Sermons on Isaiah 43:6-7

Isaiah 43:6-7 Interpretation:

Created for Glory: Understanding Our Divine Purpose (Desiring God) offers a multi-faceted interpretation of Isaiah 43:6-7, emphasizing five distinct "lenses." Notably, it highlights the original Jewish context, then expands the application to all humanity, especially Gentile Christians, by connecting the passage to the New Testament's teaching on inclusion in God's people. The sermon uniquely employs the analogy of a telescope versus a microscope to explain glorifying God: we are not to make God look bigger than He is (microscope), but to help others see His true greatness (telescope). This metaphor is used to clarify that our purpose is to display, not augment, God's glory. The sermon also stresses that God's self-exaltation in creating us for His glory is not egotistical but is the foundation of our joy, as God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.

Glorifying God: The Essence of True Salvation (Desiring God) provides a unique analogy to clarify the ambiguity of "for the glory of God" by contrasting the microscope and telescope. The sermon insists that to glorify God is to act as a telescope, making His greatness visible, not as a microscope, which would imply making something small appear bigger. This analogy is used to correct misunderstandings about what it means to magnify or glorify God, emphasizing that our lives should reveal the true magnitude of God's glory to the world.

God's Love: A Reflection of His Glory (Desiring God) interprets Isaiah 43:6-7 as a declaration that God created us as an act of love, but specifically for His glory. The sermon again uses the telescope/microscope analogy, but with a pastoral twist, urging listeners to accept that being created for God's glory is not demeaning but is the highest privilege. The preacher addresses the emotional resistance some feel to the idea that God's love is ultimately for His own sake, and reframes it as a rescue from self-centeredness into the joy of making much of God.

Love and Glory: Finding Joy in God's Purpose (Desiring God) explores the tension some feel when told that God's acts of love—including creation as described in Isaiah 43:6-7—are ultimately for His glory. The sermon affirms that God does indeed make much of us, but always in a way that is designed to make much of Himself. It uses the analogy of God placing a mirror before us in our glorified state, arguing that even then, our joy will not be complete in self-admiration but only in God Himself. The preacher also uses the Grand Canyon as an analogy: just as people visit the Grand Canyon not to feel big but to be awed by greatness, so too are we meant to be drawn out of ourselves into the greatness of God.

God's Heart for God: The Foundation of Our Faith (Desiring God) interprets Isaiah 43:6-7 as the clearest biblical answer to why God created people: for His own glory. The sermon uniquely frames the imago Dei (image of God) as being a "mirror" or "prism" of God's manifold perfections, not as an invitation to self-sovereignty. This interpretation is distinguished by its focus on the mirror/prism metaphor, emphasizing that our purpose is to reflect God's glory, not to rival it.

Understanding God's Purpose: Glorifying Himself Through Us (Desiring God) interprets Isaiah 43:6-7 as a direct answer to the question of why God created people, emphasizing that God’s purpose in creation is to display his own glory. The sermon draws a unique analogy between the function of an image and human beings as image-bearers: just as an image is meant to reflect the reality it represents, humans are created to reflect God so that when people look at us, they think about God. This analogy is used to reinforce the idea that our existence is fundamentally about drawing attention to God, not ourselves. The sermon also connects this to Genesis 1, suggesting that being made in God’s image is about reflecting his glory, not merely possessing certain attributes.

Glorifying God Through the Institution of Marriage (Desiring God) offers a metaphorical interpretation of Isaiah 43:6-7 by comparing human beings to telescopes rather than microscopes. The sermon explains that microscopes make small things appear larger than they are, while telescopes help us see the true magnitude of something vast and distant. In this analogy, marriage (and by extension, all of life) is meant to function as a telescope, helping others see the true greatness and glory of God, rather than distorting or minimizing it. This metaphor is used to argue that our relationships, especially marriage, exist to make God’s glory more visible and real to others.

Understanding God's Glory: Joy in Worshiping Him (Desiring God) provides a nuanced interpretation by focusing on the purpose of being created for God’s glory as not merely increasing God’s glory, but displaying, knowing, enjoying, and showing it. The sermon uses the analogy of statues or images: just as a statue of Napoleon is meant to make people think of Napoleon, so humans as God’s images are meant to point to God. The preacher also explores the idea that God’s insistence on his own glory is not egomania but love, because God is offering himself as the supreme treasure that alone can satisfy us. The sermon further develops this by referencing C.S. Lewis’s insight that praise completes enjoyment, suggesting that God’s call for us to glorify him is an invitation to our own consummate joy.

God's Glory: The Center of All Creation (Desiring God) interprets Isaiah 43:6-7 as a foundational text for understanding the radical God-centeredness of God. The sermon highlights the linguistic function of the Imago Dei (image of God), arguing that the main point of being made in God’s image is to image God—to exist as living reflections whose purpose is to display God’s character and glory. The preacher insists that God’s creation of humanity is an act of radical God-centeredness, and that our failure to grasp this is a result of modern, man-centered thinking.

