Here are the notes from today's lesson. Please be aware of three specifics in regard to doctrine we need to continue to study.
- Sovereignty of God
- Suffering
- Gospel
Each of these areas of doctrine listed above needs to be studied as you read through Philippians.
Philippians – Chapter 1 verses 12-18
Background:
Stages of Paul's Life Year Highlights in Paul's life
1. Prior life and Conversion 32 AD Damascus Road experience. Paul saw 'The Light'. Acts 9, 22, 26
2. Preparation & Early Ministry 32-47 AD 15 yrs getting ready for his 'life's work' – concludes in Acts 13
3. Work -Missionary Journeys 48-58 AD 10 yrs of public ministry concludes with arrest in Jerusalem Acts 21
4. Imprisonment & Writings 58-68 AD 10 yrs - 2 years in Caesarea and 8 years in Rome – concludes in Acts 28
1. Doing nothing or the wrong thing 30 years (learning and practicing Judaism)
2. Learning what to do 15 years (3 years in the desert, 12 years in his 'home' church)
3. Doing the right thing 10 years (3 missionary journeys)
4. Teaching others to do 10 years (from prison)
Paul was in prison for 2 years in Caesarea and he was transported to Rome where he will be in prison for another 2 years. While under house arrest in Rome he is waiting on a decision from emperor Nero that will either release him or execute him. Keep in mind that there is really no criminal charge against him of any kind.
While residing under house arrest he is chained to a guard for 24 hours a day. And according to background study these guards are changed once every 6 hours, which equates to 4 different men each day (after 2 full years that comes out to a total of approximately 2900 guards)
Also Paul is allowed to have visitors and stayed in a private residence where he was allowed to preach, teach and write.
Yet this was far from the kind of freedom he had been used to in which he was able to go throughout the Roman Empire and:
1. Plant churches
2. Strengthen churches
3. Train leaders
And in this restricted freedom of house arrest it did not allow for private solitude for personal worship, whether in eating, sleeping or writing.
The Philippians got word by some means that their apostle Paul was in prison in Rome. Therefore they sent Epaphroditus to help Paul and to find out two primary things:
1. The physical and mental condition of Paul
2. The condition of the gospel
In addition to that they also sent also a monetary gift.
Paul's response back to them is one to assure them that his condition while in prison is one of joy:
Phil. 1:3 ¶ I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
Phil. 1:4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all,
Phil. 2:17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.
Phil. 3:1 ¶ Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.
Phil. 4:4 ¶ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
Paul's joy is not tied to his circumstances.
If his JOY had been dependent on:
➢ Possessions
➢ Freedom
➢ Money
➢ Family
➢ Prestige
➢ Outward success
➢ Reputation
Then he would not have had any joy
Paul's joy was centered on the gospel and ministry that flowed from knowing the Lord Jesus Christ.
He had JOY in spite of
➢ No personal freedoms
➢ Detractors who attacked him
➢ Possible death
➢ Dealing with his flesh
The phrase "I want you to know"
Could be restated as follows "I don't want you to be unaware"
Paul emphasizes that things are turning out much differently than you might think.
Instead of the gospel shutting down and going away, God is using the circumstances that He orchestrated to increase the presence of the gospel.
What really motivates and inspires you to get up in the morning?
Where do you upon review of your life, invest you time, effort, energy and money
Compare your answer to that of Paul in Acts 20:24
Acts 20:24 "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.
All the things that Paul had were used for one ultimate purpose, and that was to advance the kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Word Study
"Progress" – in the Greek this word refers to something that moves forward in spite of dangers and obstacles.
It was used "specially" for the progress of an army or an expedition.
It is the verb for the noun which means to cut down in advance.
The verb means to cut away trees and undergrowth that would hinder the progress of an army.
The chief obstacle for Paul was his imprisonment but that was no obstacle for the "progress" of the gospel.
The word gospel is mentioned 5 times in the first 27 verses of Philippians:
Phil. 1:5 in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.
Phil. 1:7 For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me.
Phil. 1:12 ¶ Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,
Phil. 1:16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;
Phil. 1:27 ¶ Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Paul ministered to the whole praetorian guard
From the point of view of the Roman government:
Paul was a captive chained to a Roman guard
But from God's perspective
It was the Roman guard who was chained to Paul
Perhaps the Christians in Rome were praying for a way to evangelize Caesar's household.
The Lord in His wisdom provided the whole praetorian guard to be captive so that Paul could carry out a mass evangelism.
The word for "chain" in Acts 28:20 and Ephesians 6:20 is the word "halusis" in the Greek and means a short chain that is attached to the wrist of a prisoner to his guard.
What did these guards observe in Paul?
Things like – grace, patience, love, conviction and wisdom
Therefore these guards became a second line of local evangelists. As the praetorian guard was converted then salvation ended up spreading to all of Caesar's household.
➢ Phil. 4:22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.
These were imperial guards associated with the emperors palace because they guarded him and his interests.
Paul also ministered to the city.
Acts 28:23 ¶ When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening.
Acts 28:24 Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe.
We read in verse 14 that because of his imprisonment the church in Rome lacked the courage to proclaim the gospel.
It was understandable that many in church leadership saw the current hostility toward the gospel and didn't want to end up in jail.
Paul's joy was strictly related to the advance of the gospel.
The message was converting the guard and those in the city, along with giving others necessary courage to proclaim the gospel.
Conclusion:
Does our joy flow up and down based upon the personal circumstances in our life.
Do things such as:
➢ Home
➢ Job
➢ Security
➢ Family
➢ Reputation
➢ Approval
➢ Success
Do these things propel the joy factor of your life?
If so then your joy will continue to raise and fall as these things in life fluctuate.
However if our joy is fixed on advancing the kingdom then it will never diminish.
Paul is rejoicing in chains as long as the gospel advances.
Paul is rejoicing in those who persecute his ministry as long as Christ is being proclaimed.
The word "detractor" is a person who belittles the reputation of someone. This person wants to tear someone else down.
