“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about–but not before God! For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” – Romans 4:2-3
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
– 1 Corinthians 10:31
Main Thought: The apostle Paul reminds us here that we were created for the glory of God. Adam and Eve were created and put in the Garden of Eden to bring glory to God, but their rebellion against the single command of God that He gave them brought separation, not communion, into their relationship with God. However, as believers in Christ who have been brought into an eternal relationship with Him, it is more important than ever for others to see that every aspect of our lives is giving glory to God. Paul understood that these Corinthians in most ways, in their personal lives and the church, were not bringing glory to God. There was evident immorality that was present in the church (1 Cor. 5), there was great disunity (1 Cor. 3) and they had turned the observance of the Lord’s Supper into their own personal dinner, disgracing and separating themselves from others (1 Cor. 11). While we may look down on them in many ways for what was going on, we should at the same time look at our own lives and make sure we are glorifying God in all we do. We should glorify God in our homes as husbands by loving our wives as Christ loved the church (Eph. 5:25) and being Godly examples to our wives and children in our speech. Wives should be glorifying God before their children by training them in the Word of God, speaking graciously to them and nurturing them in love, and by being submissive to their husbands as the church is to Christ (Eph. 5:24). In our work, we are to glorify God by the diligence of our work, working not for men but for our Lord (Eph. 6:6-7). Even in our recreation, in those times that God gives us for relaxation and enjoyment, our speech and actions should give evidence that we are glorifying God for that time to refresh our bodies and minds. And then especially in the church, wherever God puts us, we should glorify God in our worship of Him and our service to other believers. We should never think the church exists to serve our purposes and our perceived needs, but realize in the church that we are to always count others more significant than ourselves in all humility (Phil. 2:3), having the mind of Christ in His service when He came to this earth to die upon the cross. Each of us needs to examine ourselves and see if we are glorifying God in our homes, our work, our recreation, and our churches. Are we living our lives for the purpose for which God created us, which is living a life that exalts and glorifies Him? May our prayer be daily as we rise up for whatever lies ahead of us in that day, that we will aim to glorify Him.
David Webber
David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.
More from David Webber
Romans 4:2-3
Psalm 92:8
“But You are on high forever, O Yahweh.” – Psalm 92:8
John 11:25-27
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die–ever. Do you believe this?’ She (Martha) said to Him, ‘Yes Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, the One who comes into the world.” – John 11:25-27
John 8:23-24
“And He was saying to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above. You are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am His, you will die in your sins.” – John 8:23-24
John 6:39-40
“Now this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” – John 6:39-40
John 2:18-21
“The Jews then said to Him, ‘What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this sanctuary, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking about the sanctuary of His body.” – John 2:18-21
John 1:14
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
Psalm 85:6
“Will You not Yourself return to revive us, that your people may be glad in You?” – Psalm 85:6
Psalm 86:1 and 86:5
“Incline your ear, O Yahweh, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy…For You, Lord, are good, and by nature forgiving, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.” – Psalm 86:1 and 86:5
John 14:19
“After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me, because I live, you will live also.” – John 14:19