lived out in a practical way what it meant to have the glory of God at the center of their lives.
5. God’s Glory Through Us
When the Church has favor among the people, God gets the glory.
For the glory of God, we go.
Psalm 96:3
