The glory of God is not just a theological concept but a profound spiritual reality that believers are invited to experience. This glory is most clearly revealed in the gospel of Christ, where the image of God is made manifest. As believers, we are called to taste and see this glory, allowing it to transform our lives. The glory of God is not distant or abstract; it is a present reality that we can encounter through our relationship with Christ. By engaging with the gospel, we are drawn into a deeper understanding of God's nature and His magnificent presence in our lives. [02:05]
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally seek to experience God's glory in your daily routine today? What practical steps can you take to open your heart to His presence?
Day 2: The Incomparable Value of Christ's Glory
The gospel centers on the glory of Christ, which, when truly perceived, becomes the greatest treasure in our lives. This glory surpasses all earthly possessions and aspirations, offering a joy that is beyond comparison. When we recognize the true value of Christ's glory, it redefines our priorities and desires. Earthly treasures fade in significance as we embrace the eternal joy found in Christ. This shift in perspective invites us to live with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that is rooted in the eternal rather than the temporal. [06:57]
"Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ." (Philippians 3:8, ESV)
Reflection: What earthly treasures or ambitions are you holding onto that might be hindering your full appreciation of Christ's glory? How can you begin to let go of these today?
Day 3: Transformation Through Suffering and Glory
The sufferings we endure in this life are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed to us. This glory is not only something we will witness but something that will transform us into its likeness. As we behold the Lord, we are changed from one degree of glory to another, ultimately leading to our glorification. This transformative process is a journey of faith, where our present trials are seen in the light of the eternal glory that awaits us. It is a reminder that our struggles are temporary, but the glory of God is everlasting. [08:30]
"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you view your current struggles in light of the eternal glory that God promises? What practical steps can you take to focus on the unseen and eternal today?
Day 4: The Hope of Glory as a Source of Joy
The hope of glory is a profound source of joy and anticipation, much like the news of a loved one's return from war. This hope is rooted in the reality of Christ's resurrection and the promise of our future with Him. It is a hope that changes everything, infusing our lives with purpose and direction. As we embrace this hope, we are compelled to live in a way that reflects God's beauty and worth. This hope is not just a future expectation but a present reality that shapes our daily lives and interactions. [20:06]
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you let the hope of glory influence your actions and decisions today? How can this hope bring joy to your current circumstances?
Day 5: Living a Life Driven by Love for God's Glory
Our love for the glory of God should be the driving force of our lives. This love compels us to live in a way that reflects His beauty and worth, and it is a love that will be fully realized in eternity. As we grow in our understanding of God's glory, our love for Him deepens, influencing every aspect of our lives. This love is not passive but active, motivating us to pursue a life that honors God and displays His glory to the world. It is a love that transforms us and those around us, pointing others to the greatness of God. [21:26]
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: How can your love for God's glory become the central motivation in your life today? What specific actions can you take to reflect His beauty and worth in your interactions with others?
Sermon Summary
In our journey through Romans 5:1-11, we explore the profound truth that we are made to enjoy God's glory. This passage invites us to exalt in the hope of the glory of God, a hope that is not just a distant dream but a present reality that transforms our lives. The glory of God is not merely a concept; it is a spiritual reality that we are called to taste and see. This glory is most vividly displayed in the story of Christ's perfect life, substitutionary death, triumphant resurrection, and ascension. Through the gospel, we encounter the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, and this revelation draws us into a deeper relationship with Him.
The essence of the gospel is the glory of Christ, and when we truly perceive this glory, it becomes the greatest value in our lives. It surpasses all earthly treasures and hopes, offering us a joy that is incomparable. The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us. This glory is not only something we will see but something that will transform us into its likeness. As we behold the Lord, we are changed from one degree of glory to another, culminating in our ultimate glorification.
The hope of glory is a source of great joy and anticipation. It is a hope that changes everything, much like the news of a loved one's return from war. This hope is rooted in the reality of Christ's resurrection and the promise of our future with Him. It is a hope that fuels our love for God's glory and compels us to live in a way that reflects His beauty and worth.
