December 3, 2017

To the Glory of God Alone

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: Solas Scripture: Isaiah 40:12–22

Solas:

To The Glory of God Alone:

Isaiah 40:12-22

SDG – Soli Deo Gloria

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” (Psalm 115:1)

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36)

What Is The Glory of God?

  1. Internal

The idea of God’s glory encompasses the greatness, beauty and Perfection of all that God is

Hebrew word “kabod” – “Heavy in Weight”

  1. External

Sometimes God’s glory is used to refer to the Brightness that surrounds God’s revelation of himself.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1)

Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34)

 “As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord filled the Lord’s house. When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”” (2 Chronicles 7:1–3)

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.” (Hebrews 1:3a)

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”” (Luke 2:8–14)

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:11–12)

And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 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.” (Revelation 21:22–23)

What Does It Mean To Glorify God?

To give God the Honor He is due. 

We do not Add to God’s glory, we recognize it and acknowledge it in our response.

How Do I Glorify God?

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

  1. By our Faith

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)

No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:20–21)

  1. By our Worship

I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.” (Psalm 86:12)

saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”” (Revelation 5:12–13)

  1. By our Service

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10–11)

  1. By our Satisfaction and Joy

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)

“Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” Westminster Catechism

“God is glorified not only by His glory’s being seen, but by its being rejoiced in. When those that see it delight in it, God is more glorified than if they only see it.” Jonathan Edwards

 

Making It Personal:

  • How have I personally responded to the gift of God’s grace through Jesus Christ?
  • How often do I reflect on God’s glory? How might I bring God’s glory more to the forefront of my thinking?
  • What will it look like for me to live more fully for God’s glory?
  • Who can I share these truths with?

other sermons in this series

Nov 19

2017

Christ Alone

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:21 Series: Solas

Nov 5

2017

Grace Alone

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Ephesians 2:1–10 Series: Solas

Oct 29

2017

Faith Alone

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Scripture: Ephesians 2:8–9 Series: Solas