The Unveiled Glory of God

When we consider the nature and attributes of God it seems so unlikely that we should know Him at all. How is it that we could ever find this God who is so unlike us, relatable? How could we ever possibly have personal relationship with a God who is so unlike us? He is perfect we are imperfect. He is all-powerful we are insignificant. He is all-knowing we are ignorant. He is everywhere present we are singularly present. We have a hard time relating to other people who are different than us. How can we then relate to God? The answer lies not in ourselves. No one has ever gone on some grand adventure and discovered God. The truth is that we can know God because He has chosen to reveal Himself to us. This is an act of grace. It is a vehicle of mercy. And because we tend to be so dense God has revealed Himself in two different ways.

The Glory of God in His Creation

The Heaven’s Message

Declare the Glory of God v. 1a - “The heavens declare the glory of God...”

Heavens: the sun, moon, stars, sky and firmament

Declare: announce solemnly or officially; make clearly known.

The Glory of God: The manifestation of God’s perfect nature, attributes and beauty.

How exactly to the heavens declare God’s glory? Its practically like putting up a sign! God’s existence, power and so much more are declared by the careful and awesome placement of every star and planet. Their very existence are a manifestation of God’s glory.

“It is not merely glory that the heavens declare, but the “glory of God,” for they deliver to us such unanswerable arguments for a conscious, intelligent, planning, controlling, and presiding Creator, that no unprejudiced person can remain unconvinced by them. The testimony given by the heavens is no mere hint, but a plain, unmistakeable declaration; and it is a declaration of the most constant and abiding kind. Yet for all this, to what avail is the loudest declaration to a deaf man, or the clearest showing to one spiritually blind? God the Holy Ghost must illuminate us, or all the suns in the milky way never will.” C. H. Spurgeon, The Treasury of David: Psalms 1-26, vol. 1 (London; Edinburgh; New York: Marshall Brothers, n.d.), 270.

Proclaim His Handiwork v. 1b - “and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.”

Parallel in concept is the fact that the heavens proclaim His handiwork.

Proclaim: to declare

Handiwork: something that one has made or done.

The heavens declare that they are God’s creation. And really, who else could have done it?

To believe that all this occured by chance is logically untenable.

Reveal His Greatness v. 2 - “Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.”

Day after day and night after night the great knowledge of God is revealed in His creation.

The word “revealed” in verse 2 is a third word which means to “declare”

Notice how these proclamations and declaration are made. With enthusiasm! (v. 5)

Like a bridegroom leaving his chamber

Like a strongman (athlete) runs his course with joy

The Heaven’s Audience

All the Earth v. 4a - “Their voice goes out through all the earth...”

Ends of the World v. 4b - “…and their words to the end of the world.”

Everywhere the Sun Touches v. 6

This is why we are all accountable before the Lord.

Romans 1:16–20 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”

This is why even someone who has never heard the name of Christ is responsible for their sin. What God revealed about Himself in creation is enough for everyone to understand that they must seek after God.

Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

Acts 17:22–27 “So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,”

If someone by observation of creation and conviction of the Holy Spirit genuinely sought after God then they would find Him. Not on their own, but through the providence of God they would come across the paths of those who would tell them of Christ Jesus.

Application:

Enjoy God’s creation

There is no better place to be still and know that He is God

It is an opportunity for personal worship

Many of us were able to enjoy the eclipse a few weeks ago. What was that if not a great declaration of the glory of God?

The Glory of God in His Word

The logical response to an honest examination of God’s creation is to seek God in His Word.

God’s Word is:

Perfect

The Bible doesn’t say something about everything, but when it says something about anything it is always 100% accurate.

It is whole, complete, sufficient and comprehensive.

Anyone who ever reads a single verse of Scripture and thinks, “You know, I think I have something to add here.” only reveals either their ignorance or insanity.

Consider: Revelation 22:19–20 “and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

Sure

This is a word that means, to prove to be firm, reliable, faithful, permanent, to believe or think

The Word of God is not a text book that needs new editions.

If we believe that the Bible is perfect how could we not also find it trustworthy?

Right

The Word of God always leads us down the right path.

It is amazing how many people excuse themselves from the truth of God’s Word because they think that their circumstances are different.

God’s righteousness as revealed in His word is the standard for our lives. There are no special exemptions. Stop excusing your sin.

Clean & Pure

It has not impurities, filthiness, defilements or imperfections.

We believe that it is inerrant and infallible. It is flawless, unadulterated truth.

True

Enduring

Absolute truth doesn’t change with time.

Morality hasn’t changed just our understanding of it.

If something was sinful 1000 years ago it is still sinful today.

Every principle established by the Word of God endures forever.

God’s Word Accomplishes:

Revives v. 7a

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.”

The information that the Word of God provides us about God is sufficient to convert, transform and refresh our very souls.

The more you fill your head and heart with this book the better off you will be in all things.

Whatever you are struggling with take the time to be in the Word.

Makes Wise v. 7b

It makes us wise because it reveals God to us so that we can appropriately fear Him.

Which is the foundation of true wisdom.

The Hebrew word for simple comes from a root meaning “an open door” or one who is gullible to false teaching, failing to shut his mind to error. Only Scripture can make a person wise, or skillful, in the issues of daily living.

Scripture makes us discerning.

Makes Joyful v. 8a

Psalm 119:162 “I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.”

Psalm 119:111 “Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.”

Jeremiah 15:16 “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.”

We find joy in the Word of God because we know the possibilities of what could happen every time we open its pages.

Enlightening v. 8b

To put is simply, there are things we would never understand if not for the Word of God.

The pure commands of God give us the insight we need for living in such a way to bring honor and glory to God.

Warns & Discerns v. 11, 12

Because of the Word of God we know what sin is and what righteousness is.

A rhetorical question, Who can discern his errors? implies an obvious answer: only the person who reads, studies, and meditates on God’s Word. Scripture is a lamp that reveals hidden faults which must be confessed while asking God to forgive.

Keeps v. 13

Not only do the Scriptures warn us against sin but it also keeps us from sin. The Bible serves as a restraint against sin with the Holy Spirit.

We should daily pray David’s prayer: Psalm 19:13 “Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.”

Changes v. 14

“May the Words” or “Let the words” - indicates a change

By your Word change my heart to be acceptable in your sight.

The Response of Man to God’s Glory

Awe

Reverence

Desire

Sanctification