24.0904 How to Glorify God through Daily Choices
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How to Glorify God through Daily Choices
How to Glorify God through Daily Choices
Introduction:
In John 17, Jesus prays for His disciples, showing how He glorified God through obedience and trust. We, too, can glorify God through our daily decisions, following Jesus' model.
#1 Make Glorifying God your PRIORITY
#1 Make Glorifying God your PRIORITY
1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.”
Explanation: Jesus’ focus was on glorifying the Father, even as He faced the cross. Our choices should reflect a desire to honor God above all. Cross References:
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
In John 17, the words "glory" and "glorify" hold significant theological meaning. Let's look at the Greek words used for "glory" and "glorify," their definitions, and some relevant cross-references to help illuminate their meaning in this passage.
1. Glory (δόξα, doxa)
Greek Word: δόξα (doxa) Transliteration: doxa
Meaning: The word doxa refers to honor, splendor, or majesty. In the biblical context, it often refers to the divine radiance or the manifested presence of God. It carries the idea of God’s inherent worth and perfection being revealed and acknowledged.
Usage in John 17: Jesus speaks about glory in reference to the glory that the Father has given Him and that He had with the Father before the world began (John 17:5).
This highlights the divine nature and pre-existence of Christ, as well as the mutual glorification between the Father and the Son.
Cross-references:
8 “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
3 The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
2. Glorify (δοξάζω, doxazō)
Greek Word: δοξάζω (doxazō) Transliteration: doxazō Meaning: Doxazō means "to glorify" or "to honor." It can refer to the act of giving praise or bringing honor, especially in the sense of revealing or manifesting something worthy of admiration. In the context of John 17, it refers to the mutual glorification between the Father and the Son.
Usage in John 17: Jesus prays that the Father will glorify Him so that He can glorify the Father
1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.
This reflects the mission of Christ: His sacrificial death and resurrection would reveal the Father’s love and justice, bringing glory to both.
Cross-references:
23 Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. 26 Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me. 27 “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! 28 Father, bring glory to your name.” Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.”
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
31 As soon as Judas left the room, Jesus said, “The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory, and God will be glorified because of him. 32 And since God receives glory because of the Son, he will give his own glory to the Son, and he will do so at once.
Theological Insights:
In John 17, the glory Jesus speaks of is not just external radiance but the revelation of God's character through His redemptive work. Jesus' glorification involves His death, resurrection, and ascension. Through these, God’s love, justice, and grace are revealed most fully. The idea of mutual glorification between the Father and the Son emphasizes their unity in essence and purpose. Jesus' mission glorifies the Father by completing the plan of salvation.
Practical Application:
As believers, we are called to reflect God’s glory in our lives
18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
This means that through our transformation into the likeness of Christ, we reveal His character to the world. The concept of glorification also points to our future hope of being glorified with Christ
17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
sharing in the eternal display of His glory.
In summary, the words "glory" (doxa) and "glorify" (doxazō) in John 17 emphasize the divine radiance and honor shared between the Father and the Son, particularly through the work of salvation. This mutual glorification is at the heart of God’s redemptive plan, as revealed through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Example: Daniel – In Daniel 6, Daniel glorified God by continuing to pray openly, even when it was outlawed, showing that God's glory mattered more than his personal safety.
Application:
Ask yourself: "Will this choice honor God or serve self-interest?"
Action Point: Make it a daily habit to pause before decisions and ensure they reflect God’s priorities.
#2 Bring Glory to God through daily OBEDIENCE
#2 Bring Glory to God through daily OBEDIENCE
3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
“I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”
Explanation: Jesus completed His mission, glorifying God by obeying His will. We are also called to obey God in our lives, reflecting His character in our decisions. Cross References:
16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
Example: Noah – In Genesis 6, Noah obeyed God by building the ark, even though it seemed irrational to the people around him. His obedience in following God's instructions reflected God's righteousness.
Application:
Reflect God's character by living in truth, humility, and love.
Action Point: Develop a routine of daily Bible reading to guide your decisions and ensure your actions align with God's will.
#3 Bring Glory to God through knowing your IDENTITY
#3 Bring Glory to God through knowing your IDENTITY
6 “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.
“They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.”
Explanation: Jesus acknowledges that His followers belong to God. When we understand our identity as children of God, we are empowered to live differently, making choices that reflect our status in Christ.
Cross References:
9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Example: Joseph – In Genesis 39, Joseph chose to remain faithful to God even when tempted by Potiphar’s wife, knowing that his identity as God's servant mattered more than momentary pleasure.
Application: Remember who you belong to in Christ, and let that identity guide your decisions.
Action Point: Reflect daily on your spiritual identity and reject choices that would dishonor your calling in Christ.
#4 Bring Glory to God through SERVING Him in the world
#4 Bring Glory to God through SERVING Him in the world
11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
“Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.”
Explanation: Jesus prayed for God’s protection over His disciples, knowing they would face trials. We can trust God to guide and protect us as we make difficult, God-honoring choices. Cross References:
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Example: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – In Daniel 3, these men chose to trust God rather than bow to the king’s idol. They believed God could save them but were willing to face the consequences of death if He didn’t. God honored their faith and protected them in the furnace.
Application:Trust God with the outcome of your decisions, knowing He is faithful.
Action Point: In moments of fear, remember God’s promises and make decisions based on faith rather than fear.
Conclusion:
Our daily choices are opportunities to glorify God, just as Jesus glorified the Father through His life and obedience. By prioritizing God’s glory, reflecting His character, living in our identity in Christ, and trusting Him with the consequences, we can make choices that bring honor to His name. Let every choice be a reflection of who we serve and the glory we seek.