Shorter Catechism Q1

Lesson

We will be doing a short study this morning over the Shorter Catechism Q1.

Who can tell me what it is?

Quest. 1. What is the chief end of man?

Ans. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him for ever.

I know this catechism question best (why)? Start the plan over and over..

Also, where do we start a Bible reading plan? Usually Genesis..

Genesis is a foundation. (atheists attack it, why? No Genesis, No Jesus, No Jesus, No Christianity.)

Similarly, this catechism question provides a basis or springboard for everything the catechism has to teach.

Why do you think this question is the basis for everything the Catechism, drawing from the Bible, will teach us? (not looking at the answer, yet).

Man is a created being. Man is religious in nature. What is worthy of worship and pursuit?

2. Man has an aim or a goal. We are not built for no reason and that reason is founded in God.

3. Alice in Wonderland story (where are you going? I don’t know? Then it doesn’t matter)

The Question answers this : What is this system, the knowledge we are going to learn in the Catechism and Bible, for?

This leads us to the answer.

What is the answer to the question and what are your thoughts?

So, we saw that man has an aim. An ultimate end for which he was created.

“To glorify God.”

How would you define “Glory”

“Glory in the Old Testament (kabod) originally meant “heaviness,” “importance,” or “significance.” It came to represent the stunning magnificence of certain objects, such as the blazing sun or the regal majesty displayed by a king. Hence, glory came to be used to describe the magnificent splendor and awesome radiance of God Himself revealed to man. In the New Testament, the word for “glory” is doxa, which means “an opinion” or “an estimate” of something. When used of someone’s reputation, it means “importance,” “greatness,” “renown,” or “significance.” - Steven J. Lawson

God’s glory has two parts:

His intrinsic glory.

a. It is essential to his nature and being.

b. It can’t be added to.

c. He will not give it to another. (Isa. 48:11) (Gen. 41:40)

2. The glory given to him.

a. 1 Chron. 16:29., “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name,” and, 1 Cor. 6:20., “Glorify God in your body and in your spirit.”

b.

So, how do you think we should glorify God? How many ways can we do it?

1. We can appreciate him. How can we appreciate him?

a. To set him highest in our thoughts.

b. Esteem him as the most excellent being.

How would you want someone to appreciate you? Flowers? A kind gesture? How much more does the creator of the universe deserve?

2. We can adore/worship him. How can we adore/ worship him?

a. Ps. 29:2., “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”

b. We can give a civil courteous or adoration to men but divine worship we give to God.

c. Cherubim guard this part and always surround him with praise and adoration.

d. God told Moses exactly how to worship and adore him. (tabernacle)

e. Adoring him in salvation.

3. We show affection.

a. Deut. 6:5., “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and wih all thy soul.”

b. We don’t need to love God because of receiving a good thing.

c. We need to love God in the way that you delight in a friend.

d. We give God the best of our love and that means perhaps giving him the best part of our day.

e. It is intense.

When is the last time you felt a real love and joy toward God?

We desire love from our friends and family… how much more to our Creator and Redeemer?

4. We subject ourselves to Him.

a. We are obedient to Him and it is joyful.

b. We subject ourselves by accepting our station in life.

Ok, so we have talked how we may glorify God. Any thoughts?

But now, why do you think we should glorify God?

A. He created us and sustains us. “Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." Ps 100:3.

B. Because God hath made all things for his own glory: Prov. 16:4., “The Lord hath made all things for himself,” - Even the one who rejects him and chooses to love his sin, God will get glory for His righteousness and His love for holiness/justice. He will also get glory for those whom He redeems, based on nothing but His sheer will.

C. Because God has redeemed you. He has bought you with a price. We are not our own. Paul spoke of himself as a slave. Does that sound like someone who thinks He has a claim to himself?

We can’t help but think that this may be burdensome. Thinking, “wow this is great, I get it … love God… alot.”

But, what does the second part of the answer say?

What does the word enjoy make you think of?

A. Enjoying God means enjoying him in this life. God wants you to be satisfied in life.

B. He wants you to enjoy the pleasures of life but in a biblical manner. Christ is not a task master and someone who wishes to rob you of joy. “The devil, as a thief, came to take away your life but Christ came so we may have it abundantly” John 10:10 “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Mt 11:30

C. Enjoying God means spending time with Him. If you have a friend, you probably enjoy time with them. Seek the same with your Creator.

D. God is a universal good and He wants and deserves to be enjoyed.

E. The Bible says our life is a vapor. If our life is a vapor, so is fleeting pleasures of this life. So are our problems.

F. you will blink one day and find yourself in your 60s, God willing. Enjoy God now.

How will you glorify God and enjoy Him today?

Pray.