How Can We Worship God In His Glory? Standing Firm: Knowing Your Father

Session 11 Introduction:

I thought it would be fitting to end our series on the attributes of God with a message comprehending the glory of God. The series end will be man’s chief end.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism begins with a query of “What is the chief end of man?”. The substantive, yet simple response is “To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”

Yet the church has lost focus on an emphasis of neglecting the depth of God’s Word, focusing

on programs rather than the Person of Christ, or watering down worship so that people are pleased rather than God.

The Christian has lost focus on the glory of God when: o we focus on what church can do for me, rather than what can I do for the Lord in

church o we seek happiness and pleasure apart from Christ, rather than from Christ o our goals are driven to please self, not Christ o our sin falls short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23)

We must recapture the focus of bringing God glory as we reconsider God’s worthiness of this honor by continuing to focus on God’s attributes in our everyday lives.

Romans 11:36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

I. What Is The Glory Of God?

“Glory is essential to the Godhead as light is to the sun. Glory is the sparkling of the Deity.”

(Thomas Watson) A. God’s Glory Is About The Heavy Weight Of His Honor (Hebrew: kabod)

Hebrew: kabod – “glory and honor” o Origin of the word has to do with “a heavy weight” o John Frame: “Kavod is also translated ‘wealth’ or ‘riches,’ as is the Greek time.

Both terms can be translated ‘reputation,’ ‘splendor,’ or ‘honor.’” (The Doctrine of God, p. 592)

Ie/ A rich man was measured by how heavy his bag of gold was

“He’s worth his weight in gold” – I would have the advantage over most of you because I weigh more, if I was given gold for my weight

The richer the man was in ancient times, the greater influence he had on his community

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Kabod is the expressed luminous manifestation of Himself, particularly in the temple When the ark was stolen by the Philistines, the event was described as Ichabod “the glory

of the Lord has departed” (1 Sam 4:21)

Glory is not necessarily an attribute, but an accolade Glory is an honor conferred upon God for who He is

Ie/ “MVP” of a sport’s league is a honor based on the athletic attributes Ie/ Oscar statue is an honor based on excellence of acting attributes Ie/ Time’s “Man of the Year” is an honor based on someone (or last year’s collective U.S. military receiving the honor) bearing the excellent attributes of humanity

God’s glory is a honor bestowed upon God for who He is in His character and works

Exodus 33:18 And he said, “Please, show me Your glory.”

Exodus 33:19-23 19 And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” 21 And the LORD said, “Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, 22 and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”

Moses is asking for God to reveal His greatness over Israel’s problems and superiority over Israel’s enemies

But Moses couldn’t handle God’s glory

God responded by saying He would show Moses His goodness o “goodness” has been used of “jewelry,” or “splendor”

B. God’s Glory Is About The Brilliant Light Of His Reputation (Greek: doxa)

Greek: doxa – “honor, fame, repute” o 165x in the NT o doxa basically means “to seem, or appear” o for the Greeks, fame & glory were the most important values in life o Jews highly esteemed men with great honor o 1 Cor 11:5 – glory of the woman is her hair

ie/ America places a great deal on fame

Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”

Q: How does God appear to us? C. God’s Glory Is About The Awesome Effect Of His Presence (Hebrew: shekinah)

shekinah = to dwell or reside with

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Exodus 40:34-35 34Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

God’s light was a blinding light – could kill most people

Moses caught a shadow of this bright light – he radiated

Exodus 34:29-35 29Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him. 30So when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him…. 33And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face. 34But whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with Him, he would take the veil off until he came out; and he would come out and speak to the children of Israel whatever he had been commanded. 35And whenever the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone, then Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with Him.

During Israel’s wilderness wandering, God led them as a cloud in the day, fire by night When tabernacle was completed, God’s presence came as a brilliant light – Shekinah –

glorious light of God God’s shekinah presence also filled Solomon’s temple

1 Kings 8:10-11 10And it came to pass, when the priests came out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the Lord, 11so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.

II. How Does God Reveal His Glory?

A. God’s Glory Is Revealed In His Being (Dt 28:58; Isa 6:3; Ex 15:6,11; Ps 93:1)

Tony Evans: “The glory of God is best described as the visible manifestation of His attributes, His character, His perfections.” (Our God Is Awesome, p. 108)

The glory of God is said to be intrinsic 1. In His Name

Deuteronomy 28:58 fear this glorious and awesome name, THE LORD YOUR GOD,

2. In His Holiness

Isaiah 6:3 “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory”

- light of righteousness, contrary to darkness of sin - where there is holiness, there is unadulterated light

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- by living a separated life – pure from sin

Exodus 15:11 Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders?

