TOPIC: THE REVELATION OF GOD’S GLORY (PART 4)
TEXT: 2 COR. 3:18
FOCUS: WHAT TRIGGERS OR PROVOKES GOD’S GLORY
2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Introduction: The Scriptures had made us to understand that everyone God created was formed for the glory of God. God wants to reveal His glory in us (the believers). That is why He sent His only begotten Son so that we can be revealed in Him. However, that are things that God expects from us so that His glory can be triggered and made manifest in us. Hallelujah!
A. WHAT TRIGGER OR PROVOKE GOD’S GLORY IN THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER
i. Complete and Unconditional Obedience to God – One of the major problems of some people in this age including the believers is disobedience to God and authority set up by God. (Deut. 28:1; Exo.40:16, 33-35)
Deut 28:1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: Deut 28:2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.
ii. Complete Life of Holiness – Everything about God is holy, so without holiness of life, His glory will not be delivered or released. (Heb.12:14; Oba.1:17; 1 Pet.1:15-16) Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
1Pe 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 1Pe 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
iii. Complete or Absolute Praiseful and Grateful Life – When you can praise God, you can bring down God’s glory to your life and environment. (Psa.100:4; Psa.29:2-3).
Psa 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
Psa 29:1 Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Psa 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
iv. Complete and Intense Prayerful Life – Jesus prayed intensely and the glory of the Lord came down upon the mount. (Luke 9:32-33)
Luk 9:32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. Luk 9:33 And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.
v. Complete Unity Of spirit and Minds – That is, united congregational gathering of saints as a church. (2 Chro.5:13-14)
2Ch 5:13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; 2Ch 5:14 So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.
vi. Complete Faith in God and His Words – Your faith in God has capacity to trigger God’s glory upon your life. Joh 11:40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
vii. Complete Self Denial and Focus on God – That is, imbibing self-discipline in all the areas of our lives. 1 Cor. 9:24-27
1Co 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 1Co 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 1Co 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 1Co 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
viii. Complete Sacrificial and Unconditional giving Life – (Luke 6:38; 1 Kings 3:3-5)
1Ki 3:3 And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places. 1Ki 3:4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar. 1Ki 3:5 In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
Conclusion: Brethren, if we can carefully observe the requirements of God concerning glory, we will enjoy all that God has destined for our life. 2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Hallelujah!
- Lord, let, my life move from glory to glory, in Jesus’ Name.
- O Lord, decorate my life with your glory, in Jesus’ Name