Embracing Christ's Centrality for True Joy (Desiring God) interprets Isaiah 43:6-7 as a clear statement of the purpose of human existence: to make God look good, or to make Jesus Christ look magnificent. The sermon uses the analogy of mirrors and windows, arguing that our lives are not meant to be halls of mirrors where we admire ourselves, but rather windows through which the glory of Christ is seen. This metaphor is used to challenge the self-esteem culture and redirect attention to God’s glory as the true end of our existence.

Embracing Individual and Corporate Worship for God's Glory (Desiring God) interprets Isaiah 43:6-7 as one of the clearest statements about the end for which God made everything: that every individual is created to display the glory of God. The sermon uniquely explores the difference between external echoes of God’s glory (as seen in nature and even in unbelieving choirs) and the internal, affectionate worship of individual souls. The preacher uses the analogy of a king whose glory is greater when his people cherish and love him, rather than merely cower or perform under compulsion, to illustrate why God seeks not just external but heartfelt glorification.

Understanding Our Purpose: Created for God's Glory (Desiring God) offers a philosophical and theological exploration of Isaiah 43:6-7, focusing on God’s aseity (self-sufficiency) and the Trinitarian fullness of God. The sermon interprets the passage as teaching that God’s creation of humanity is not out of deficiency or need, but as an overflow of divine love and joy within the Trinity. The preacher uses the metaphor of a fountain overflowing to illustrate that God’s act of creation is not to fill a lack, but to share the fullness of his glory. This sermon’s unique angle is its insistence that the purpose clause “whom I created for my glory” is not a sign of God’s neediness, but of his self-sufficient generosity.

Pursuing Joy in God: A Divine Mandate (Desiring God) interprets Isaiah 43:6-7 as the foundational text for the claim that all people are created for God’s glory, and that this is the ultimate goal of both creation and redemption. The sermon’s distinctive insight is its argument that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him, and thus, seeking our deepest joy in God is not optional but a divine mandate. The preacher draws a parallel between the purpose of creation in Isaiah 43:6-7 and the purpose of redemption in Ephesians 1, arguing that both are ultimately for the praise of God’s glory.

Transforming Desires: Finding Joy in God's Glory (Desiring God) interprets Isaiah 43:6-7 as evidence that God’s love for us is always expressed in a God-centered way: God makes much of us, but always for his own glory. The sermon’s unique contribution is its psychological and pastoral analysis of how believers should emotionally respond to being created for God’s glory, challenging the notion that this diminishes God’s love. The preacher uses the analogy of a “cosmic butler” to warn against seeing God as merely a means to our pre-existing desires, and instead calls for a transformation of desires so that God himself becomes our joy.

Experiencing God's Love: Creation, Salvation, and Glory (Desiring God) interprets Isaiah 43:6-7 as teaching that our very existence is an act of sovereign love, and that God’s purpose in creating us is so that we might experience the fullness of every blessing as his children, all for his glory. The sermon’s notable insight is its insistence that being created for God’s glory is not in tension with being loved by God, but is the very means by which God’s love is expressed and experienced. The preacher also highlights the intentionality of God’s creative act, emphasizing that our conception and existence are deliberate acts of love aimed at God’s glory.

Embracing True Christ-Centrality for Authentic Living (SermonIndex.net) interprets Isaiah 43:6-7 as a foundational declaration of God’s purpose in creation: that every person is made for God’s glory, not for self-exaltation. The sermon uniquely frames this as a radical, God-centered vision, arguing that God’s own self-exaltation is not egotism but the most loving act possible, because God himself is the greatest good and the only one worthy of being the center. The preacher uses the analogy of the sun’s gravitational pull to illustrate how Christ’s intrinsic glory should draw all aspects of life into orbit around him, not by external compulsion but by the irresistible beauty and supremacy of Christ. The sermon also contrasts the American “gospel of self-esteem” with the biblical vision, insisting that true love is God laboring to enthrall us with himself, not with our own reflection. This interpretation is distinct in its insistence that God’s self-glorification is the ground of all authentic joy and love, and that Isaiah 43:6-7 is a key text for understanding this.

Embracing Individual and Corporate Worship for God's Glory (SermonIndex.net) interprets Isaiah 43:6-7 as a direct statement of the purpose for which every individual is created: to display God’s glory. The sermon offers a unique analogy comparing God’s glory in creation to a king whose greatness is not fully displayed by external achievements or forced praise, but by the genuine affection and delight of his people. The preacher argues that God is not satisfied with “half-glorification”—external echoes of his excellence (like trees or unbelieving choirs)—but seeks the internal, heartfelt worship of individuals. This interpretation is notable for its focus on the necessity of individual affection for God as the “essence” of worship, which then gives rise to the greater reality of corporate worship, culminating in the unified, diverse “bride of Christ.” The sermon’s analogy of the king and the distinction between external and internal glorification provide a fresh lens for understanding Isaiah 43:6-7.