There were two kinds of groups that were preaching the gospel in Rome:
1. Detractors – though they preached Christ, their key objective was to defame the ministry of the apostle Paul. These men aren't heretics, nor are they Judiazers, Gnostics or idol worshippers but rather they preach Christ. And yet they were after Paul to hurt his reputation.
There is no difference at all in their doctrine and the doctrine of Paul but the difference is in their motive.
Envy=jealously
Paul's giftedness and his ministry reputation was the very thing they didn't like and wanted to destroy it. It was producing a form of rivalry because they saw themselves to be in competition with Paul.
The Lord looks at the content of what we teach but He also looks at the motive of the teacher.
Speculation:
1. This group probably thought that Paul had sinned and because of this the Lord had decided to take away his ministry and put him on the shelf
2. Another group thought that he didn't have enough faith and if he did he would have been able to get out of jail
3. The other group used this to say that since God had placed Paul in jail this was proof that the people needed to come to them
4. Others thought that Paul had allowed himself to get into this situation and he should have been smart enough to have known better
Remember some of the things that the apostle Paul wrote:
Phil. 2:19 ¶ But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition.
Phil. 2:20 For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.
2Tim. 4:16 ¶ At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.
2Tim. 1:15 ¶ You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.
2Tim. 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.
Is this what a person gets from a life of faithfulness?
Is this the church?
Are these the kind of people you get after they have been taught the truth?
There were two kinds of groups that were preaching the gospel in Rome:
2. These were those who preached out of good will
These people were driven by love
While the other group was driven by envy and strife
The most essential element in ministry is "love"
Word Study
"appointed" means for a soldier to be set on duty and it also can mean destined
In essence what Paul is saying is as follows "I am destined to be on duty for the gospel."
"Defense" is where the word apologetics comes from
Two groups that we see in Philippians Chapter 1 that preach the gospel
1. Those who lovingly hold Paul in good will
2. Those who are jealous and envious
These detractors proclaim Christ but they do it from a selfish ambition, which means they have impure motives.
(Books, tapes, materials, approval and success)
The word "selfish ambition" means
➢ used of those who electioneer for office, courting popular applause by trickery and low arts,
➢ a desire to put oneself forward
➢ Self promotion for self gain
This produces the following:
Envy
Strife
Selfish ambition
These products of the flesh are mentioned in:
Rom. 1:29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,
2Cor. 12:20 For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there will be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances;
1Tim. 6:4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,
Gal. 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
Gal. 5:21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these,…
Bottom line:
Did any of these things steal Paul's joy?
Answer – NO
The chains of imprisonment didn't steal it
The false accusations from others that preached the gospel didn't steal it
(Verse 18)
What then? Or So what?
What does it matter?
In the response to that question one can see the single minded focus that the apostle Paul had in all matters regarding life.
1. In every method
2. In every motive
There was one thing and one thing only that mattered to Paul and that was that Christ was proclaimed.
Paul didn't rejoice in:
Preaching that contained error
Preaching with sinful attitudes
Because Paul knew that even a jealous and envious preacher can be used for the advance of the gospel.
The truth is always more powerful than the package in which, it is delivered.
The power lies within the gospel and not the preacher.
The present joy that Paul experiences moves right into future joy.
Paul doesn't care about himself instead he cares about Christ.
Look what happens to Paul when:
He is restricted to imprisonment in which he is chained to soldiers
When he isn't free to go plant and preach in churches all over the Roman Empire
When you have others attacking him and his ministry for no good reason
Check out what happens to this man:
1. He does not quit
2. He does not lash back
3. He does not break
4. He does not lose his love for others
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
It's official - Hillary is #2
When asked is she was #1 or #2 in regards to the Democratic nomination, Hillary proudly proclaimed "I'm #2, I'm #2." As you can see she even indicated this in the photo, which by the way is worth a thousand words.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Election (not politics)
by Dr. John MacArthur Election is the act of God whereby in eternity past He chose those who will be saved. Election is unconditional, because it does not depend on anything outside of God, such as good works or foreseen faith (Romans 9:16). This doctrine is repeatedly taught in the Bible, and is also demanded by our knowledge of God. To begin with, let’s look at the biblical evidence.The Bible says prior to salvation, all people are dead in sin — spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1-3). In this state of death, the sinner is utterly unable to respond to any spiritual stimulus and therefore unable to love God, obey Him, or please Him in any way. Scripture says the mind of every unbeliever “is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:7-8, emphasis added). That describes a state of total hopelessness: spiritual death.
The effect of all this is that no sinner can ever make the first move in the salvation process. This is what Jesus meant in John 6:44, when He said, “No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him.”
This is also why the Bible repeatedly stresses that salvation is wholly God’s work. In Acts 13:48 we read, “And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.”
Acts 16 tells us that Lydia was saved when, “the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.”
Romans 8:29-30 states, “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”
Ephesians 1:4-5,11 reads, “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will . . . also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.”
Ephesians 2:8 suggests that even our faith is a gift from God.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:13, the apostle Paul tells his readers, “God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation.”
Second Timothy 1:9 informs us that God “has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity.”
Occasionally someone will suggest that God’s election is based on His foreknowledge of certain events. This argument suggests that God simply looks into the future to see who will believe, and He chooses those whom He sees choosing Him. Notice that 1 Peter 1:2 says the elect are chosen “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father,” and Romans 8:29 says, “whom He foreknew, He also predestined.” And if divine foreknowledge simply means God’s knowledge of what will happen in advance, then these arguments may appear to have some weight behind them.
But that is not the biblical meaning of “foreknowledge.” When the Bible speaks of God’s foreknowledge, it refers to God’s establishment of a love relationship with that person. The word “know,” in both the Old and New Testament, refers to much more than mere cognitive knowledge of a person. Such passages as Hosea 13:4-5; Amos 3:2 (KJV); and Romans 11:2 clearly indicate this. For example, 1 Peter 1:20 says Christ was “foreknown before the foundation of the world.” Surely this means more than that God the Father looked into the future to behold Christ! It means He had an eternal, loving relationship with Him. The same is true of the elect, whom we are told God “foreknew” (Romans 8:29). That means He knew them — He loved them — before the foundation of the world.
