God's glory is not for you

Introduction

Personal introduction

Dismiss Children

Thank you to all of our volunteers and the great work you do to keep Liberty baptist active and running. It’s great to see so many servants hearts help us continue to serve children around the world with Operation Christmas Child.

We are continuing our series Tensions in Thanksgiving today. Thanksgiving is coming up so get ready for any of those tensions you may have to face. Remember, don’t pour gravy on a sibling or stab someone with a wishbone.

The focus of the series though has not been to keep your family gatherings civil. We’ve been exploring things we give thanks to God for and the tension between that and how we live in light of those truths. The last 2 weeks we looked over God’s Power and God’s love. Today, we are going to be looking at God’s glory.

I found a great statement about God’s glory that I’d like to share with you:

Glory is a word used in the Bible to describe God’s eternal splendor and majesty. God is described as a sovereign king whose kingdom extends over all the earth. God created people in his image to share in his glory, and he endowed them with gifts, enabling them to honor Him with their lives.

The decleraation of God’s splendor and majesty is nnot just by what we say, but also by what we do. However, why we do what we do is more importtant than whaat we are doing.

God’s glory is not seen becuase you wear modest clothing, give faithfully to the Lord through the church, serve in a ministry, or are kind to your neighbor.

You can do all of those things and still find yourself not glorifying God becuase your heart is not whre it needs to be.

As your pastor it’s my desire for you not to do things for the sake of doing them. I hope that each of you know Jesus in such a way that His love compels you to display God’s glory with your life.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians about this and had to get them to see that God’s glory is not for them. It’s not becuase of them either. We can take too much credit for the work God does in the world.

Paul said “I planted, Apollos watered, and God gave the increase.” The harvest is the Lords, the work is ours. Why do we work though? for the Glory of God.

Let me ask you a question this morning: Does your life reflect the glory of God? If Jesus came back today, what would you regret about the last week that didn’t glorify the Lord?

Follow along with me a we read what Paul wrote the Corinthian church here:

2 Corinthians 3:7–11 KJV 1900

7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: 8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.

2 Cor 3:7-11

OK, we are going to start with a little backstory. I need a volunteer here. I’m going to use my son because if he gets hurt, you won’t get mat at me.

Whle he makes his way up here look at verse 7. The ministry of deaath, written on stonnes, children of israel couldn’t look on Moses face.

This is a reference back to Exodus 34 when Moses recieved the law.

now Evan will play Moses for us.

Israelites in the desert,

Moses went uip the mountain, 40 days and nights, no food or water presence of God. Comes back with law and a glowing face.

(pull up verse 7) Paul is referring to the law when he says that which is written on stones and it being gorious but it was a minnsrtrtion of what? Death.

The law, the rules, the dos and don’ts, are a ministry or servant of death.

If the law was a ministry of death, how is the ministry of the Spirit not more glorious.

The ministry of the spirit is the presence of the Holy Spirit within you after you trust in Jesus as your Svior.

Give Evan a hand.

Paul goes on in the following verses 9-11, to tlak about how if this ministry of death was made glorious even when it had no glory…now…wiat…let me explaain this.

The law, had been made glorious in the mind of the Isrelites, they had elevated it above their faithfulness to God. They had replaced their following of God with their doing of the law.

The law had no glory but was being elevated to glory. Now this, the minnistry of the Spirit, is glorious. Why? It had always been glorious and never done away with. The law had been done away with by Jesus. He fulfilled it.

The Spirit of God has been interacting with humanity since before creation. Remember in Genesis? “The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters”

The Spirit of God was with people and inside the tabernacle and temple.

And it was the presence of God with Moses that made HIs face shine with what is known as the shekana glory. The proof He had been with the Lord.

Why is this important to understand?

Because if we try to glorify God by that which is not glorious then we are no better than than a baseball player trying to throw a football during a game. Sure, it’s a ball, and sure you can throw it but that is not the way it was intended to be used.

It has it’s proper place but if you don’t have the other parts right, then it’s pointless.

The law has it’s place, Convictions and standards based on biblical truth have their place but if you don’t have the heart right…they are pointless.

Think about it…when Moses came down with the law…what was glowing? His face.

The law wasn’t glowing…it wasn’t displaying the glory of God.

Who was? Moses.

Why?

Because He had been with God. Becuase he had been impacted by time spent with His creator. Just like you will be impacted by time spent with your Savior.

Moses did bring God glory just becuase he brought the law down…He brought God glory becuase he had been with God.

I. God’s glory is not seen by what you do as much as it is seen by what He has done in you

Sure, how we live our lives is a reflection of what we believe. However, we have to remember…the pharisees kept the law but they did not glorify God.

This is the same as us attending church, giving to God, sharing Bible verses online, have strong standards against things you bellieve are wordly, but if you don’t have the heart of God behind it because of time with Him, then you are a pharisee.

What do I mean by heart of God? I mean a heart of grace and truth. A heart that can say “I wont’ particpatein this holiday to the Glory of God” and doesn’t look down on someone that says “I will participate in this holiday to the gllory of God” and vice versa

Paul wrote

Romans 14:6–9 KJV 1900

6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

Romans 14:6-9

Your not bringing glory to God just becaue you do or don’t do something…you bring glory to God because you’ve given God your heart.