3. In His Power

Exodus 15:6 Your right hand, O Lord, has become glorious in power

4. In His Majesty

Psalm 93:1 The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The Lord is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength. Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved.

5. In His Perfection

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

B. God’s Glory Is Revealed Through The Trinity 1. The Father Glorifies The Son – John 8:50, 52; 13:32; 14:13; 17:1,5

John 17:1,5 a 1b “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

2. The Son Glorifies The Father – John 7:18; 13:31; 17:4

John 13:31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.”

3. The Spirit Glorifies The Son John 16:14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 4. The Father Glorifies Himself

John 12:28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”

C. God’s Glory Is Revealed Through His Creation (Ps19:1; cf. Rom 1:19-21)

Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows his handiwork.”

When you see creation, you think AWESOME

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To be in awe of the Creator is contained in the OT concept of glory The Creator is seen as heavy, important, awesome

Contrast:

Rom 1:19-21 “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God has shown it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse; because when they knew God, they glorified him not as God.”

Romans 11:33-36 “O, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has know the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to Him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”

He’s so great, He’s beyond our wisdom, knowledge & judgments

He’s so great – He needs no counselor He’s so great – He owes man nothing, but we are His debtors

D. God’s Glory Is Revealed In His Followers 1. God Produced Us So We Can Glorify Him (Col 1:16-19; Rev 4:11)

Colossians 1:16-19 16For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 19For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,

Col 1:16 - created by Him – 2x emphasis - created for Him

v.17 – He is the priority, the initiator, the Creator and sustainer

v.18 – that he might have the pre-eminence

Revelation 4:11 “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

Revelation 4:9 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever,

We are created for His glory and pleasure What’s your purpose in life? Some are grasping for purpose in life

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Students – what am I going to do in life When it comes to work – is this really what God wants me to do the rest of

my life? 2. God Predestined Us So We Can Glorify Him (Eph 1:5-6)

Ephesians 1:5-6 5Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

predestined – preplanned ie/ Predestine a missions trip

e.g. Expedia, Kayak, Travelocity predestine your hotel, air flight, rental car, meals, tour bus predestine your itinerary – one day here, another day here

God is your travel agent – predestine your itinerary on your temporary trip on earth ie/ where God wants you to go to school – best education, best location - How about best ministry opportunity? - your itinerary or God’s itinerary? Ie/ where God wants you to work 3. God Purchased Us So We Can Glorify Him (1 Cor 6:19-20)

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 19Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Q: What are you doing with your body? - immorality – thinking: my body is my own, I’ll do what I want with it - but our body belongs to God (1 Cor 6) - married – body belongs to spouse (1 Cor 7) Q: Where does your body go? - take temple of HS to places you shouldn’t go?

4. God Preserves Us So We Can Glorify Him (Rom 15:5-6)

Romans 15:5-6 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus; that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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III. How Is God’s Glory Revealed In Us?

A. When We Bear Christ’s Fruit In Our Lives

John 15:8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

B. When Our Good Works Reflect Christ

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

C. When We Do God’s Will

John 17:4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. D. When We Walk By Faith And Rely On God’s Promise

Romans 4:19-21 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.

E. When We Seek God’s Glory Through Our Trials

1 Peter 4:14-16 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

F. When We Are Strengthened In Christ Through Trials

Ephesians 3:13-15 13Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. 14For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

We endure several struggles in our lifetime: spiritual, economic, personal, health Tribulations are actually for our glory when we see God’s purpose Romans 8:28-29 – all things work for good => conform us to His image

James 1:2-4 – count all joy in trials – growth, perfection Q: How do you react: whine, complain, gripe?

When our ministry struggles, do we gripe or see how God can be glorified? When our health fails, do we whine or see how God can be glorified in our recovery

or in death?

When we go through a split up of a relationship, how long will we wallow in self-pity before we discover that we can glorify God through this pain?