If God’s choice of the elect is unconditional, does this rule out human responsibility? Paul asks and answers that very question in Romans 9:19-20. He says God’s choice of the elect is an act of mercy. Left to themselves, even the elect would persist in sin and be lost, because they are taken from the same fallen lump of clay as the rest of humanity. God alone is responsible for their salvation, but that does not eradicate the responsibility of those who persist in sin and are lost — because they do it willfully, and not under compulsion. They are responsible for their sin, not God.
The Bible affirms human responsibility right alongside the doctrine of divine sovereignty. Moreover, the offer of mercy in the gospel is extended to all alike. Isaiah 55:1 and Revelation 22:17 call “whosoever will” to be saved. Isaiah 45:22 and Acts 17:30 command all men to turn to God, repent and be saved. First Timothy 2:4 and 2 Peter 3:9 tell us that God is not willing that any should perish, but desires that all should be saved. Finally, the Lord Jesus said that, “the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out” (John 6:37).
In summary, we can say that God has had a special love relationship with the elect from all eternity, and on the basis of that love relationship chosen them for salvation. The ultimate question of why God chose some for salvation and left others in their sinful state is one that we, with our finite knowledge, cannot answer. We do know that God’s attributes always are in perfect harmony with each other, so that God’s sovereignty will always operate in perfect harmony with His goodness, love, wisdom, and justice.
What does Light Beer and American Evangelicalism have in common?
Date March 1, 2008 - by Erik Raymond
People have described some of the contemporary practices within evangelicalism as being driven by consumerism. We can see evidences of this with many of the popular devices that are employed, whether it be in the altering of vocabulary, the transition from preaching to conversations, the emphasis upon felt needs rather than spiritual needs, the polling of unbelievers as to how church should be conducted, a deemphasis upon doctrine, a redefinition of Jesus as weak and effeminate, and an idolatrous portrayal of a God who’s love is able to trump his righteousness. Regrettably, all of these things are common today.
Even here in Omaha we have seen a confessionally evangelical church, with a history of teaching the Bible, hang up pictures of the Pope and encourage believers to be more like him. Proponents of this type of reproachable compromise argue that such things are done to attract the large Catholic community that surrounds the church.
In effort to create something that is universally accepted by all, even unbelievers and heretics, such people are unwittingly making themselves irrelevant. The church is supposed to be different, we are supposed to have distinct contours that reflect our God who has called out us of the world and given us the same message to proclaim to a world who does not know him.
Nashville is Ironically Similar to St. Louis
It is ironic to me, when considering this problem, that many evangelicals have much in common with an industry they despise. I see a great similarity between the American evangelical church and the major American Beer manufacturers.
Most beer people will tell you that aside from a few minor variances American Beer (particularly light beer) tastes the same. It lacks flavor, it is low in alcoholic content, and it is painfully watered down. American evangelicalism likewise has become incredibly bland, lacking a punch, and is too, painfully watered down.
I can go to the local Southern Baptist megachurch (Bud-Light) and receive the same flavorless biblical preaching that I can receive at the local E-Free megachurch (Michelob Light). This of course is with the exception of some variant marketing slogans and aesthetics.
It seems as though the evangelical church is learning ministry from the beer industry. They have a product that is so diluted and so non-distinct but is so well marketed that when people are in the mood for church they will imbibe without being offended, however, it will only make them feel better temporarily, untl the Sunday morning buzz wear’s off.
Calvinism the Import
On the other hand you have the Micro-Brews & imports. These guys are the Reformed wing of the church. They have unabashed loyalty to flavor,calvinus-beer.jpg historic craftsmanship, and integrity with the trade.
I once heard Jim Koch, the founder and CEO of Samuel Adams, say that “We make beer for people who like flavor. If you do not like flavor, you will not like Sam Adams.” (my paraphrase).
The Reformed movement cares more about the product than the consumer. The glory of God trumps the comfort of the ‘seeker’. It seeks to faithfully produce authentic and flavorful preaching, teaching and living to the glory of God.
However, just as Sam Adams, Guinness, and others are not for everyone, apparently the same is true with Reformed theology. Many people complain that Calvinists are too strong-minded, to doctrinal, too mean, and too much into theology.
I recently heard D.A. Carson say that Willow Creek has not grown in years and have now begun trying to jump into other streams to attract people. Conversely, Reformed theology is growing in this country (so are the Micro-brews and imports).
Apparently people like substance and authenticity. Instead of being flavored water, it is high time that the church, the very people who are supposed and expected to be different, would step up and be who they are called to be, distinct, refreshing, flavorful and enjoyable. Cheers!
People have described some of the contemporary practices within evangelicalism as being driven by consumerism. We can see evidences of this with many of the popular devices that are employed, whether it be in the altering of vocabulary, the transition from preaching to conversations, the emphasis upon felt needs rather than spiritual needs, the polling of unbelievers as to how church should be conducted, a deemphasis upon doctrine, a redefinition of Jesus as weak and effeminate, and an idolatrous portrayal of a God who’s love is able to trump his righteousness. Regrettably, all of these things are common today.
Even here in Omaha we have seen a confessionally evangelical church, with a history of teaching the Bible, hang up pictures of the Pope and encourage believers to be more like him. Proponents of this type of reproachable compromise argue that such things are done to attract the large Catholic community that surrounds the church.
In effort to create something that is universally accepted by all, even unbelievers and heretics, such people are unwittingly making themselves irrelevant. The church is supposed to be different, we are supposed to have distinct contours that reflect our God who has called out us of the world and given us the same message to proclaim to a world who does not know him.