Glorifying God Through Spiritual Sight and His Word (SermonIndex.net) interprets Isaiah 43:6-7 as a foundational text for the Christian’s calling: to glorify God by knowing him accurately, enjoying him intensely, and reflecting him consistently. The sermon’s unique contribution is its emphasis on the necessity of “spiritual sight”—the ability to see God’s glory with the “eyes of the heart”—as essential for fulfilling the purpose stated in Isaiah 43:6-7. The preacher develops a six-step argument, beginning with the assertion that all people are created for God’s glory (citing Isaiah 43:6-7), and then exploring how this glory is apprehended through new birth and the Word. The sermon’s focus on the mechanics of seeing and savoring God’s glory, and its insistence that mere external acts (or even intellectual assent) are insufficient, offers a distinct interpretive angle.

Isaiah 43:6-7 Theological Themes:

Created for Glory: Understanding Our Divine Purpose (Desiring God) introduces the theme of God's self-exaltation as the foundation of human purpose, but adds a fresh angle by arguing that God's self-exaltation is not at odds with our joy but is the very means by which we experience the greatest possible significance and satisfaction. The sermon also stresses God's self-sufficiency, clarifying that God did not create out of need but out of the fullness of His love, and that our experience of being loved, redeemed, and glorified is inseparable from God's purpose to glorify Himself in us.

Love and Glory: Finding Joy in God's Purpose (Desiring God) presents a nuanced theme: that God making much of us is not the ultimate end, but is always a means to lead us out of self-centeredness into the infinite joy of God Himself. The sermon argues that the Bible's repeated pairing of God's love for us with His pursuit of His own glory is designed to rescue us from the idolatry of self-admiration and to root our joy in God as the ultimate treasure. It also affirms that being made much of by God is real and precious, but warns against making it the "bottom" or foundation of our joy.

God's Love: A Reflection of His Glory (Desiring God) adds the theme that God's love for us, as expressed in creation (Isaiah 43:6-7), is a rescue from the "god-belittling idolatry" of finding our ultimate joy in being made much of, rather than in making much of God. The sermon positively reframes this by asserting that God brings our joy out of self and into Himself, where it can be full and lasting.

God's Heart for God: The Foundation of Our Faith (Desiring God) introduces the theme that God's heart for God is the root of all grace and redemption, and that understanding this is essential to grasping the true nature of grace. The sermon contends that God's god-centeredness is not a threat to us but the very foundation of our security and salvation, as it ensures that God's actions are always anchored in the pursuit of His own glory.

Glorifying God: The Essence of True Salvation (Desiring God) adds the theme that true salvation is not about self-esteem or feeling good about oneself, but about being drawn into the wonder and awe of God's greatness. The sermon insists that the purpose of our existence and forgiveness is to display God's glory, and that our happiness is found in being satisfied in God, not in self-admiration.

Understanding God's Purpose: Glorifying Himself Through Us (Desiring God) introduces the theme that God’s ultimate passion is for his own glory, and that all of redemptive history—including creation, election, deliverance, and restoration—is motivated by God’s desire to magnify his name. This sermon uniquely frames God’s self-glorification as the central thread running through all of Scripture, challenging listeners to see God’s actions as fundamentally God-centered rather than man-centered.

Glorifying God Through the Institution of Marriage (Desiring God) adds the distinct theological theme that the satisfaction of the human heart in God above all else—including marriage—is the key to glorifying God. The sermon applies Isaiah 43:6-7 to the context of marriage, arguing that only when God is more satisfying than any earthly relationship can marriage truly display God’s glory. This theme is further developed by connecting faith in God’s promises to the ability to love and forgive within marriage, making the glorification of God a practical, daily pursuit.

Understanding God's Glory: Joy in Worshiping Him (Desiring God) presents the unique theme that God’s demand for worship is not egotism but the highest form of love, because it is an invitation to our deepest joy. The sermon, drawing on C.S. Lewis, argues that God’s pursuit of his own glory is simultaneously the pursuit of our consummate happiness, since praise completes our enjoyment of what is most valuable. This reframes the call to glorify God as an act of divine generosity rather than self-absorption.

Embracing Christ's Centrality for True Joy (Desiring God) introduces the theme that God’s love is not primarily about making much of us, but about enabling us to make much of him. The sermon challenges the prevailing cultural definition of love as self-exaltation and redefines it as God’s laboring to enthrall us with himself, the only object that can satisfy us forever. This theme is applied to the mission of Christian institutions and the personal pursuit of joy in God.

Embracing Individual and Corporate Worship for God's Glory (Desiring God) develops the theme that God’s purpose in creation is not merely external glorification (through nature or even human achievement), but the internal, affectionate worship of individual souls, which then culminates in the corporate worship of the church as the bride of Christ. The sermon uniquely explores how individual and corporate worship together fulfill God’s ultimate purpose, with corporate worship being the consummation of individual hearts aflame for God.