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G. When The Character Of Christ Transforms The Inner Self (16-17)

Ephesians 3:16-17 16that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

When we exercise the faith that Christ dwells within us, then we glorify God. Ie/ Robert Munger wrote a booklet called “My Heart, Christ’s Home” where he compared

the human soul to a house. When we allow our guest, Christ, to have full access to every compartment of our life (library, bedroom, family room) as opposed to only the showcase living room, then we comprehend the indwelling of Christ. Then Christ is glorified.

H. When We Confess Our Sin

Joshua 7:19 Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the LORD God of Israel and give praise to him. And tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.”

I. When We Are Sexually Pure

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

J. When We Are Harmonious With The Church

Romans 15:5-6 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

IV. How Does Man’s Pride Attempt To Rob God Of His Glory? (Ezek 28:2,17; Isa 14:14)

“Narcissus was a beautiful young boy who left a devastating trail of unrequited love in his wake. We all know Hell hath no cumulative fury like a gaggle of Greek women scorned so, inevitably, the gods grew tired of hearing them whine. They put a serious harsh on his mellow by cursing the young stud. While strutting through the forest one day, Narcissus came across a deep pool of water and noticed his reflection for the first time. He instantly fell in love with the reflected image and stayed there at the pool, staring at his bad self until he died. “Perseus was a young hero and an illegitimate love-child of the god Zeus. Medusa, who I like to think of as sort of a fundamental, snake-handling Christian’s dream date, was all up in the king’s kool-aid turning everyone to stone and whatnot. That is until Perseus shows up on the scene with a new piece of epic loot: a Shield of Mirrors (+10 Reflection, +8 Intellect, -100 Durability). Instead of looking at Medusa directly and perishing, Perseus protects himself by looking at her indirectly through the shield’s shiny, reflective surface. Then he lops her head off. Rawr.”

(http://churchcrunch.com/flickering-pixels-group-blogging-project-chapter-3/)

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Alvin Plantinga describes “pride” as “blend of narcissism and conceit that we detest in others and sometimes tenderly protect in ourselves” (Plantinga, Not the Way It’s Supposed to Be).

Plantinga again: “What sin makes God seem more irrelevant? God wants to fill us with his Holy

Spirit, but when we are proud we are already full of ourselves. There’s no room for God.”

Satan’s pride told God to move over

Ezekiel 28:17a Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. Isaiah 14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’

Ezekiel 28:2 “Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre, Thus says the Lord God: ‘Because your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god, I sit in the seat of the gods, in the heart of the seas,’ yet you are but a man, and no god, though you make your heart like the heart of a god—

James Emery White: “Pride is the seedbed of rebellion against God, because it chooses to cast God from His throne and place another in His place – namely ourselves. Pride is, by its very nature, competitive. And if not competitive, then most certainly exclusive.” (Long Night’s Journey Into Day: The Path Away From Sin, p. 138)

C. S. Lewis described pride as the complete anti-God state of mind. (Mere Christianity, p. 94) Augustine described pride as the political enemy of the City of God.

The “Self-Esteem” movement seeks to find worth in self rather than in God (intrinsic worth =

created in image of God; extrinsic worth = love of Christ who went to cross for us)

Man’s evolutionary theory makes man a product of chance and ends up in oblivion – there’s no purpose or value to life if this theory is true

But if man is created in the image of God and ends up with God forever in heaven – there is purpose and value in life – it begins and ends with God.

A. The Cause Of Pride 1. Pride Comes When You Think Self-Worth Is Measured By Intelligence

1 Corinthians 8:1 1Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.

People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

2. Pride Comes When You Think Privilege Makes You Better Than Others

1 Timothy 3:6 6not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.

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3. Pride Comes When You Think Having Power Makes You Better Than Others

Leviticus 26:19 19I will break the pride of your power; I will make your heavens like iron and your earth like bronze. Ezekiel 30:6 6‘Thus says the Lord: “Those who uphold Egypt shall fall, And the pride of her power shall come down. From Migdol to Syene Those within her shall fall by the sword,” Says the Lord God.

Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.

4. Pride Comes When You Think Having Possessions Makes You Better Than

Others

Luke 18:24-25 24And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

5. Pride Comes When You Think You’re Religiously Superior To Others

Luke 18:11-12 11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’

6. Pride Comes When You Love The Things Of The World 1 John 2:15-17 15Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

The “pride of life” (he alazoneia tou biou) can only be found elsewhere in James 4:16 (“boast in your arrogance”). The NASB translates this phrase as “the boastful pride of life”. This sin is the inflation of our ego, pride, and boastfulness. The person afflicted with the pride of life finds self-esteem in degrees, jobs, positions, titles, cars, houses, and name brand clothes.