Nashville is Ironically Similar to St. Louis
It is ironic to me, when considering this problem, that many evangelicals have much in common with an industry they despise. I see a great similarity between the American evangelical church and the major American Beer manufacturers.
Most beer people will tell you that aside from a few minor variances American Beer (particularly light beer) tastes the same. It lacks flavor, it is low in alcoholic content, and it is painfully watered down. American evangelicalism likewise has become incredibly bland, lacking a punch, and is too, painfully watered down.
I can go to the local Southern Baptist megachurch (Bud-Light) and receive the same flavorless biblical preaching that I can receive at the local E-Free megachurch (Michelob Light). This of course is with the exception of some variant marketing slogans and aesthetics.
It seems as though the evangelical church is learning ministry from the beer industry. They have a product that is so diluted and so non-distinct but is so well marketed that when people are in the mood for church they will imbibe without being offended, however, it will only make them feel better temporarily, untl the Sunday morning buzz wear’s off.
Calvinism the Import
On the other hand you have the Micro-Brews & imports. These guys are the Reformed wing of the church. They have unabashed loyalty to flavor,calvinus-beer.jpg historic craftsmanship, and integrity with the trade.
I once heard Jim Koch, the founder and CEO of Samuel Adams, say that “We make beer for people who like flavor. If you do not like flavor, you will not like Sam Adams.” (my paraphrase).
The Reformed movement cares more about the product than the consumer. The glory of God trumps the comfort of the ‘seeker’. It seeks to faithfully produce authentic and flavorful preaching, teaching and living to the glory of God.
However, just as Sam Adams, Guinness, and others are not for everyone, apparently the same is true with Reformed theology. Many people complain that Calvinists are too strong-minded, to doctrinal, too mean, and too much into theology.
I recently heard D.A. Carson say that Willow Creek has not grown in years and have now begun trying to jump into other streams to attract people. Conversely, Reformed theology is growing in this country (so are the Micro-brews and imports).
Apparently people like substance and authenticity. Instead of being flavored water, it is high time that the church, the very people who are supposed and expected to be different, would step up and be who they are called to be, distinct, refreshing, flavorful and enjoyable. Cheers!
Getting a "grip" on Grace
Copied from Pyromanics blog site
1. God's grace was given to His elect in His purposes from before times eternal (2 Timothy 1:9). It is not an afterthought.
2. Grace answers the question Cur Deus homo? — it is why God the Son became a human being, lived among us, fulfilled all righteousness, died in the stead of the elect, and redeemed them (1 Corinthians 8:9). Nothing in us motivated the Incarnation.
3. Grace is known in the special revelation of the Gospel (Colossians 1:6), not by natural revelation.
4. Grace frees the elect to exercise saving faith (Acts 18:27). Slaves don't free themselves.
5. Grace is the whole reason we are declared righteous as a free gift by grace alone, through faith alone, in and because of Christ alone (Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7); it is not merely an important factor.
6. Grace in Christ's death is the cause of our righteous standing before God (Galatians 2:21; 5:4). Human works play no part whatever.
7. Grace is a good reason to leave sin (Romans 6:1ff). It is not a good reason to remain in sin.
8. Grace frees us from the Mosaic law's condemnation (Romans 6:14). It does not "free" us from God being God, nor from all that necessarily follows from that truth.
9. Grace motivates and empowers us to do more for God than we otherwise would (1 Corinthians 15:10). It isn't our license to do less or nothing for God than we otherwise would.
10. Grace strengthens us for service (2 Timothy 2:1). It does not "strengthen" us for indifferent, lazy lassitude.
11. Grace motivates us to speak more boldly to professed brothers in Christ (Romans 15:15). It does not motivate us to care less about God's glory or others' spiritual health.
12. Put another way, grace is the motivator for speaking even unwelcome truth boldly to professed Christians (Romans 15:15). Grace is not the antithesis of such plain-speaking.
13. Grace builds us up as Christians (Acts 20:32). Grace is not for the moment of salvation only.
14. Grace is at home with humility (1 Peter 5:5). It is the opposite of stiff-necked, arrogant rebellion against the word and will of God.
15. Grace is the sufficient, efficient, indispensable and unerring cause for practical holy living, for obeying the written word of God (Titus 2:11-12; cf. Romans 8:12-13). It isn't our "get out of obedience" card.
16. Grace will not be fully experienced, realized, or known until we see Christ (1 Peter 1:13). This present consciousness of grace is not "all there is."
17. Until that day, we must grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18). No man can say he is "there," yet.
18. It is an abominable blasphemy to use pleas of "grace" as a cloak for outrageous, amoral, immoral, licentious thinking and living (Jude 4). Grace is not a pretext for sin.
1. God's grace was given to His elect in His purposes from before times eternal (2 Timothy 1:9). It is not an afterthought.
2. Grace answers the question Cur Deus homo? — it is why God the Son became a human being, lived among us, fulfilled all righteousness, died in the stead of the elect, and redeemed them (1 Corinthians 8:9). Nothing in us motivated the Incarnation.
3. Grace is known in the special revelation of the Gospel (Colossians 1:6), not by natural revelation.
4. Grace frees the elect to exercise saving faith (Acts 18:27). Slaves don't free themselves.
5. Grace is the whole reason we are declared righteous as a free gift by grace alone, through faith alone, in and because of Christ alone (Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7); it is not merely an important factor.
6. Grace in Christ's death is the cause of our righteous standing before God (Galatians 2:21; 5:4). Human works play no part whatever.
7. Grace is a good reason to leave sin (Romans 6:1ff). It is not a good reason to remain in sin.
8. Grace frees us from the Mosaic law's condemnation (Romans 6:14). It does not "free" us from God being God, nor from all that necessarily follows from that truth.
9. Grace motivates and empowers us to do more for God than we otherwise would (1 Corinthians 15:10). It isn't our license to do less or nothing for God than we otherwise would.
