GOD’S GLORY

GOD’S GLORY “for the praise of HIS Glory”                                        

TEXT: Eph. 1: 12-14

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be for the praise of HIS GLORY.  And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.  Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession–to the praise of HIS GLORY.  

• Psalm 24:8-10 Who is the” King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.  Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.  Who is he, this King of glory?  The LORD Almighty, (Jesus, the second person of the Trinity) – he is the King of glory.
• John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
• John 17:1-5 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.  For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.  Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.  I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.  And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”
• Psalm 115:1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

Story: 

Zenas Gerig  Devotional “I am reminded of a Jamaican expression in patois (creole).  When for instance, the country bus is packed full to the door and still other passengers want aboard, it is not uncommon to hear the expression: “Small up yourselves,” On other occasions, during a worship service in church, it is not uncommon to hear the expression:  “Let’s big up Jesus.” 

Such expressions describe the appropriate attitude of the Christian as he meditates upon God’s glory.  Worship is minimizing ourselves and maximizing our God ----“Majesty, worship His majesty.  Unto Jesus be all glory honor and praise” (Hayford) “ “Thou art worthy, Thou art worthy, Thou art worthy, O Lord.  To receive glory, glory and honor, Glory and honor and power.”  (Pauline M. Mills; based on Revelation 4:11.)

Song:   To God be the Glory  

To God be the glory–great things He hath done!  So loved He the world that He gave us His Son, Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, and opened the Life-gate that all may go in.  Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice!  Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice!  O come to the Father thru Jesus the Son, and give Him the glory–great things He hath done. Fanny Crosby

Ed. Note:

This is an introduction to the Five Gs of God: Glory, Goodness, Greatness, Guidance and Grace. Further development of these may come at a later time. For those interested in getting in contact with Dr. Biberstein regarding any of these topics may do so by contacting the Fort Wayne Alumni Center.