1 Timothy 6:6-11 6Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

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In Matthew 4, Jesus was tempted with lust of flesh (bread), lust of eyes (kingdoms of world), and the pride of life (cast self down with angels catching).

In Genesis 3:6, the devil appealed to Eve through: o lust of flesh - good food o lust of eyes - pleasant to eyes o pride of life - make one like God

B. The Challenge Of Pride

Romans 1:18-23 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

1. The Repression Of The Truth Of God (18b)

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

here is the heart of atheism – the suppression of truth

suppress = stifle, hinder, hold down o word has been used to describe holding in jail or an illegal hold o psychology has a synonym – repression

Webster’s dictionary – “REPRESSION” = a process by which unacceptable desires and impulses are excluded from consciousness and left to operate in the unconscious

in unrighteousness – the tool they use to hold down the truth

ie/ police officers stifle their suspects with handcuffs ie/ wrestlers hold down their opponents with pin moves

the unbeliever holds down the truth of God in unrighteousness

2. The Rejection Of The Revelation Of God (19-20) 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

creation – evidence of His power and attributes

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Objection: Isn’t it unfair for the heathen that doesn’t know how that God is trying to reveal Himself to them?

We are without excuse o man chooses to be ignorant of God – thinking ignorance is bliss

Q: Will God judge those who have never seen a Bible or heard of Jesus Christ? YES

R.C. Sproul – “The cumulative effect of this knowledge that is clearly seen is to leave men ‘without excuse’. Herein lies the basis of the universal guilt of man. No one can claim ignorance of the knowledge of God. No one can cite insufficient evidence for not believing in God. Though people are not persuaded by the evidence, this does not indicate an insufficiency in the evidence, but rather an insufficiency in man…The problem is not a lack of knowledge or a lack of natural cognitive equipment, but a moral deficiency. Hence man is held to be at fault for his refusal to submit to the evidence God plainly provides.” (If There’s A God, Why Are There Atheists?, p. 62)

The problem is not with God’s revelation, but of man’s rejection o not that the teacher is not teaching, but the student refuses to learn o ie/ Barnhouse – physics teacher – atomic science – student refuses to

believe in atom because he can’t see it – teacher explains the observable effects of the movements of the atomic components – students still refuses and flunks the course

Man is judged for refusing to acknowledge what they know to be true.

3. The Rebellion Towards The Glorification Of God (21) 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Knew God – man knows God in a tangible and experiential way

French Commentator Frederick Godet: “Paganism itself is the proof that the human mind had really conceived the notion of God; for this notion appears at the root of all the varied forms of paganism. Only this is what happened: the revelation did not pass from the passive to the active form.

NO GLORY, NO THANKS the whole reason that He created man is to glorify Him – all through out Scripture

– 1 Cor 10:31; Rev 4:11

Westminster Catechism: “the chief end of man is to glorify God” Yet man has rejected God and become unthankful to Him

4. The Reign Of Human Reasoning (22)

22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools,

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self proclamation futility of reason, darkening of conscience Evolution is really a demonstration of futile reasoning – something out of nothing,

no conclusive transitional forms, poor conclusions on evidences fools = moros (moron)

o this word is not used of a person of low intelligence, but is contrasted with being wise

wisdom is based in the fear of the Lord (Prov), foolishness turns from God a fool is one who is spiritually dull to spiritual things Psalm 14:1 “A fool says in his heart that there is no God”

5. The Replacement Of God For Idols (23)

23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things

the fruit of futility is idolatry exchange worshipping Creator for creation man is made for worship – but switched this natural tendency to another object of

worship worship animals (Egypt, animists), worship pantheon of specific deities (Hinduism,

Catholicism, Gr/Roman), worship man (cults, humanism), worship the fact that there’s no one to worship (atheism)

C. The Results Of Pride 1. Pride Leads To Fights (James 4:1)

James 4:1 1Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?

2. Pride Leads To Lust (James 4:2-3)

James 4:2-3 2You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

3. Pride Leads To Rebelling Against God Who Passionately Wants Us To Give Us A Better Things Than We Think We Want (James 4:4-5)

James 4:4-5 4Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?

