DO IT FOR THE GLORY

 

OCTOBER 30, 2023

 

“Salvation is by Grace Alone, through Faith Alone, in Christ Alone, according to Scripture Alone, for the glory of God Alone."

 

Today let’s reflect together on the theme of “Glory to God alone.” The truth that the Reformers were most concerned to promote and what can be seen as the central theme of Scripture is soli Deo gloria — to God alone be the glory.

 

Ephesians 1:17-21

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

 

1 Corinthians 10:31

31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 

On the weekend I reread an article that was retelling the story of Olympic runner and Gold medalist Eric Liddell. His story you may remember was depicted in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire. Eric Liddell ran with his head back, his mouth open, and a tranquil look on his face. He was one of the fastest men in the world, and one of the most famous at the time as well. After gaining Olympic glory as a gold medalist, he had everything the human heart could want: the chance to become wealthy, positions at schools like Oxford, fame, and influence that few others would ever attain. But the runner commemorated in the movie Chariots of Fire passed all this by and gave all this up. He had other things on his mind. Specifically, he had God’s glory in view.

Liddell knew that serving in God’s kingdom was of infinite worth, both to God and humankind. Liddell had a heart for the work of missions and the making of disciples among people who had never heard of Christ. So, in the midst of having “hero” status and the opportunity for greatness according to world standards. Eric Liddell made the most counter cultural step possible: he moved to China to be a missionary. He taught school, engaged his neighbors, and showed kindness to many around him. Why did he do it? The answer might seem complicated, but in truth, it is simple: he did it for the glory. But not his glory. The glory of God

Soli Deo gloria (God’s Glory Alone) is not only central to the Five Alone’s we have looked at, but Scripture reveals that the entirety of the Bible points to God’s glory alone, just as creation does, and our lives are intended too. 2 Corinthians 4:15 tells us that our salvation through grace produces glory to God. Ephesians 2:8-9 explains that the grace of God strips us of our ability to boast in our own doing or works. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 tells us that no human shall boast in pride before the Lord, but we are to boast only in God. Ephesians 1:4-6 explains that the great purpose of our life is to bring glory, honor, and praise to the glorious grace of God. Romans 11:33-36 states that to Him alone belongs all glory. Isaiah 2:12-17 speaks of humankind being brought low, and God alone being exalted. Simply put, Glory to God alone means that everything is done for God’s glory.

We must remember that the glory of God is first and foremost an attribute of God. It simply is who God is beautiful, majestic, splendid, amazing, glorious. Considering this knowledge, we must devote ourselves to the knowledge of God in all of His attributes. Knowing who God is, merciful, just, righteous, gracious, long-suffering, patient, holy, and loving allows us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind (Matthew 22:36-40). As we come to truly know and love the God of the Bible, praise, adoration, worship, and exaltation of Him alone is the outcome. As someone has put it, “The more we love God for God, the more natural our praise and adoration of Him will become.”

As Christians, we simply are not our own (Romans 14:8). Once we become alive in Christ, we put the old self to death (Galatians 5:24). This means that as believers, we can no longer categorize our life into boxes. We cannot have a ‘church’ box, ‘friend’ box, ‘family’ box, ‘free time’ box, and ‘work’ box. Rather, all our boxes get dumped into one large container labeled “Glory of God”. New life in Christ results in our entire life being fully devoted to God and His glory alone— in everything we do, think, feel, and believe.

Even the great musician and composer, Johanne Sebastian Bach, believed in and lived out the phrase soli Deo gloria. He was known to write SDG at the bottom of each finished piece of composition, making the statement of soli Deo gloria widespread within the music industry. Bach believed God’s Glory Alone to be central to his music, and even stated, “The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.”

Let it be a reality for each one of us, that whatever we do, we do it for the glory of God.

LET US PRAY

Glory to God the Father, who brought back from the dead

our Lord Jesus Christ and crowned him with glory and honor.

Glory to God the Son, who lives to plead our cause at the right hand of God and

 who will come again to make all things new.

Glory to God the Holy Spirit, who brings us the taste of the good Word of God

 and the power of the age to come. Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom,

 thanksgiving and honor, power and might be to our Lord for ever!

 Amen.