John 17 22-26

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“Glory”

John 17: 22-26

Chapel

Introduction: In our Gospel lesson Jesus says that He has given those who believe in Him glory...He says, “And the glory which you gave me I have given them, that they may be one just as we are one. He goes on to say in verse 24 - Father, I desire that they also whom you gave Me may be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which you have given me; for you loved me before the foundation of the world.

So what is it that Jesus has and has given to those who believe in Him? What does the word glory mean? When I hear the word glory I think of the phrase - going out in a blaze of glory. But what does that mean? Then I think of the recent movie named Glory. It’s about a regiment of black troops that fight in the civil war with honor and valor. In the final battle they fight valiantly but are defeated - I guess you could say that they went out in a blaze of glory.

Anyway I looked the definition up in the dictionary. Glory: 1 a) great honor and admiration won by doing something important or valuable; fame; renown b) anything bringing this 2 worshipful adoration or praise 3 the condition of highest achievement, splendor, prosperity, etc. [Greece in her glory ] 4 radiant beauty or splendor; magnificence 5 heaven or the bliss of heaven 6 a) a halo or its representation in art b) any circle of light vi. -ried, -ry ing to be very proud; rejoice; exult: with in gone to glory dead in one's glory at one's best, happiest, etc. [1]

I. That’s the Dictionary, what does God’s Word say?

A. God is glory to His people -- Psalm 3:3 But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. And Zechariah writes, 5 'For I,' says the LORD, 'will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.' "

B. Christ is the glory of His people -- Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. and Luke writes, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

29 "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word;

30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation

31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,

32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel."

II. The center of God’s glory is Christ.

A. John 1:14 -- John 1:14 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. In the book of Hebrews it is written, 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone...bringing many sons to glory...

III. The center of Christ’s Glory is the Cross

A. It is found in the new covenant that is written in the blood of Jesus. Paul writes, 2Cor: 9 If the old covenant, ( the covenant made with Moses and the people of Israel - the Law) which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new covenant, which makes us right with God!

10 In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new covenant.

11 So if the old covenant, which has been set aside, was full of glory, then the new covenant, which remains forever, has far greater glory.

B. The center of Christ’s glory is found in God’s mercy toward sinners for Christ’s sake. Jesus went to the cross and suffered shame and death for our sake. The Glory of God is found in the forgiveness of sins and God’s abounding grace located at the cross. In the movie Glory, the regiment of black troops fought valiantly and with honor. In the final battle they were defeated. But the war was won. Jesus took our defeat, the result of our sin, in His own death. But the war against death was won. God’s glory and the glory of His only Son shines in His resurrection

C. The glory of God is found in us by the indwelling of Christ’s own Spirit. By His spirit and His Word He has created faith which trusts in Him. For His sake we possess all things. What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, will He not with Him give us all things?

Conclusion: The Definition of Glory -- 1 a) great honor and admiration won by doing something important or valuable; fame; renown b) anything bringing this...What Christ has done 2 worshipful adoration or praise...our response to what He has done. 3 the condition of highest achievement, splendor, prosperity, etc. [Greece in her glory ] 4 radiant beauty or splendor; magnificence 5 heaven or the bliss of heaven 6 a) a halo...all to be yours for the sake of Jesus Christ your Lord.

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