Glory in the Songs

I have seen my Father’s glory Revealed in Jesus Christ And the more that I behold Him The more He satisfies

When I gaze upon His beauty When I see Him as I should Then my eyes are lifted upward For His glory and my good

There is hope in every trial For I can trust the Lord He will turn my heart towards Him And help me bear the thorn

So in faith I follow Jesus On the road not understood For I know that He is working For His glory and my good

To our God be the glory To our God be praise He alone, the name above all names

I will boast ever only in the Lord my God For I know His glory is my good

See the open arms of Jesus Upon the cross that day What they understood as weakness Deserves my every praise

For the charge that was against me It was nailed into the wood Yes I know that He has saved me For His glory and my good

Would I gladly be made nothing That Christ would be made more Would I seek the only kingdom That far outweighs them all

I will stand before my Father Where the faithful saints have stood And with joy my heart shall praise Him For His glory and my good

Living for His Glory: Your Good is His Glory

Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

Summary: In this passage, Paul addresses the issue of eating food offered to idols and the broader principle of living one's life in a way that brings glory to God while considering the impact on others.

Application: This sermon can help Christians understand the balance between freedom in Christ and responsibility to others, encouraging them to live lives that honor God and build up the faith of others, especially in areas of disputable matters.

Teaching: The sermon will teach that our actions, even in minor decisions, should reflect our commitment to glorifying God and loving our neighbors, emphasizing that our freedom in Christ comes with the responsibility to be sensitive to others’ consciences.

How this passage could point to Christ: Ultimately, this passage points to Christ, who embodies the ultimate sacrifice for our good and God's glory. His life and death showcase how to live for the benefit of others while fulfilling God's purpose.

Big Idea: True freedom in Christ is best expressed through a life devoted to glorifying God and serving others, leading to spiritual growth and unity within the church.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the cultural context of idolatry in Corinth using Logos. Pay attention to the nuances of Paul’s arguments regarding liberty and the conscience, which may present challenges in application today. Additionally, engage with commentaries that discuss the theological implications of living for God’s glory and how that informs ethical decision-making.

1. Pursue Purposeful Liberty

1 Corinthians 10:23-27

You could begin by examining Paul's teaching that not everything permissible is beneficial. He encourages believers to seek the good of others, which will bring glory to God. This can guide us in making daily decisions, reminding us to consider our impact on others. Perhaps, stress that our Christian liberty is meant to reflect God's love and wisdom, much like Christ who sacrificed His freedom for our ultimate good.

In a competitive workplace, you might feel pressured to sacrifice your integrity to get ahead. Instead, reflect on how your work can glorify God. Challenge yourself to handle work conflicts with grace and honesty, and pray for the wisdom to navigate difficult situations. Engage with your colleagues in a way that reflects Christian values like respect and kindness. When you prioritize God's glory over personal gain, you not only foster a positive atmosphere but also serve as a testament to God's transformative power in your professional life.

2. Choose Considerate Conduct

1 Corinthians 10:28-30

Maybe challenge the audience to consider how their actions affect the consciences of others. Paul exemplifies Christian sensitivity, choosing to refrain from actions that may cause others to stumble. This point could emphasize that Christ Himself chose the path of sacrifice over self-interest, setting an example for us to follow. Encouraging believers to prioritize the growth and edification of the community over personal freedom could be suggested here.

When facing conflict or disappointment within your church community, it’s easy to feel disillusioned. Remind yourself that God uses these situations for His glory and our growth. Instead of withdrawing, take the initiative to schedule a meeting with your pastor or a trusted member of the congregation to discuss your feelings. Approach the conversation in a spirit of love and reconciliation, focusing on solutions for the community. This proactive engagement not only helps resolve issues but also demonstrates your commitment to the church's mission and unity in Christ.

3. Gloriously Guided Living

1 Corinthians 10:31-33

You could highlight Paul's overarching principle that everything we do should glorify God. Encouraging believers to examine their motives, this point affirms that our highest calling is to live for God's glory. In doing so, we reflect Christ's self-giving love. Stressing unity and mutual edification as fruits of living for God's glory could inspire listeners to reassess priorities and align their lives towards service and worship.

During stressful times, such as political events or public debates, your emotions might lead you to react impulsively on social media. Instead, commit to a practice of pause and prayer before posting. Consider using the '24-hour rule'—wait a day before sharing your thoughts on contentious issues. This allows you to approach your message with prayerful consideration, ensuring that your contributions uplift and represent God’s glory. By modeling thoughtful engagement, you help cultivate a dialogue that reflects Christ's love and wisdom in a polarized world.