This PowerPoint Presentation is meant to accompany a Message Preached at Family Baptist Church. All content here is ©2009 Family Baptist Church. This PowerPoint file is considered part of the message, and therefore should not be copied or reproduced apart from the MP3 recording. To listen to the message, please go to otherwise stated, passages are quoted using the New King James Version, abbreviated (NKJV). The New King James Version of the Bible is © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Thomas Nelson, Inc.

The Complex Glory of God Romans 11:33-36

What is the chief and highest end of man?

Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy Him forever? (Westminster Catechism)

GOD’S PLAN God’s plan in the past was to display, communicate and give a participation of His full glory to the church through His Incarnate Son. (Ephesians 1:4, 11)

GOD’S PLAN This is His current motive in all His work (Ephesians 1:17-22) and will be the glorious goal of all things (Ephesians 3:20-21).

GOD’S PLAN That is why He made you (Isaiah 43:7). That is why He does everything (Isaiah 48:9-11). That is where everything is directed. The end goal is His great glory. It is all about Him (Romans 11:36).

GOD’S PLAN God wants you to have His glory as your primary motivation in your plans, actions, and goals (1 Corinthians 10:31) in everything forever (1 Peter 5:10).

GOD’S PLAN Those who live contrary to this are described in the Scriptures as vessels of wrath (Romans 1:21, 3:23)

GOD’S PLAN Dear Saints – If you get this, own this and consistently practice and experience this truth your soul will be satisfied, joyful, content and at peace. I promise. God promises!!! “Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

Let’s ask a couple of questions to help us get focused: 1. What does the term “the glory of God” mean? 2. How do I glorify God?

These questions will be answered so that we can live a life of truth, love and joy that glorifies God and loves people.

The Glory of God and Its Four Components 1. What God is within Himself 2. The manifestation or display of that 3. The communication of His glory to the creature’s understanding 4. The proper, reasonable, emotional, responsible reply reflecting upward in praise and adoration, and lived out toward others (Exodus 33:18-34:8; Isaiah 6:1-8)

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?’ ‘Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to Him?’” Romans 11:33-35

What God is within Himself, the intrinsic gravity and weight of who He is in His own Godhead (Isaiah 6:1-4) He is one Being (Deuteronomy 6:4). This one Being eternally exists in three, distinct Persons (Genesis 1:26). Each Person in the Godhead has all the attributes, characteristics and qualities of God, is called God and is worshipped as God (John 1:1-3). God is an infinite (Psalm 147:5), holy (Isaiah 6:1-4), invisible (1 Timothy 6:15-16), triune Spirit (John 4:24) who is present in fullness everywhere (Jeremiah 23:23-24).

“For of Him (from Him)...” Romans 11:36

The manifestation, exhibition or display of Himself (Ezekiel 10:4) Displayed through creation (Psalm 19:1-4) Exhibited in history/providence (Hebrews 11:1-40) Manifested immutably in His Word (2 Thessalonians 3:1) Shown most clearly in the Incarnate Son, the God- Man (Hebrews 1:3), and His Person, Offices & Work (Hebrews 1:1-14)

“... and through Him...” Romans 11:36

The communication of that to the creature’s understanding (Exodus 33:18-19) In salvation (2 Peter 1:2-3) By providence/history (1 Corinthians 10:11) Through the Word illuminated by the Spirit (Exodus 33:18-19) As seen in Jesus when He is understood & known (Ephesians 3:14-19)

“... and to Him are all things, to Whom be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36

The love and joy consummated in praise and adoration, giving God the glory (Psalm 50:23) Upward in worship (Psalm 100) Outward in loving fruits of service to others (1 Peter 4:11) Evangelism (Psalm 117) Godly habits and lifestyles, which display His glory to all (Matthew 5:16)

This experience of participating in God’s glory (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) will be made full when we are glorified (Philippians 3:21; Romans 8:17- 18, 2:10; Colossians 3:4)

THE CHALLENGE Pursue knowledge, love and joy in God’s glory through His Word by meditating on Jesus. (Hebrews 12:2-3; Colossians 3:1-4, 16-17; Jeremiah 13:14, 15:16, 23:28-29; Psalm 1:1-3)

“ 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:16-17

Four Ways to Apply This Truth 1. Meditate on a verse about worshipping Christ, and then spend some time doing it. 2. Meditate on a portion of Scripture that talks about service, and then serve someone. 3. Ponder a Word about evangelism, and then, prayerfully, go and share the gospel with someone. 4. Consider a Scripture about improving your Christ- likeness in your habits and lifestyles, fervently pray about it and pursue change.

All of these will be done in the flesh if you are not actively thinking on the Lord Jesus through His Word. (Hebrews 12:2-3)