10. Grace strengthens us for service (2 Timothy 2:1). It does not "strengthen" us for indifferent, lazy lassitude.
11. Grace motivates us to speak more boldly to professed brothers in Christ (Romans 15:15). It does not motivate us to care less about God's glory or others' spiritual health.
12. Put another way, grace is the motivator for speaking even unwelcome truth boldly to professed Christians (Romans 15:15). Grace is not the antithesis of such plain-speaking.
13. Grace builds us up as Christians (Acts 20:32). Grace is not for the moment of salvation only.
14. Grace is at home with humility (1 Peter 5:5). It is the opposite of stiff-necked, arrogant rebellion against the word and will of God.
15. Grace is the sufficient, efficient, indispensable and unerring cause for practical holy living, for obeying the written word of God (Titus 2:11-12; cf. Romans 8:12-13). It isn't our "get out of obedience" card.
16. Grace will not be fully experienced, realized, or known until we see Christ (1 Peter 1:13). This present consciousness of grace is not "all there is."
17. Until that day, we must grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18). No man can say he is "there," yet.
18. It is an abominable blasphemy to use pleas of "grace" as a cloak for outrageous, amoral, immoral, licentious thinking and living (Jude 4). Grace is not a pretext for sin.
Dr. Bruce Ware - Divine Election to Salvation
Click on any of these articles to download and save:
Effectual Calling and Grace
The New Covenant
How shall we think about the Trinity?
Philippians Review Notes - Session #6
Hey guys,
First of all a summary of the chart we went over last week.
This past Tuesday we studied Philippians Chapter 1 verses 9-11. If you remember we titled Philippians 1:1-26 - "Prescription for Joy" - the priority of the gospel. Last week we studied verses 3-8 which we titled "gospel centered fellowship. I think there are three areas that stand out in those verses:
1. Past remembrance
2. Present participation
3. Future confidence
The word participation can be translated fellowship. And as we said this morning a good definition of this word in this context would be the self sacrificing conformity to the gospel. Paul is not talking about the meals they had together, or the times that they spent at the games, or even discussing the issues of child rearing. You can be sure these were things that were done but this is not the fellowship to which he is referring. However the apostle is specifically encouraging their ongoing participation in the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Guys, we spend our time in church, Bible study or small group in the compartments of Christian living. But these that were in Philippi had the life of Christ flowing through all activities because the gospel was at the center. It probably was not unusual for them to meet many times during the week to study and pray together. Keep in mind this is a letter to those who were probably closer to Paul than any other church that he planted. You can read that in verse 8 as it regards the tremendous affection that Paul had for this group of people.
Now we move from "gospel-centered fellowship" to verses 9-11 which I have titled "gospel-centered prayer." As we study this section of Scripture let me ask all of us this practical question - do we pray this way for others? Well the apostle Paul has given us a great pattern for prayer when it comes to those in our family, church, and other believers that we know. I think it helps to see this in a pyramid in order to follow Paul's flow of thought. The problem I have with email is I am limited and really can't draw it like I did this morning on the board. But I suggest that you draw out a pyramid on a sheet of paper and put this words in it starting from the bottom and going to the top.
Here is the pyramid via email:
Glory of God
Blameless
Sincere
Approve things that are excellent
Discernment
Knowledge
Love for others
Love for God
Paul starts in verse 9 and prays that their love may abound more and more. Now keep in mind these are loving Christian people but Paul is asking that they even love more which I think is a reference to God and others. He did not want them just to be satisfied where they were but wanted them to go deeper and deeper. Guys that is exactly what we want to do in our relationship with God and that is significant depth. We can see all through the Scriptures that depth attracts width. I have often thought that a healthy church should be twice as deep as it is wide, just like the cross. Anyway the apostle Paul starts with the word love and we know that the love for God is the very first priority.
Here is my write up via my own study notes. I have taken the pyramid concept and also turned this into links that are the following:
Link #1 (love) - Link #2 (knowledge) - Link #3 and #4 (integrity) - Link #5 (glory of God)
Link #1
First Paul prays that the love of the Philippians "may" abound more and more. Since the "may" is in the subjunctive mood we learn or know that this is the mood of possibility. This is not something they can just demand or do from their own will. It seems in this context that the love Paul is talking about would both be love for God and love for one another. However we know from other study and verses that love for others is the manifestation or the overflow of our love for God. Therefore Paul has taught the Philippians well who God is and they love Him not just what He can do for them.
Check out 1John 4:7 - Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
In the phrase "everyone who loves" – the word "loves" is in the present tense
In the phrase "is born of God" – the verb "is born" is in the perfect passive
Greek grammar states that when a present tense verb and a perfect tense verb are in the same sentence the "perfect" tense takes precedence.
Therefore we can see clearly from the Greek that unless God acts in sovereign grace upon the heart of a believer they will not presently love fellow believers.
1John 2:29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.
Practicing righteousness is proof that a person is born again.
1John 3:9 No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
A person who doesn't continuously exhibit a pattern of sin is one who is born again.
1John 5:1 ¶ Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him.
A person is born again and then they come to believe in Jesus Christ.
1John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
A person who continues to act in a manner in overcoming the world shows that they are in fact genuinely born again.
In each case the "is born" is used in the "perfect tense and passive voice."
Which can launch us into a basic discussion of being born again.
Link #2
The apostle Paul prays that their love may abound more and more in real knowledge and all discernment. Which means that he wants these Philippians to enjoy more insight into God's words and ways and thus know how to live in light of them.
What good does it do us to know more and more information but not allow that information to yield transformation of the heart as we obey the very word of God?
I think Paul is giving us a real clue to knowledge and discernment. It starts with a love for God.
A.W. Tozier says "what comes into our mind when we think of God is the most important thing about us…"
"We tend by a secret law of the soul to move toward our mental image of God…"
It is at that point that we are filled to overflow which then results in our love for others.
There is no genuine loving of others if there is no genuine love for God.