Understanding Our Purpose: Created for God's Glory (Desiring God) introduces the theme of God’s aseity and Trinitarian fullness as the foundation for understanding why God created us for his glory. The sermon argues that God’s self-sufficiency and intra-Trinitarian love mean that creation is not about fulfilling a lack in God, but about the overflow of divine joy and love. This theme is developed with the assertion that the communication of God’s glory is itself the highest expression of love, because it allows creatures to share in the joy that God has in himself.

Pursuing Joy in God: A Divine Mandate (Desiring God) presents the theme that seeking our fullest satisfaction in God is not merely permitted but required, because God’s glory is most fully displayed when we are most satisfied in him. The sermon frames this as a “divine mandate” rooted in the purpose clause of Isaiah 43:6-7, and connects it to the doctrine of Christian hedonism, arguing that the pursuit of joy in God is the indispensable duty of all people.

Transforming Desires: Finding Joy in God's Glory (Desiring God) adds the theme that the new birth involves a radical transformation of desires, so that God himself—not merely his gifts—becomes the object of our joy. The sermon explores the psychological and spiritual implications of being created for God’s glory, insisting that true love from God is not about making us the end, but about making himself our supreme treasure, which is a greater love than if he made us the ultimate end.

Experiencing God's Love: Creation, Salvation, and Glory (Desiring God) develops the theme that God’s making much of us is not at odds with his God-centeredness, but is in fact the way he loves us most deeply. The preacher argues that God’s love is greatest when it draws us into the enjoyment of his own glory, and that it is right and fitting for us to enjoy being made much of by God, as long as this is always understood as part of God’s greater purpose to glorify himself.

Embracing True Christ-Centrality for Authentic Living (SermonIndex.net) presents the distinctive theological theme that God’s self-exaltation is the highest form of love, because God is the only being for whom self-exaltation is not idolatry but the giving of the greatest gift—himself. The sermon challenges the common assumption that love is about making much of the beloved (us), instead arguing that God’s love is demonstrated in enabling us to make much of him, which alone satisfies the soul. This theme is further developed by redefining love as “laboring and suffering to enthrall the beloved with what will satisfy them most deeply forever,” namely, God himself. The preacher’s argument that God’s god-centeredness is the foundation of authentic joy and the antidote to self-centeredness is a nuanced and countercultural theological claim.

Embracing Individual and Corporate Worship for God's Glory (SermonIndex.net) introduces the theme that God’s purpose in creation is not merely individual worship but the formation of a corporate, diverse, and unified “bride” whose worship is more than the sum of its parts. The sermon adds a new facet by arguing that God is not content with “half-glorification” (external acts or forced praise) but seeks the internal affections of individuals, which then combine to create a new, greater reality in corporate worship. The preacher’s exploration of how individual joy in God is multiplied and deepened in the context of corporate worship, and how the diversity of the worshiping community magnifies the worth of Christ, provides a fresh theological perspective on Isaiah 43:6-7.

Glorifying God Through Spiritual Sight and His Word (SermonIndex.net) offers the theme that glorifying God as described in Isaiah 43:6-7 is only possible through spiritual regeneration (“new birth”) and the supernatural opening of the “eyes of the heart.” The sermon uniquely emphasizes that true glorification of God requires not just intellectual knowledge or external conformity, but a Spirit-enabled apprehension of God’s beauty and worth, which then overflows in joy and action. This focus on the necessity of spiritual sight and the role of the Word in awakening it adds a distinct theological dimension.

Isaiah 43:6-7 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Created for Glory: Understanding Our Divine Purpose (Desiring God) provides historical context by first situating Isaiah 43:6-7 within its original Jewish audience, noting that the passage is addressed to Israel and reflects unique ways God is glorified in Israel's history. The sermon then bridges to the New Testament, explaining how Gentile believers are grafted into the promises and purposes originally given to Israel, thus making the passage relevant to all Christians. This contextualization is detailed and careful, acknowledging both the particularity and universality of the text's application.

God's Heart for God: The Foundation of Our Faith (Desiring God) offers a historical survey of redemptive history, tracing God's motivation for His actions from creation, through the Exodus, the wilderness, the exile, and the return, to the New Testament and the second coming. The sermon repeatedly references the cultural and historical context of Israel's election, rebellion, exile, and restoration, showing how God's concern for His name and reputation among the nations shaped His dealings with His people.

God's Glory: The Center of All Creation (Desiring God) provides historical context by referencing the ancient debate over the meaning of the Imago Dei (image of God) in theological history, noting that discussions have ranged from volition, rationality, and relationality, but the sermon argues for a simpler, more biblical understanding: the image is meant to image, to reflect God’s glory. The preacher also situates the radical God-centeredness of Isaiah 43:6-7 against the backdrop of modern, man-centered Western thought, suggesting that the text challenges the anthropocentrism of the last two centuries.