Paul goes on to write to them about the glory that is in the ministry of the Spirit

2 Corinthians 3:12–18 KJV 1900

12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: 13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: 14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Cor 3:12-18

Exegete:

Paul reminds them that those who are reading the law of Moses re still bliinnded. The veil was over the fce of Moss when he came down so the people ccould not look uponn the glory of God.

Now Paul, and us, are to use plainness of Speech to share the glory of God through the gospel of Jesus.

When someone puts their faith in Jesus the veil is taken away and the Spirit works within the heart of each person who believes on Jesus.

When the Spirit indwells us we find the Liberty that comes with Him to live as he has called us to live.

We are being transformed by the Spirit, by God’s glory and not by the law.

Illustrate:

The law doesn’t transform us into the image of God. The law didn’t transform the Israelites into the image of God. It didn’t change them form the inside out. It was an outward expression of their hearts…or it was supposed to be.

Think of it this way.

The law is like a mirror. I can look in a mirror all I want but just because I keep looking at the mirror doesn’t mean I’m going to lose that 10 lbs. The mirror doesn’t change anything. It reflects what is truly there. The law reflects the depravity of your heart. The law reflect the sinfulness of your thoughts. The law reflects who you are without Jesus.

Apply:

When we spend time with Jesus. When we reflect Him and not on the law, not on the do’s or don’ts. We not only see who we are without Him, we understand who are with Him.

Now some of you may be thinking I’m telling you to neglect the word of God. I’m not. By no means is that the case. However, why are you in the Word? Why are you hiding the word in your heart?

You see David did it so that He could know God more. Not know more of the law. Does that make sense?

While the Bible has been called “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth” can I caution you? If you look at these words as only instruction on how to conduct your life, your missing it. This is a love letter from the creator of the universe. This is a history of the impact Jesus Christ had on the world and desires to have in you.

It contains the message of the gospel that needs to be shared with simple speech ina relevant way to everyone you know.

II. Reverence and Relevance Require Reflection on Jesus

Reflection on Jesus is different than reflection on the law.

Some people memorize the ten commandments but can I show you something? David did call upon the ten commandments for strength when he fought Goliath.

When Saul was telling him he couldn’t do it he aid

1 Samuel 17:37 KJV 1900

37 David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee.

1 Sam 17:37

David knew the law, we should know the Word. More importantly though, David knew the Lord. He knew what the Lord had done for Him. He was reflecting on the things God had done and out of reverance for Him he went after Goliath.

When you know the Word becuase of the Lord and reflect on Jesus and what He has done for you, it’s easy to revere Him and be relevant to those around you.

It can look like this

“Can I share with you what Jesus has done in my life this week?” or “Is there anything I can pray about with you?”

That heart comes from an impact made by the spirit of God because of faith in Jesus. Not just because you can recite words.

Paul then goes into a fantastic motivational speech of sorts.

2 Corinthians 4:1–6 KJV 1900

1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Cor 4:1-6

Exegete:

Therefore…becuase of the ministry of the Spirit of God based on our faith in Jesus Christ that is working within us, we live lives that are honest and not disceitful. We don’t muddy the truth of God’ word with false doctrine.

The manifestation o fthe truth of God that lives within in us causes us to commend or to present ourselves to other to be examined.

If we hide the truth of the gospel, it is not hidden to anyone going to Heaven. It is hidden to those who are lost and perishing.

There is a great old hymn called “Rescue the perishing” It’s a reminder to those who follow Jesus that those who do not trust in Jesus as their savior are doomed to hell. It’s reminder that this life that we live, the money we make, the jobs we have, the blessings of God that are poured out on us are not necesssarily for us just consume and enjoy.

God doesn’t bless you so you can have a piece of Heaven on earth. He blesses you so that you help get people on earth to Heaven.

Illustrate:

Some of you may be aware I do some digital marketing as a side hustle for fun. If you know anyone who’d like help growing their business to grow God’s kindom, give me a call.

However, in the marketing world, do you know what the most effective marketing is?

Not Fb ads, not google ads, don’t get me wrong, those things are great. Word of Mouth.

If I recommend omething to you as my friend, you will trust that more than an FB d anyday.

That’s why companies make merchandise with their logo on it. It’s a talking piece. You become a walking billboard for the company when you walk around with their logo on.

You see they give you the merch for free…or sometimes you pay for it…and then take their messge out to your circle.

Apply:

Now don’t think I’m dimishinn God , the gospel, or the great commission down to a marketing strategy, it’s so much more than that. However, everyonne seems to want to copy God to get the Word out.

What concerns me as a pastor and Christian....in America, we find ourselves mroe wiling to sharee the message of our favorite company or politician than of Jesus.

We wear the shirts, share the photos online, talk about teh quality and value of the organization or of the person

Yet to bring up the name of Jesus we think we have to know everything about the Bible.

You don’t know everything about your favorite politician but you’ll support them publicly. You don’t know everyting about under armor but you’ll wear their shirts.

Why? We spend more time reflecting on the things we have in this world than the Savior who came to the world.

The Glory of God isn’t impacting us because we aren’t spending time with God.

What you talk about is a reflection of what you think about.

Do you think about the Glory of God?

Do you think about what God has done in your life? Do you reflect on your salvation? Do you allow yourself to see the broken person you are in the mirror of the law and find fulfillment in Jesus?

Or do we think we deserve what we have around us?

III. God’s glory doesn’t rest upon for you to keep it to yourself

Time of Response