That is why we can see the clear links of this chain that Paul is praying for the Philippians:
1. Love for God
2. Love of others
3. Knowledge of Him
4. Discernment of Him
➢ A Discerning Love - It requires insight
➢ A Christian's love is to abound not only in real knowledge but also "in all discernment" (Phil. 1:9). Paul used the Greek word aisthesis from which we get the English word aesthetic. This the only occasion the word is used in Scripture.
➢ It speaks of moral perception, insight, and the practical application of knowledge--the deep knowledge Paul had already mentioned. Love is controlled by theology, and theology must be applied to life with insight.
Link #3
Approve
The word translated "approve" (Gk., dokimazo) was used in classical Greek to describe the process of evaluating metal to determine its properties and purity. It also described testing money to be sure it wasn't counterfeit.
Paul wanted the Philippians to be able to evaluate and determine what is excellent.
Excellent
In Greek the word diaphero (translated excellent) means "to differ."
The Philippians needed to know the difference between things so they could establish priorities and seek after what is truly vital and important.
Conclusion
Paul was not referring merely to the ability to distinguish not only between good and evil but also between what is good and what is best.
Check out the prayer chain
Love for God
Love of others
Knowledge of Him
Discernment of Him
Approve the things that are excellent
Link #4
Sincerity
James Montgomery Boice in Philippians: An Expositional Commentary tells us that "in ancient times . . . the finest pottery was thin. It had a clear color, and it bought a high price. Fine pottery was very fragile both before and after firing. And it was often the case that this pottery would crack in the oven. Cracked pottery should have been thrown away. But dishonest dealers were in the habit of filling cracks with a hard pearly wax that would blend in with the color of the pottery. This made the cracks practically undetectable in the shops, especially when painted or glazed; but the wax was immediately detectable if the pottery was held up to light, especially to the sun. In that case the cracks would show up darker. It was said that the artificial element was detected by 'sun-testing. ' Honest dealers marked their finer product by the caption sine cera--'without wax'" ([Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1971], p. 55) .
So just as in ancient times pottery was tested by holding it up to the sun, our lives need to be tested for the wax of hypocrisy. In the church are those who appear as fine pottery but are not. There are cracks of sin in their lives filled with the wax of religious ceremony and activity. When held up to the light of God's Word their cracks become evident. When persecution or difficulty comes, they melt (cf. Matt. 13:5-6, 20-21)
Blamelessness
The Greek word translated "blameless" in Philippians 1:10 describes relational integrity. It means living a life that doesn't cause others to stumble. Scripture clearly teaches that believers are not to cause others to stumble (Luke 17:1-4)
Link #5
The glory of God. It seems that nowhere you go in the Bible we always come back to a theme which brings us to the glory of God. The Bible is God-centered not man-centered and the church needs to get this straight regarding their theology!!! John the Baptist said in John 3:30 "I must decrease and He must increase." That needs to be not only something we learn but live on a daily basis.
God chose his people for his glory:
He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace. (Ephesians 1:4-6, cf. vv. 12, 14, NASB)
God created us for his glory:
Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, every one who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory. (Isaiah 43:6-7)
God called Israel for his glory:
You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified (Isaiah 49:3).
I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to me, declares the Lord, that they might be for me a people, a name, a praise, and a glory. (Jeremiah 13:11)
God rescued Israel from Egypt for his glory:
Our fathers, when they were in Egypt, did not consider your wondrous works . . . but rebelled by the Sea, at the Red Sea. Yet he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make known his mighty power. (Psalm 106:7-8)
God raised Pharaoh up to show his power and glorify his name:
For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth." (Romans 9:17)
God defeated Pharaoh at the Red Sea to show his glory:
And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will pursue them and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host; and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord . . . And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen. (Exodus 14:4, 18; cf. v. 17)
God spared Israel in the wilderness for the glory of his name:
I acted for the sake of my name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, in whose sight I had brought them out. (Ezekiel 20:l4)
God gave Israel victory in Canaan for the glory of his name:
Who is like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom God went to redeem to be his people, making himself a name and doing for them great and awesome things by driving out before your people, whom you redeemed for yourself from Egypt, a nation and its gods? (2 Samuel 7:23)
God did not cast away his people for the glory of his name:
Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord . . . For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name's sake. (l Samuel 12:20, 22)
God saved Jerusalem from attack for the glory of his name:
For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David. (2 Kings 19:34; cf. 20:6)
God restored Israel from exile for the glory of his name:
Thus says the Lord God, It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name.. . . And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name. . . . And the nations will know that I am the Lord. (Ezekiel 36:22-23; cf. v. 32)
Jesus sought the glory of his Father in all he did:
The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. (John 7:l8)
Jesus told us to do good works so that God gets glory:
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16; cf. 1 Peter 2:12)
Jesus warned that not seeking God's glory makes faith impossible:
How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? (John 5:44)
Jesus said that he answers prayer that God would be glorified:
Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13)
Jesus endured his final hours of suffering for God's glory:
"Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour?' But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.' Then a voice came from heaven, 'I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again' (John 12:27-28).
Father, the hour has come; glorify your son that the Son may glorify you. (John 17:1; cf. 13:31-32)
God gave his Son to vindicate the glory of his righteousness:
God put [Christ] forward as a propitiation by his blood . . . to show God's righteousness . . . It was to show his righteousness at the present time. (Romans 3:25-26)
God forgives our sins for his own sake:
I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. (Isaiah 43:25)
For your own name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. (Psalm 25:11)
Jesus receives us into his fellowship for the glory of God:
Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:7)
The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Son of God:
He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. (John 16:14)
God instructs us to do everything for his glory:
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (l Corinthians 10:31; cf. 6:20).