Embracing Christ's Centrality for True Joy (Desiring God) references the broader cultural context of self-esteem and the American gospel of self-exaltation, contrasting it with the biblical vision of God’s glory as the true end of human existence. The sermon also alludes to the historical development of the doctrine of God’s love, critiquing the modern tendency to define love as making much of the beloved, rather than enabling the beloved to make much of God.

Understanding Our Purpose: Created for God's Glory (Desiring God) provides historical and contextual insight by discussing the ancient Hebrew understanding of God’s name “Yahweh” as rooted in the verb “I am,” emphasizing God’s self-existence and independence from creation. The sermon situates Isaiah 43:6-7 within the broader biblical context of God’s self-sufficiency, contrasting the biblical God with the gods of process theology who are thought to “become” or “improve” through creation. The preacher also references the doctrine of the Trinity as it would have been understood in light of later Christian reflection, but roots the discussion in the Old Testament revelation of God’s character.

Isaiah 43:6-7 Cross-References in the Bible:

Created for Glory: Understanding Our Divine Purpose (Desiring God) references several passages to expand on Isaiah 43:6-7: Philippians 2 (every tongue confessing Christ to the glory of God), Galatians 3:29 (Gentile inclusion in Abraham's offspring), and Romans 8:30 (glorification of believers). These references are used to show the continuity of God's purpose to glorify Himself in both Israel and the church, and to support the claim that all humans are created to image forth God's glory.

Glorifying God: The Essence of True Salvation (Desiring God) draws on Isaiah 43:25 (forgiveness for God's sake), Matthew 6:9 (the Lord's Prayer as a petition for God's name to be hallowed), 1 Peter 4:11 (serving in God's strength for His glory), and Psalm 23 (God leading for His name's sake). These cross-references are used to demonstrate that God's glory is the unifying motive behind creation, forgiveness, guidance, and Christian service.

God's Love: A Reflection of His Glory (Desiring God) references Ephesians 1:5-6 (predestination for the praise of God's glory), Luke 2:10-14 (Incarnation and the angels' praise), 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (Christ's death so we live for Him), Philippians 1:9-11 (sanctification for God's glory), Romans 1:5 (apostleship for the sake of His name), 2 Thessalonians 1:9-10 (second coming for Christ to be glorified in His saints), and John 17:24 (Jesus' prayer that we see His glory). Each reference is used to show that God's acts of love are consistently revealed as being for His own glory, and to support the argument that this is not a diminishment of love but its highest expression.

"Love and Glory: Finding Joy in God's Purpose" (Desiring God) references the same sequence of biblical acts as "God's Love: A Reflection of His Glory," including Ephesians 1:5-6, Isaiah 43:6-7, Luke 2:10-14, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Philippians 1:9-11, Romans 1:5, 2 Thessalonians 1:9-10, and Revelation 3:21. The sermon uses these passages to build a cumulative case that God's love and glory are inseparably linked throughout redemptive history, and to illustrate the danger of making self-admiration the foundation of our joy.

God's Heart for God: The Foundation of Our Faith (Desiring God) references Isaiah 43:6-7, Jeremiah 13:11, Psalm 106:7-8, Ezekiel 20:4, Isaiah 48:9-11, Ezekiel 36:22, John 17:1, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Ephesians 1:12, and 2 Thessalonians 1:9-10. Each reference is used to trace the theme of God's god-centeredness across the entire sweep of biblical history, showing that God's motivation in creation, election, redemption, and consummation is always the magnification of His own glory.

Understanding God's Purpose: Glorifying Himself Through Us (Desiring God) cross-references Genesis 1 (creation in God’s image), Jeremiah 13:11 (Israel chosen for God’s glory), Psalm 106:7-8 (Exodus for God’s name’s sake), Ezekiel 20:14 (wilderness preservation for God’s name), 1 Samuel 12:20-22 (God’s preservation of Israel for his name), and Isaiah 48:9-11 (return from exile for God’s glory). Each reference is used to show that at every major point in redemptive history, God’s stated motive is the magnification of his own name and glory, reinforcing the interpretation of Isaiah 43:6-7 as a paradigm for all of God’s actions.

Glorifying God Through the Institution of Marriage (Desiring God) references Colossians 1:17 (all things exist for God), Romans 11:36 (all things are from, through, and to God), Ephesians 5 (marriage as a parable of Christ and the church), 1 Peter 4:8 and James 5:20 (love covering a multitude of sins), Galatians 5:6 (faith working through love), and Psalm 73:25-26 (God as the supreme desire). These passages are used to support the idea that marriage, like all creation, exists to display God’s glory, and that faith in God’s promises is the source of love and endurance in relationships.

Understanding God's Glory: Joy in Worshiping Him (Desiring God) cross-references Isaiah 43:6-7 (creation for God’s glory), Genesis 1 (image of God), Jeremiah 13:11 (Israel for God’s praise), Psalm 106 (Exodus for God’s name), Isaiah 48 (restoration for God’s sake), Ephesians 1 (predestination for the praise of his glory), John 17 (Jesus’ prayer for believers to see his glory), Romans 3:23-26 (the cross as vindication of God’s righteousness), and 2 Thessalonians 1:9 (Christ’s return for his own glorification). Each passage is used to build a comprehensive biblical theology of God’s self-exaltation as the motive for creation, redemption, and consummation.

