LESSON 9
The reason for everything
bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb
1. goal
We will learn that everything in life is all for Him. The ultimate goal of the universe is to show the glory of God. It is the reason for everything that exists, including you. God made it all for His glory. Without God’s glory, there would be nothing.
2. Introduction
Romans 11:36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
Proverbs 16:4 The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for punishment. (NLT)
What is the glory of God? It is who God is. It is the essence of His nature, the weight of His presence, the radiance of His splendor, the demonstration of His power, and the atmosphere of His presence. God’s glory is the expression of His goodness and all His other intrinsic, eternal qualities.
Where is the glory of God? Just look around. Everything created by God reflects His glory in some way. We see it everywhere, from the smallest microscopic form of life to the vast Milky Way, from sunsets and stars to storms and seasons. Creation reveals our Creator’s glory. In nature we learn that God is powerful, that He enjoys variety, loves beauty, is organized, and is wise and creative. The Bible says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1)
3. QUESTION
How can we live a life that declares the glory of God?
- CONTENT
God has revealed His glory to people in different settings.
Ø Throughout history, God has revealed His glory to people in different settings. He revealed it first in the Garden of Eden, then to Moses, then in the tabernacle and temple, then through Jesus, and now through the church (Genesis 3:8; Exodus 33:18-23; 40:33-38; 1 Kings 7:51; 8:10-13; John 1:14; Ephesians 2:21-22; 2 Corinthians 4:6-7).
Genesis 3:8 And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
1 Kings 8:10-13 And 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. 12Then Solomon spoke: "The LORD said He would dwell in the dark cloud. 13I have surely built You an exalted house, And a place for You to dwell in forever."
Ø His weighty presence was portrayed as a consuming fire, a cloud, thunder, smoke, and a brilliant light (Exodus 24:17; 40:34; Psalm 29:1; Isaiah 6:3-4; 60:1; Luke 2:9).
Exodus 24:17 The sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel.
Exodus 40:34 Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
Isaiah 6:3-4 And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!" 4And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.
Ø In heaven, God’s glory provides all the light needed. The Bible says, “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. ” (Revelation 21:23)
Ø God’s glory is best seen in Jesus Christ. He, the Light of the world, illuminates God’s nature. Because of Jesus, we are know longer in the dark about what God is really like. The Bible says, “The Son is the radiance of God's glory.” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV)
2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made us understand that this light is the brightness of the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. (NLT)
Jesus came to earth so we could fully understand God’s glory. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
We should recognize God’s glory, honor His glory, declare His glory, reflect His glory and live for His glory.
God’s inherent glory is what He possesses because He is God. It is His nature. We cannot add anything to this glory, just as it would be impossible for us to make the sun shine brighter. But we are commanded to recognize His glory, honor His glory, declare His glory, praise His glory, reflect His glory, and live for His glory? Why? It is because God deserves it! We owe Him every honor we can possibly give. Since God made all things, He deserves all the glory. The Bible says, “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things.” (Revelation 4:11a)
Who fail to bring glory to Him in the universe?
In the entire universe, only two of God’s creations fail to bring glory to Him; fallen angels and us (people). All sin, at its root, is failing to give God glory. It is having love for things rather than God. Refusing to bring glory to God is prideful rebellion, and it is the sin that caused Satan’s fall – and ours, too. In different ways we have all lived for our own glory, instead of God’s. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
None of us have given God the full glory He deserves from our lives. This is the worst sin and the biggest mistake we can make. On the other hand, living for God’s glory is the greatest achievement we can accomplish with our lives. God says, “Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory,” so it ought to be the supreme goal of our lives. (Isaiah 43:7)
5. DISCUSSION QUESTION
What is the glory of God? When the Bible says, “Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory,” what does it mean to you?
6. Memorized Scripture
Romans 11:36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
3