D. The Victory Over Pride

James 4:6 6But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

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1. Recognize Pride As A Sin

Proverbs 21:4 4A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin. Proverbs 6:16-17 16These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, Proverbs 16:5 5Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished. Proverbs 8:12-13 12“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge and discretion. 13The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.

2. Repent Of Pride As A Sin

1 John 1:8-9 8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

3. Realize Your Position Relative To God (Ps 8:3-5)

James White: “Humility has nothing to do with denying our strengths or trying to pass them off as something they’re not. It’s not about a pretty woman pretending to be ugly, or a smart person believing he’s a fool. The foundation of humility is truth. The authentically humble person sees himself as he is – nothing more and nothing less. God gave your strengths to you, so it would be wrong to try to deny them.” (Long Day’s Journey Into Day, p. 143)

Psalm 8:3-5 3When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, 4What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? 5For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.

“The true way to be humble is not to stoop until you are smaller than yourself, but to stand at your real height against some higher nature that will show you what the real smallness of your greatness is.” (Phillip Brooks)

“Humility is to make a right estimate of one’s self. It is no humility for a man to think less of himself than he ought.” (Charles Spurgeon)

“Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing

that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord, where I can go in and shut the door, and kneel to my Father in secret, and am at peace as in a deep sea of calmness, when all around and above is trouble. The humble person is not one who thinks meanly of himself, he simply does not think of himself at all.” (Andrew Murray)

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4. Relate To The Needs Of Others Before Your Own (Mt 20:28; Phil 2:3-4)

Matthew 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Philippians 2:3-4 3Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

5. Remorse Over Our Sinfulness And Become Utterly Dependent On God’s Mercy (Mt 5:3; Lk 18:9-14)

Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

a. Spiritual Poverty (cf. Luke 18:9-14)

"Poor" = to shrink, cower or cringe - like the beggars during the NT era 2 words for poor - one is penichros used of the widow who Jesus saw give

two small coins to the temple offering - she was poor but not a beggar

the word used in 5:3 is ptochos which means completely dependant on others for sustenance

beggars had no means of self-support - completely dependent on society ie/ Luke 16:19-22 - rich man and beggar named Lazarus - the word for

beggar is the identical word as poor in Mt 5:3

but this poverty that Jesus speaks of is not material or financial poverty - "poor in spirit" describes spiritual poverty

to be poor in spirit is to realize that we are spiritual helpless and poor and without complete dependence on God we can receive nothing

in Jesus' day, the Jewish religious leaders were spiritually proud

Luke 18:9-149Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

- Luke 18:9-14 illustrates the spiritual pride of the Pharisee - pride - "I" 5x in 2 vss

- compare to the tax collector - considered scum to the Jews because they attached their own outrageous surcharge they keep when collecting taxes for Rome (whom the Jews hated being under) - twice despised

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- pharisee not need God because he achieved righteousness on his own

fasted twice a week, and observed 365 prohibition and 250 commandments - but that was not enough to get him into the kingdom of God v. 13 is the spiritual poverty Jesus is looking for - shame - stood afar off, barely raise eyes to heaven - plead for mercy b. True Humility (Ps 51:17; Ps 34:18)

Psalm 51:17 "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart - these, O God, You will not despise."

Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit."

- not refer to one who is bereaved because of a break-up or a lay-off primarily, but a heart that sees no end in sight and cries to God for deliverance

Q: Do you have true spiritual humility?

- Do you constantly reflect on your past accomplishments at church or other ministries? - Do you ever compare yourselves with others in the church and then look down at them? - Do you take pride in the amount you give for offering or in the length of time you spend reading the Bible and praying?

- Do you hold up your converts like spiritual trophies?

Isaiah 57:15 "For thus says the high and exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy, 'I dwell on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite."

Luke 14:11 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

1 Peter 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

Samuel Rutherford said, "Bow low, man, bow low, the door into the kingdom is low."

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V. Does God Want Man To Be Void Of Any Glory?

Absolutely not!

He doesn’t want us to settle for something less – man’s glory. He wants to give us His glory!

A. We Are Made Shareholders Of God’s Glory (Rom 8:17,30; 1 Pet 5:1)

Christ is exalted to His right hand after suffering many things (incl. cross) Romans 8:17 If children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Romans 8:30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

1 Peter 5:1 “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ as well as a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed.”