Key Takeaways
1. The glory of God is a spiritual reality that we are called to taste and see. It is not just a word but a profound experience that transforms our lives. This glory is most clearly seen in the gospel of Christ, which reveals the image of God. [02:05]
2. The gospel is about the glory of Christ, and when we truly perceive this glory, it becomes the greatest value in our lives. It surpasses all earthly treasures and hopes, offering us a joy that is incomparable. [06:57]
3. The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us. This glory is not only something we will see but something that will transform us into its likeness. [08:30]
4. The hope of glory is a source of great joy and anticipation. It is a hope that changes everything, much like the news of a loved one's return from war. This hope is rooted in the reality of Christ's resurrection and the promise of our future with Him. [20:06]
5. Our love for the glory of God should be the driving force of our lives. It is a love that compels us to live in a way that reflects His beauty and worth, and it is a love that will be fully realized in eternity. [21:26]
According to Romans 5:1-11, what are the benefits of being justified by faith? How does this relate to the hope of the glory of God mentioned in the sermon? [02:47]
In 2 Corinthians 4:4-6, how is the glory of Christ described, and what role does it play in the gospel message? [06:34]
Romans 8:18-21 speaks about the future glory that will be revealed. How does this passage describe the relationship between present sufferings and future glory? [08:30]
The sermon mentions that the glory of God is a spiritual reality that we are called to taste and see. How is this concept illustrated in the story of Christ's life, death, and resurrection? [06:02]
---
Interpretation Questions:
How does the hope of the glory of God, as described in Romans 5:1-11, influence a believer's perspective on current life challenges and sufferings? [08:30]
In what ways does perceiving the glory of Christ as the greatest value in the universe change a person's priorities and values? [07:56]
The sermon compares the hope of glory to the anticipation of a loved one's return from war. How does this analogy help us understand the nature of Christian hope? [20:06]
What does it mean to be transformed from one degree of glory to another, as mentioned in the sermon? How does this transformation process begin and continue in a believer's life? [09:30]
---
Application Questions:
Reflect on a time when you experienced a glimpse of God's glory in your life. How did it impact your faith and actions? How can you seek to experience more of God's glory in your daily life? [02:05]
The sermon emphasizes valuing God's glory above all earthly treasures. Identify one earthly treasure or hope that you currently value highly. How can you shift your focus to prioritize God's glory instead? [06:57]
Consider the sufferings you are currently facing. How can the promise of future glory, as described in Romans 8:18-21, provide comfort and perspective during these times? [08:30]
The hope of glory is described as a source of great joy and anticipation. How can you cultivate this hope in your life, especially during difficult or mundane times? [20:06]
The sermon suggests that our love for God's glory should drive our actions. What is one specific way you can reflect God's beauty and worth in your interactions with others this week? [21:26]
How can you practically "taste and see" the glory of God in your everyday life? What spiritual disciplines or practices can help you become more aware of God's presence and glory? [05:23]
The sermon mentions the transformation into the likeness of God's glory. What is one area of your life where you desire transformation? How can you invite God to work in that area? [09:30]
Sermon Clips
The glory of God is a spiritual reality. It's not just a word; it's a reality. It is spiritually tasted and seen, and it happens when you work. And so I don't count on Preparation, I don't count on Voice or thought. I count on you, and I ask that you would open minds and hearts. [00:18:20]
It is God's will this morning that you exalt in the hope of the glory of God. I say that without the slightest fear of any contradiction. The will of God for every person in this room is infallibly that you would exalt in the hope of the glory of God. [00:03:41]
You see it in the story of Christ's perfect life, substitutionary death, and triumphant resurrection and Ascension, his Reign at the father's right hand, and his coming on the clouds with all the angels of heaven. In that story of Salvation and accomplished Redemption, if you see it for what it is, shining out of it is the glory of God. [00:05:48]
The gospel of the life and death and resurrection of Christ is about the glory of Christ. It is called the gospel of the glory of Christ, and then you have this little phrase who is the image of God, meaning the glory of God is seen in the glory of Christ as it shines out of the Gospel. [00:06:49]
The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. You know what that means? It means there is no pain too great, there is no pain too long in this life that would not be worth it all if it brought us to the glory. [00:08:21]
Not only do the children of God one day see the glory, they are changed by the glory into the likeness of the glory. It begins now. We learn from first 2 Corinthians 3:17 from one degree of Glory we are being changed as we behold the Lord, and then in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet we shall be changed. [00:09:19]
You have never seen anything like what is coming your way in heaven. You have never heard anything like what is coming your way in heaven. It has never, in your highest moments of imagination, entered into your heart or mind what is coming to you in the day of the revelation of the glory of Christ. [00:10:29]
There are glories that we are going to experience in heaven of God, of which we've now tasted such a minor foretaste, that they dare not even be spoken when Paul comes back to his Full Experience on Earth. [00:11:54]
There are Pearls of Glory that are So Glorious, so radiant with God, that if there is any little bit of swinishness left in me, I better not see it now. And there is swinishness left in me, and so there's coming a day when in that moment in the twinkling of an eye, all swinishness will be banished. [00:12:49]
You were made, Christian, to enjoy the glory of God. That's why you were created, to enjoy the ever-flowing, increasing revelation of the glory of God, which is why Paul in that magnificent Chapter 3 of Philippians said I count all things as loss for the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. [00:15:38]
It was for this that Christ called you through our gospel so that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. That's what you gain. You gain the glory of the maker of the universe and the Redeemer of your souls. [00:16:38]
The exaltation will be in proportion to the longing and the love that we have for the glory of God. Do you love the glory of God? Oh, that God would open your eyes so that Jesus would not pronounce over you seeing they did not see and hearing they did not hear and perceiving they did not understand. [00:21:03]