God tells us to serve in a way that will glorify him:
Whoever serves, [let him do it] as one who serves by the strength which God supplies – in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (l Peter 4:11)
Jesus will fill us with fruits of righteousness for God's glory:
It is my prayer that . . . [you be] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9, 11)
All are under judgment for dishonoring God's glory:
They became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images. (Romans 1:22, 23)
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
Herod is struck dead because he did not give glory to God:
Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory. (Acts 12:23)
Jesus is coming again for the glory of God:
They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed. (2 Thessalonians 1:9-10)
Jesus' ultimate aim for us is that we see and enjoy his glory:
Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:24)
Even in wrath God's aim is to make known the wealth of his glory:
Desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, [God] has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory. (Romans 9:22-23)
God's plan is to fill the earth with the knowledge of his glory:
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. (Habakkuk 2:14)
Everything that happens will redound to God's glory:
From him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:36)
In the New Jerusalem the glory of God replaces the sun:
And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives its light, and its lamp is the Lamb (Revelation 21:23)."
Keep praying and studying - blessings in Christ,
First of all a summary of the chart we went over last week.
This past Tuesday we studied Philippians Chapter 1 verses 9-11. If you remember we titled Philippians 1:1-26 - "Prescription for Joy" - the priority of the gospel. Last week we studied verses 3-8 which we titled "gospel centered fellowship. I think there are three areas that stand out in those verses:
1. Past remembrance
2. Present participation
3. Future confidence
The word participation can be translated fellowship. And as we said this morning a good definition of this word in this context would be the self sacrificing conformity to the gospel. Paul is not talking about the meals they had together, or the times that they spent at the games, or even discussing the issues of child rearing. You can be sure these were things that were done but this is not the fellowship to which he is referring. However the apostle is specifically encouraging their ongoing participation in the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Guys, we spend our time in church, Bible study or small group in the compartments of Christian living. But these that were in Philippi had the life of Christ flowing through all activities because the gospel was at the center. It probably was not unusual for them to meet many times during the week to study and pray together. Keep in mind this is a letter to those who were probably closer to Paul than any other church that he planted. You can read that in verse 8 as it regards the tremendous affection that Paul had for this group of people.
Now we move from "gospel-centered fellowship" to verses 9-11 which I have titled "gospel-centered prayer." As we study this section of Scripture let me ask all of us this practical question - do we pray this way for others? Well the apostle Paul has given us a great pattern for prayer when it comes to those in our family, church, and other believers that we know. I think it helps to see this in a pyramid in order to follow Paul's flow of thought. The problem I have with email is I am limited and really can't draw it like I did this morning on the board. But I suggest that you draw out a pyramid on a sheet of paper and put this words in it starting from the bottom and going to the top.
Here is the pyramid via email:
Glory of God
Blameless
Sincere
Approve things that are excellent
Discernment
Knowledge
Love for others
Love for God
Paul starts in verse 9 and prays that their love may abound more and more. Now keep in mind these are loving Christian people but Paul is asking that they even love more which I think is a reference to God and others. He did not want them just to be satisfied where they were but wanted them to go deeper and deeper. Guys that is exactly what we want to do in our relationship with God and that is significant depth. We can see all through the Scriptures that depth attracts width. I have often thought that a healthy church should be twice as deep as it is wide, just like the cross. Anyway the apostle Paul starts with the word love and we know that the love for God is the very first priority.
Here is my write up via my own study notes. I have taken the pyramid concept and also turned this into links that are the following:
Link #1 (love) - Link #2 (knowledge) - Link #3 and #4 (integrity) - Link #5 (glory of God)
Link #1
First Paul prays that the love of the Philippians "may" abound more and more. Since the "may" is in the subjunctive mood we learn or know that this is the mood of possibility. This is not something they can just demand or do from their own will. It seems in this context that the love Paul is talking about would both be love for God and love for one another. However we know from other study and verses that love for others is the manifestation or the overflow of our love for God. Therefore Paul has taught the Philippians well who God is and they love Him not just what He can do for them.
Check out 1John 4:7 - Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
In the phrase "everyone who loves" – the word "loves" is in the present tense
In the phrase "is born of God" – the verb "is born" is in the perfect passive
Greek grammar states that when a present tense verb and a perfect tense verb are in the same sentence the "perfect" tense takes precedence.
Therefore we can see clearly from the Greek that unless God acts in sovereign grace upon the heart of a believer they will not presently love fellow believers.
1John 2:29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.
Practicing righteousness is proof that a person is born again.
1John 3:9 No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
A person who doesn't continuously exhibit a pattern of sin is one who is born again.
1John 5:1 ¶ Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him.
A person is born again and then they come to believe in Jesus Christ.
1John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
A person who continues to act in a manner in overcoming the world shows that they are in fact genuinely born again.
In each case the "is born" is used in the "perfect tense and passive voice."
Which can launch us into a basic discussion of being born again.
Link #2
The apostle Paul prays that their love may abound more and more in real knowledge and all discernment. Which means that he wants these Philippians to enjoy more insight into God's words and ways and thus know how to live in light of them.
What good does it do us to know more and more information but not allow that information to yield transformation of the heart as we obey the very word of God?
I think Paul is giving us a real clue to knowledge and discernment. It starts with a love for God.
A.W. Tozier says "what comes into our mind when we think of God is the most important thing about us…"
"We tend by a secret law of the soul to move toward our mental image of God…"
It is at that point that we are filled to overflow which then results in our love for others.
There is no genuine loving of others if there is no genuine love for God.
That is why we can see the clear links of this chain that Paul is praying for the Philippians:
1. Love for God
2. Love of others
3. Knowledge of Him
4. Discernment of Him
➢ A Discerning Love - It requires insight
➢ A Christian's love is to abound not only in real knowledge but also "in all discernment" (Phil. 1:9). Paul used the Greek word aisthesis from which we get the English word aesthetic. This the only occasion the word is used in Scripture.
➢ It speaks of moral perception, insight, and the practical application of knowledge--the deep knowledge Paul had already mentioned. Love is controlled by theology, and theology must be applied to life with insight.
Link #3
Approve
The word translated "approve" (Gk., dokimazo) was used in classical Greek to describe the process of evaluating metal to determine its properties and purity. It also described testing money to be sure it wasn't counterfeit.