He gives us a share of His glory B. We Are Made Similar To Christ’s Glorified Body (Rom 8:21-23; Phil 3:20-21; 1 Cor

15:42-43) Rom 8:21-23 – redemption of bodies – glory of the children of God Phil 3:20-21 – change our lowly body to His glorious body 1 Cor 15:42-43 – bodies sown in dishonor, raised in glory 1 Cor 15:51-23 – rapture – this translation happens C. We Are Made Sanctified In God’s Presence (Col 3:4; 2 Cor 3:18; 4:16-17) - when we get to heaven – we will be transformed to be like Him - able to behold His true holiness & beauty

VI. The Reflection Of The Glory Of God

“God is looking for men in whose hands His glory is safe.” (A. W. Tozer) A. To Glorify God Is To Worship Him Purely

John Calvin strongly gave the theological basis for “pure worship” against the statues and Mariolatry in the Catholic Church

Worship is the central concern for a Christian, not a secondary issue

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But Protestants can lean into idolatry too – cross, Bible book, church building, Christian technology, Christian authors, music (love music more than the Object of worship)

John 4:23-24 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Exodus 20:3-5 3 “You shall have no other gods before me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me,

B. To Glorify God Is To Solely Feature God In Your Headlines As The Lead Story (Isa

42:8; 1 Cor 1:27-31)

- Matthew 6:28-29 – consider the lilies of the field – “even Solomon in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these” - Solomon with all his wealth & wisdom did not compare to the glory of God displayed in taking care of the lilies

- man’s fame is fleeting, God’s is eternal

- Why are we more enchanted by the headlines of Mark McGuire & President Clinton

- you’re the lead writer writing an autobiography for the front page of your personal journal Q: Who get’s the headline?

* God doesn’t share headlines with anyone!

Isaiah 42:8 “I am the Lord; that is My Name; and I will not give My glory to another, nor My praise to carved images.”

1 Corinthians 1:27-31 “God chose the foolish (confound wise), weak (confound mighty), base (bring to nothing things that are)…that no flesh should glory in his presence…He that glories, let him glory in the Lord.”

C. To Glorify God Is To Show Off God By Prominently Displaying Him On Your Mantle

- some people collect spoons, collector plates, baseball cards, antiques, trophies, family pictures and put them prominently on the wall

Q: What’s on your mantle? - now let’s stop thinking about your fireplace - what’s on display in your life

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Q: In your office – are your diplomas more prominent than something that gives allegiance to your faith?

Q: Mantle of your transcripts that characterize your life as a student? – more concerned about what school activities – sports, clubs, grades Q: What about your transcripts that characterize your life as a Christian?

Q: What do you do to enhance the display? - some pictures have elaborate frames

- centerpiece – all the things on the sides point to the thing in the center

ie/ purpose of bridesmaids & groomsmen – at altar – they all face the marrying couple – bring focus to the one in the tails and the ornate, white dress

- groomsmen & bridesmaid – enhance the display D. To Glorify God Is To Appreciate All His Attributes At Work In Your Life’s Situation

Feature: Person of God – His attributes

- Glory is not one particular attribute - Glory is the sum representation of all His attributes

Ex 15:1 – defeat Egyptian army – His victory is glorious Ps 111:3 – His work is glorious Deut 28:58 – His name is glorious Jer 17:12 – His throne is glorious

To glorify = to show off

“Glorifying God…making God look good before a godless world.”

Conclusion:

1. Make God Most Important In Your Will (1 Pet 2:12; John 3:29-30)

1 Peter 2:12 Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Ie/ John the Baptist found his joy as the groomsman, not needing the attention of the groom

“He must increase, I must decrease”

- John did not look for a thank you for working hard in serving, being content that God is glorified

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2. Make God All Inclusive In Your Ways (1 Cor 10:31, 1 Pet 4:11)

1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”

“Whether” – broad word – all-encompassing “Whatever” – whatever you do

1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

3. Make God All Illuminated In Your Works (Matthew 5:16)

Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, who is in heaven.”

Discussion:

1. Why is it not wrong for God to seek His own glory? 2. Take a look at your calendar for the next few weeks. How are you intentionally seeking to

glorify God with your time? 3. How does our battle with pride compete with God for glory? 4. What specific ways would you like to improve on glorifying God in your life? (from Point III)