God's Glory: The Center of All Creation (Desiring God) references Ephesians 1 (predestination for the praise of his glory), Isaiah 43:6-7 (creation for God’s glory), Romans 15:8-9 (incarnation for God’s glory), Romans 3:25 (death of Christ to demonstrate God’s righteousness), Philippians 1:11 (sanctification for God’s glory), and 2 Thessalonians 1:9 (Christ’s return for his own glorification). The sermon uses these references to show that every major act of God in history is motivated by the desire to display his glory.

Embracing Christ's Centrality for True Joy (Desiring God) references Ephesians 1:5-6, 12, 14 (predestination for the praise of his glory), Isaiah 43:6-7 (creation for God’s glory), Luke 2 (incarnation and angelic praise), Romans 3:25 (death of Christ to vindicate God’s righteousness), Philippians 1:9 (sanctification for God’s glory), Romans 1:5 (obedience of faith for the sake of God’s name), and 2 Thessalonians 1:9 (Christ’s return for his own glorification). The sermon also references John 17 (Jesus’ high priestly prayer) to illustrate how Christ’s self-exaltation is the most loving act for his people.

Embracing Individual and Corporate Worship for God's Glory (Desiring God) references Isaiah 43:6-7 (creation for God’s glory), Ephesians 1:11 (all things for the praise of his glory), Romans 11:36 (all things from, through, and to God), Psalm 19:1 (heavens declare God’s glory), Psalm 96:12, 98:8, 65:13, Isaiah 44 (creation’s praise), Matthew 15:7-9 (worship from the heart), Amos 5:23 (God rejecting heartless worship), Ephesians 5:18-19 (corporate worship from the heart), 2 Corinthians 2:1-3 (shared joy in the body), and Revelation 5 (the worshiping bride from every nation). These references are used to build a theology of worship that moves from individual affection to corporate, diverse, and harmonious praise as the ultimate end of creation.

Living for God's Glory: The True Purpose of Love (Desiring God) cross-references Ephesians 1:6, which speaks of predestination for adoption “to the praise of his glorious grace,” and Luke 2:10-14, where the angels announce the birth of the Savior and give glory to God. The sermon uses these passages to reinforce the idea that God’s acts of love (adoption, salvation) are always aimed at his own glory, and that this does not diminish but enhances the love shown to us.

Understanding Our Purpose: Created for God's Glory (Desiring God) references Acts 17:25 and Psalm 50:7-15 to support the doctrine of God’s self-sufficiency, Exodus 3:14 to explain the meaning of God’s name “I am,” and 1 Corinthians 10:31 to apply the purpose of creation to daily life (“do all to the glory of God”). The sermon also alludes to Ephesians 1 and other passages that speak of God’s purpose in creation and redemption as being for his glory.

Pursuing Joy in God: A Divine Mandate (Desiring God) cross-references Ephesians 1 (predestination for the praise of God’s glory), 1 Corinthians 10:31 (do all to the glory of God), and Philippians 1 (Paul’s desire to magnify Christ in life and death), using these texts to build the case that God’s glory is the ultimate purpose of both creation and redemption, and that our joy in God is the means by which God is most glorified.

Transforming Desires: Finding Joy in God's Glory (Desiring God) references Ephesians 1:5-6 (adoption for the praise of his grace), Luke 2:10-14 (the angels’ praise at Christ’s birth), 2 Corinthians 5 (Christ’s death so that we might live for him), and John 17:24 (Jesus’ prayer that we would see his glory). The sermon uses these passages to show that God’s love is always expressed in a way that points back to his own glory.

Experiencing God's Love: Creation, Salvation, and Glory (Desiring God) cross-references Luke 2:10-14 (the angels’ praise at Christ’s birth), 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (Christ’s death so that we might live for him), Ephesians 2:4-7 (God’s great love making us alive), John 17:24 (Jesus’ prayer that we would see his glory), Psalm 79 (prayer for deliverance for God’s name’s sake), Matthew 5:5 (the meek inherit the earth), Romans 4:13 (heirs of the world), 1 Corinthians 3:21 (all things are yours), Luke 12:37 (Jesus serving at the table), 1 Corinthians 6:3 (judging angels), Matthew 10:29 (our value to God), Zephaniah 3:17 (God rejoicing over us), Philippians 3:21 (glorious resurrection body), Matthew 13:43 (shining like the sun), and Revelation 3:21 (sitting with Christ on his throne). These references are used to illustrate the multifaceted ways God makes much of us, always for his glory.

