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Glorifying God

Glorifying God Ø Glorify – to recognize, honor or praise. Typically, it is with greater emphasis (magnify) Ø “to influence one’s opinion about another so as to enhance the latter’s reputation” (BDAG) Ø As Christians, we are to glorify God. Truly, He is worthy! Ø But how do we glorify Him?

We glorify God: Ø In our worship Ø Worship means to bring praise and adoration. To prostrate oneself before or to do reverence. Ø John 4: 24 Ø Every prescribed act of worship is designed to glorify God Ø Our worship is NOT about us!

We glorify God: Ø In our worship Ø We must follow His instructions – cf. Matthew 15: 8 -9 Ø Let it be “with spirit and with understanding” - 1 Corinthians 14: 15 Ø Matthew 6: 9, “Hallowed be Your name. ” Ø Hebrews 13: 15, the sacrifice of praise to God

We glorify God: Ø By our example Ø Matthew 5: 16, let your light shine Ø 1 Peter 2: 12, honorable conduct among the Gentiles…that they may by what they observe glorify God in the day of visitation Ø People are more likely to be won to Him by what they observe in you than what you say.

We glorify God: Ø With pure living Ø 1 Corinthians 6: 19 -20, our body is a temple, we glorify God in our body (which belongs to Him) Ø This is associated with our example! Ø Purity means both unpolluted and undiluted. Ø Purity involves our heart – Matthew 5: 8 (cf. Matthew 12: 33 -35) Ø 1 John 3: 3

We glorify God: Ø By bearing fruit Ø John 15: 8, He is the Vine and we are the branches. Ø As His disciples we need to be “producing”. Ø Fruit – winning souls, personal growth, doing good for others, repentance (Matthew 3: 8), holiness (Romans 6: 22) & Galatians 5: 22 -23

We glorify God: Ø By obeying Him Ø There is no better way to glorify God than to do what He says, the way He says it. Ø John 17: 4, even Jesus obeyed the father and finished the work He was given Ø 1 Peter 4: 11, let what you do be so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ

We glorify God: Ø By our willingness to suffer for Him Ø Living the Christian life is not easy Ø 2 Timothy 3: 12, all who desire to live godly will suffer persecutions Ø 1 Peter 4: 12 -16, …if anyone suffers as a Christian, glorify God in this matter. Ø Romans 8: 18 – whatever we endure in this life is not worthy to be compared to the glory to come

We glorify God: Ø In His church Ø Ephesians 3: 21, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Ø The church is the body of Christ (1: 22 -23), and was a part of His plans from eternity and manifests His wisdom (3: 10 -11). Ø A local congregation is a gathering of Christians who join together to do His work.

We glorify God: Ø In His church Ø When we do the work He has given us, in the way He has prescribed, we are bringing glory to Him. Ø This includes the unity with which we worship and serve Him (Romans 15: 6)

Ø In summary, we glorify God by being the Christian we ought to be in all things and at all times. Ø 1 Corinthians 10: 31, whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Ø Far too many today seek glory in the wrong place – themselves, power and wealth, others. “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1: 31)

Ø One day, the Lord will be glorified with His saints (2 Thessalonians 1: 10) Ø On that day, which side will you be on?

Glorify God today, so that you may spend eternity with Him!