Paul wanted the Philippians to be able to evaluate and determine what is excellent.
Excellent
In Greek the word diaphero (translated excellent) means "to differ."
The Philippians needed to know the difference between things so they could establish priorities and seek after what is truly vital and important.
Conclusion
Paul was not referring merely to the ability to distinguish not only between good and evil but also between what is good and what is best.
Check out the prayer chain
Love for God
Love of others
Knowledge of Him
Discernment of Him
Approve the things that are excellent
Link #4
Sincerity
James Montgomery Boice in Philippians: An Expositional Commentary tells us that "in ancient times . . . the finest pottery was thin. It had a clear color, and it bought a high price. Fine pottery was very fragile both before and after firing. And it was often the case that this pottery would crack in the oven. Cracked pottery should have been thrown away. But dishonest dealers were in the habit of filling cracks with a hard pearly wax that would blend in with the color of the pottery. This made the cracks practically undetectable in the shops, especially when painted or glazed; but the wax was immediately detectable if the pottery was held up to light, especially to the sun. In that case the cracks would show up darker. It was said that the artificial element was detected by 'sun-testing. ' Honest dealers marked their finer product by the caption sine cera--'without wax'" ([Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1971], p. 55) .
So just as in ancient times pottery was tested by holding it up to the sun, our lives need to be tested for the wax of hypocrisy. In the church are those who appear as fine pottery but are not. There are cracks of sin in their lives filled with the wax of religious ceremony and activity. When held up to the light of God's Word their cracks become evident. When persecution or difficulty comes, they melt (cf. Matt. 13:5-6, 20-21)
Blamelessness
The Greek word translated "blameless" in Philippians 1:10 describes relational integrity. It means living a life that doesn't cause others to stumble. Scripture clearly teaches that believers are not to cause others to stumble (Luke 17:1-4)
Link #5
The glory of God. It seems that nowhere you go in the Bible we always come back to a theme which brings us to the glory of God. The Bible is God-centered not man-centered and the church needs to get this straight regarding their theology!!! John the Baptist said in John 3:30 "I must decrease and He must increase." That needs to be not only something we learn but live on a daily basis.
God chose his people for his glory:
He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace. (Ephesians 1:4-6, cf. vv. 12, 14, NASB)
God created us for his glory:
Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, every one who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory. (Isaiah 43:6-7)
God called Israel for his glory:
You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified (Isaiah 49:3).
I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to me, declares the Lord, that they might be for me a people, a name, a praise, and a glory. (Jeremiah 13:11)
God rescued Israel from Egypt for his glory:
Our fathers, when they were in Egypt, did not consider your wondrous works . . . but rebelled by the Sea, at the Red Sea. Yet he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make known his mighty power. (Psalm 106:7-8)
God raised Pharaoh up to show his power and glorify his name:
For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth." (Romans 9:17)
God defeated Pharaoh at the Red Sea to show his glory:
And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will pursue them and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host; and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord . . . And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen. (Exodus 14:4, 18; cf. v. 17)
God spared Israel in the wilderness for the glory of his name:
I acted for the sake of my name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, in whose sight I had brought them out. (Ezekiel 20:l4)
God gave Israel victory in Canaan for the glory of his name:
Who is like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom God went to redeem to be his people, making himself a name and doing for them great and awesome things by driving out before your people, whom you redeemed for yourself from Egypt, a nation and its gods? (2 Samuel 7:23)
God did not cast away his people for the glory of his name:
Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord . . . For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name's sake. (l Samuel 12:20, 22)
God saved Jerusalem from attack for the glory of his name:
For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David. (2 Kings 19:34; cf. 20:6)
God restored Israel from exile for the glory of his name:
Thus says the Lord God, It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name.. . . And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name. . . . And the nations will know that I am the Lord. (Ezekiel 36:22-23; cf. v. 32)
Jesus sought the glory of his Father in all he did:
The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. (John 7:l8)
Jesus told us to do good works so that God gets glory:
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16; cf. 1 Peter 2:12)
Jesus warned that not seeking God's glory makes faith impossible:
How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? (John 5:44)
Jesus said that he answers prayer that God would be glorified:
Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13)
Jesus endured his final hours of suffering for God's glory:
"Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour?' But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.' Then a voice came from heaven, 'I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again' (John 12:27-28).
Father, the hour has come; glorify your son that the Son may glorify you. (John 17:1; cf. 13:31-32)
God gave his Son to vindicate the glory of his righteousness:
God put [Christ] forward as a propitiation by his blood . . . to show God's righteousness . . . It was to show his righteousness at the present time. (Romans 3:25-26)
God forgives our sins for his own sake:
I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. (Isaiah 43:25)
For your own name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. (Psalm 25:11)
Jesus receives us into his fellowship for the glory of God:
Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:7)
The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Son of God:
He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. (John 16:14)
God instructs us to do everything for his glory:
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (l Corinthians 10:31; cf. 6:20).
God tells us to serve in a way that will glorify him:
Whoever serves, [let him do it] as one who serves by the strength which God supplies – in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (l Peter 4:11)
Jesus will fill us with fruits of righteousness for God's glory:
It is my prayer that . . . [you be] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9, 11)
All are under judgment for dishonoring God's glory:
They became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images. (Romans 1:22, 23)
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
Herod is struck dead because he did not give glory to God:
Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory. (Acts 12:23)
Jesus is coming again for the glory of God:
They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed. (2 Thessalonians 1:9-10)
Jesus' ultimate aim for us is that we see and enjoy his glory:
Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:24)
Even in wrath God's aim is to make known the wealth of his glory:
Desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, [God] has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory. (Romans 9:22-23)
God's plan is to fill the earth with the knowledge of his glory:
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. (Habakkuk 2:14)
Everything that happens will redound to God's glory:
From him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:36)
In the New Jerusalem the glory of God replaces the sun:
And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives its light, and its lamp is the Lamb (Revelation 21:23)."
Keep praying and studying - blessings in Christ,
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