Embracing True Christ-Centrality for Authentic Living (SermonIndex.net) references several biblical passages to support and expand on Isaiah 43:6-7: Ephesians 1:5-14 is cited to show that predestination is for the praise of God’s glory; Luke 2 (the Incarnation) is referenced to demonstrate that even the birth of Christ is for God’s glory; Romans 3:23-25 is used to argue that Christ’s death vindicates God’s righteousness and upholds his glory; Philippians 1:9 and Romans 1:5 are cited to show that sanctification and obedience are for God’s name; and 2 Thessalonians 1:9-10 is referenced to show that Christ’s return is for his own glorification. These cross-references are marshaled to build a comprehensive biblical case that all of redemptive history is oriented toward God’s self-glorification, with Isaiah 43:6-7 as a key anchor text.

Embracing Individual and Corporate Worship for God's Glory (SermonIndex.net) draws on Ephesians 1:11 (“to the praise of his glory”), Romans 11:36 (“from him and through him and to him are all things”), Psalm 19:1 (the heavens declare God’s glory), Psalm 96:12, Psalm 98:8, Psalm 65:13, Isaiah 44, and Matthew 15:7-9 (Jesus rebuking worship that is only external). The sermon uses these passages to argue that all creation is designed to glorify God, but that true worship requires the internal affections of the heart. Ephesians 5:18-19 is used to discuss the nature of corporate worship, and Revelation 5 is cited to show that the ultimate goal is a diverse, unified worshiping community. 2 Corinthians 2:1-3 is referenced to illustrate the mystery of shared joy in corporate worship, and Amos 5:23 is used to warn against worship without heart. These references collectively support the sermon’s argument that Isaiah 43:6-7 points to both individual and corporate worship as the fulfillment of God’s creative purpose.

Glorifying God Through Spiritual Sight and His Word (SermonIndex.net) references 1 Corinthians 10:31 (“do all to the glory of God”), Romans 1 (the exchange of truth for a lie), Psalm 149:5 (exulting in glory), Ephesians 1 (the eyes of the heart), 2 Corinthians 4:6 (God shining light in our hearts), John 3 (new birth and seeing the kingdom), 1 Peter 1:23 (new birth through the Word), Acts 26 (Paul’s commission to open eyes), 1 Samuel 3:21 (God revealing himself by the Word), Ephesians 3:4 (insight through reading), and 2 Timothy 2:7 (think for the Lord will give understanding). These passages are used to build a theological framework in which Isaiah 43:6-7 is the starting point for understanding the necessity of spiritual sight, new birth, and engagement with the Word in glorifying God.

Isaiah 43:6-7 Christian References outside the Bible:

Created for Glory: Understanding Our Divine Purpose (Desiring God) explicitly references Daniel Fuller, a seminary professor, whose chapter "Why God Created the World" in the book "Things Most Surely Believed" is cited as a formative influence on the preacher's understanding of Isaiah 43:6-7. The sermon credits Fuller's exposition of the passage as pivotal in shaping the preacher's lifelong meditation on the purpose of existence.

God's Love: A Reflection of His Glory (Desiring God) and "Love and Glory: Finding Joy in God's Purpose" (Desiring God) both explicitly reference C.S. Lewis, particularly his sermon "The Weight of Glory." Lewis is quoted as describing the "weight of glory" as the moment when God commends His servants, and the preacher uses this to illustrate the overwhelming reality of being made much of by God. Alan Jacobs is also mentioned as calling "The Weight of Glory" Lewis's greatest sermon.

Understanding God's Glory: Joy in Worshiping Him (Desiring God) explicitly references C.S. Lewis, particularly his book "Reflections on the Psalms." The sermon quotes Lewis’s insight that “we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment,” using this to argue that God’s call for worship is an act of love, not egotism. The preacher also references Jonathan Edwards’s "The End for Which God Created the World," noting that Edwards’s philosophical and biblical arguments for God’s self-glorification were pivotal in shaping his own understanding. Additionally, the sermon mentions Don Carson as a contemporary New Testament scholar who has observed the shift in apologetic questions from historical evidence to the character of God.

Embracing Christ's Centrality for True Joy (Desiring God) references Michael Prowse, a columnist for the London Financial Times, as an example of a modern skeptic who objects to God’s demand for worship as egotistical. The sermon uses Prowse’s critique to frame the cultural challenge to the biblical vision of God’s glory and to contrast it with the biblical definition of love.

Transforming Desires: Finding Joy in God's Glory (Desiring God) explicitly references C.S. Lewis’s sermon “The Weight of Glory,” quoting Lewis’s description of the “weight” of being commended and delighted in by God as a nearly unbearable burden of glory. The preacher uses this to illustrate the astonishing reality of God making much of us, and to reinforce the point that God’s affirmation of his children is both biblical and deeply meaningful.

Experiencing God's Love: Creation, Salvation, and Glory (Desiring God) also references C.S. Lewis’s “The Weight of Glory,” quoting the same passage about the unimaginable joy of being commended by God. The preacher uses Lewis’s language to underscore the reality that God’s delight in his children is not merely a legal or abstract reality, but a deeply personal and emotional one, likened to an artist delighting in his work or a father in his son.

