The issue of God's glory and what we who seek to follow Him should do about it is so deep and vast I must select only a few passages of scripture and offer brief elaboration or I'd need to write volumes on the subject. Indeed, endless books and articles have long been written on this. But to keep a few key points readable in a short time span please consider the following.
Isaiah 43.10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. 11. I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior. 12. I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and I am God. 13. Also henceforth I am he; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back?”
GK- One way of beginning to think on God's glory is to recognize exactly what God has said about Himself. One could start with the above text. He has NO equal, not prior nor after, God alone is GOD and for this deserves ultimate glory, reverence, respect. The term "glory" in Hebrew means "abundance, riches, honor, splendor, dignity of position, character.
Considering Jesus:
John 1.14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Hebrews 1.3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high
GK- Therefore as believers, followers of Jesus Christ:
1 Corinthians 10.31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Romans 3.23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
2 Corinthians 3.18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Romans 11.36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Colossians 1.27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
GK- Of course it takes faith (that itself a gift from God) and note how Abraham grew in faith toward God. Reading the Greek and several solid English translations I do believe the NRSV got it correct in adding the "as" to the English text: "No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God." The focus and motive of genuine gratitude, thanks, praise and honor toward God in worship of Father/Son/Spirit is to give Him glory. If we do this from the heart, God is glorified as He also is by our loving obedience to Him and His Word, the Spirit of Truth who lives in and helps (Jesus calls Him "Helper") us as followers walk in such a way God is glorified by and in His people!
Psalm 19.1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
GK- Even the created world and universe -declares- His glory as Creator and Sustainer of the visible elements. Jesus said that if the people didn't give thanks the very rocks would cry out doing so!
A time is coming, believe it or not, when Jesus' followers will be with Him and one another for eternity in a new city whose builder is God Himself:
Revelation 21.23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
2 Corinthians 4.6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
GK- May we daily, even moment-by-moment remember WHO He is, and WHOSE we are giving Him glory and focused on His honor, not our own!
As always, thanks for stopping by. -Glenn
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