Glorifying God

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We glorify God: In His church Ephesians 3:21, to Him be glory in the church by Christ 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). A local congregation is a gathering of Christians who join together to do His work.

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

In summary, we glorify God by being the Christian we ought to be in all things and at all times. 1 Corinthians 10:31, whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 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)

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

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