Isaiah 43:6-7 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Glorifying God: The Essence of True Salvation (Desiring God) and "Love and Glory: Finding Joy in God's Purpose" (Desiring God) both use the Grand Canyon as a detailed secular analogy. The preacher explains that no one visits the Grand Canyon to increase self-esteem; rather, people go to be awed by something vastly greater than themselves. This is used to illustrate the point that true joy and satisfaction come not from self-admiration but from being drawn out of oneself into the wonder of God's greatness. In "Love and Glory," the analogy is extended: the preacher imagines a person standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, feeling both small and secure, and argues that God's love is like arms around us at the canyon's edge, providing both awe and safety. This nuanced use of the Grand Canyon metaphor helps listeners grasp the difference between self-centered joy and joy in God's glory.

Understanding God's Glory: Joy in Worshiping Him (Desiring God) uses several detailed secular illustrations to illuminate Isaiah 43:6-7. The preacher recounts Eric Reece’s NPR interview and book "An American Gospel," where Reece objects to Jesus’ demand for supreme love as egomaniacal. C.S. Lewis’s pre-conversion struggle with the Psalms is also cited, where Lewis likens God’s demand for praise to a vain woman seeking compliments. Michael Prowse’s London Times article is referenced, questioning why a perfect God would demand worship. Oprah Winfrey’s departure from Christianity over the idea of God’s jealousy is discussed, as is Brad Pitt’s rejection of Christianity due to the perceived egotism of God. The preacher also uses pop culture and advertising: he describes a New Yorker cartoon and a National Geographic Nature Valley granola bar ad, both of which highlight the human experience of joy in feeling insignificant before something vast and beautiful. These illustrations are used to argue that the deepest human joy is found not in self-exaltation but in being drawn into something greater—paralleling the biblical call to glorify God. The preacher also references the comic strip "Arlo and Janis" to illustrate the joy of insignificance, and discusses the phenomenon of secular choirs singing the Hallelujah Chorus as an example of external echoes of God’s glory.

Embracing Christ's Centrality for True Joy (Desiring God) references the American self-esteem movement and the cultural gospel of self-exaltation, contrasting it with the biblical call to make much of God. The sermon also uses the analogy of a hall of mirrors (self-admiration) versus windows (displaying Christ’s glory) to critique the prevailing cultural focus on self-image.

Embracing Individual and Corporate Worship for God's Glory (Desiring God) uses the analogy of a king whose glory is greater when his people love and cherish him, rather than merely obey or perform under compulsion. The sermon also references the phenomenon of large choirs of unbelievers singing sacred music (e.g., the Hallelujah Chorus) as an example of external echoes of God’s glory, and uses musical metaphors (unison vs. harmony, Bob Dylan vs. Pavarotti) to illustrate the beauty of diverse, corporate worship as the ultimate end of creation.

Experiencing God's Love: Creation, Salvation, and Glory (Desiring God) uses the analogy of an artist delighting in his work and a father delighting in his son, drawn from C.S. Lewis’s “The Weight of Glory,” to illustrate the depth and personal nature of God’s delight in his people. While Lewis is a Christian author, the imagery itself is accessible and rooted in common human experience, making it a bridge between biblical truth and everyday life. The preacher emphasizes that this delight is not merely pity, but a genuine, joyful appreciation, which helps listeners grasp the emotional reality of God’s love.

Embracing True Christ-Centrality for Authentic Living (SermonIndex.net) uses two detailed secular analogies to illustrate its interpretation of Isaiah 43:6-7. First, it compares the forced centrality of Christ (or any subject) to students reading “Moby Dick” only because it is assigned, suggesting that such external compulsion gives no true glory to the subject. In contrast, the sermon uses the metaphor of the sun’s gravitational pull, describing Christ’s glory as a massive, blazing force that draws all disciplines and aspects of life into orbit, not by external force but by intrinsic beauty and power. This analogy is used to argue that God’s glory, as described in Isaiah 43:6-7, should exert an irresistible, intrinsic pull on every area of life. Additionally, the sermon references a critique from Michael Prowse in the London Financial Times, who objects to the idea of God demanding worship as egotistical; the preacher uses this secular objection to clarify and defend the biblical vision of God’s self-exaltation as loving, not tyrannical.

Embracing Individual and Corporate Worship for God's Glory (SermonIndex.net) employs the analogy of a king and his kingdom to illustrate the difference between external and internal glorification. The sermon describes a king who is honored by forced achievements and external displays (fortifications, music, art) but is not truly great unless his people genuinely love, admire, and delight in him. This analogy is used to argue that God is not satisfied with mere external echoes of his excellence (like trees or unbelieving choirs) but seeks the heartfelt affection of his people, as implied in Isaiah 43:6-7. The sermon also references the musical diversity of Bob Dylan and Pavarotti to illustrate the beauty of diverse voices in corporate worship, reinforcing the idea that the unified harmony of diverse worshipers magnifies God’s glory more than uniformity.