Experiencing God's Glory: The Heart of Christianity
Summary
In Romans 8:18, Paul speaks of the incomparable glory that awaits believers, a theme that resonates deeply with the current state of the church and individual Christians. Despite the church's fervent activities and efforts, there seems to be a lack of effectiveness and a disconnect from the vibrant faith depicted in the New Testament and historical revivals. The root of this issue lies in our neglect of the most crucial aspect of our faith: our relationship with God. Christianity is not merely about receiving blessings but about entering into a profound, personal relationship with God. This relationship is the source of true glory, a glory that should be evident in our lives and draw others to the faith.
The church's current preoccupation with activities and programs often overshadows the pursuit of God's presence and glory. The ultimate goal of Christianity is to know God intimately and to reflect His glory in our lives. This transformation is a progressive journey, moving from glory to glory, as we grow in our understanding and experience of God. The final destination of this journey is our glorification, where we will be completely delivered from the effects of sin and fully reflect the image of Christ.
The church's revival and the world's transformation depend not on human efforts but on the manifestation of God's glory. When God's glory is evident in His people, it acts as a magnet, drawing others to Him. This has been the pattern throughout history, as seen in past revivals where the presence of God was so palpable that it transformed communities and nations.
To experience this glory, we must realize its possibility, believe in what God has done through Christ, submit to the Holy Spirit's work, and take time to behold God's glory. This involves deep meditation on Scripture, prayer, and a willingness to be led by the Spirit. As we do so, we will be progressively transformed, and God's glory will be manifested in and through us, impacting the world around us.
Key Takeaways:
- The church's ineffectiveness stems from neglecting the primary purpose of the Gospel: a deep, personal relationship with God. This relationship is the source of true glory, which should be evident in our lives and draw others to the faith. [03:16]
- Christianity is a journey of transformation, moving from glory to glory. This progression should be evident in our lives as we grow in our understanding and experience of God, ultimately leading to our final glorification. [09:31]
- The manifestation of God's glory in His people is the key to revival and transformation in the world. When God's presence is evident, it acts as a magnet, drawing others to Him and transforming communities and nations. [39:07]
- To experience God's glory, we must take time to behold it through meditation on Scripture, prayer, and submission to the Holy Spirit's work. This involves a willingness to be led by the Spirit and a focus on God's presence rather than our activities. [45:08]
- Our ultimate hope and consolation lie in the glory that awaits us, a glory that far surpasses the sufferings of this present time. This future glory should shape our perspective and conduct, providing strength and encouragement in the face of trials. [13:08]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Introduction to Romans 8:18
[00:49] - The Church's Current State
[03:16] - The Importance of Relationship with God
[04:07] - Experiencing God's Presence
[06:23] - Transformation from Glory to Glory
[09:31] - Progression and Growth in Faith
[11:19] - Final Glorification
[13:08] - Encouragement in Suffering
[15:08] - Deliverance from Sin's Effects
[17:22] - Spiritual and Physical Glorification
[23:21] - The Promise of Glorified Bodies
[25:17] - Living as Citizens of Heaven
[31:28] - Reigning with Christ
[39:07] - The Role of God's Glory in Revival
[45:08] - Beholding God's Glory
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:18
- 2 Corinthians 3:18
- Philippians 3:20-21
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Observation Questions:
1. In Romans 8:18, Paul speaks of the "glory which shall be revealed in us." What does this suggest about the future state of believers? How does this compare to the present sufferings mentioned in the same verse?
2. According to 2 Corinthians 3:18, what is the process described that believers undergo as they behold the glory of the Lord? How does this transformation occur?
3. Philippians 3:20-21 describes a transformation of our bodies. What does this passage say about the nature of our future bodies compared to our current ones?
4. The sermon mentions the church's current state of ineffectiveness. What reasons are given for this condition, and how does it relate to the church's focus on activities over a relationship with God? [01:06]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the promise of future glory in Romans 8:18 provide encouragement to believers facing trials and sufferings today? [13:08]
2. In what ways does the transformation "from glory to glory" in 2 Corinthians 3:18 reflect the ongoing spiritual growth of a believer? How might this process be evident in a believer's life? [09:31]
3. Philippians 3:20-21 speaks of our citizenship in heaven. How does this perspective influence the way believers live their lives on earth? [25:17]
4. The sermon suggests that the church's revival depends on the manifestation of God's glory. How does this idea challenge the current focus on human efforts and programs within the church? [39:07]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal relationship with God. Are there areas where you have focused more on activities and programs rather than deepening your relationship with Him? How can you shift your focus this week? [03:16]
2. Consider the concept of moving "from glory to glory." What specific steps can you take to ensure you are growing spiritually and reflecting God's glory in your daily life? [09:31]
3. How does the promise of future glorification and transformation of our bodies in Philippians 3:20-21 impact your view of current physical or emotional struggles? How can this hope shape your response to these challenges? [23:21]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of beholding God's glory through meditation on Scripture and prayer. What practical changes can you make in your daily routine to prioritize time for these spiritual disciplines? [45:08]
5. The sermon suggests that the church's revival depends on the manifestation of God's glory. How can you contribute to creating an environment in your church or small group where God's presence is prioritized over activities? [39:07]
6. Reflect on the idea of living as a citizen of heaven. What changes might you need to make in your lifestyle or priorities to align more closely with this identity? [25:17]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel disconnected from the vibrant faith described in the New Testament. What steps can you take to reconnect and experience the glory of God in that area? [01:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Rediscovering Our Relationship with God
The church's ineffectiveness stems from neglecting the primary purpose of the Gospel: a deep, personal relationship with God. This relationship is the source of true glory, which should be evident in our lives and draw others to the faith. In today's world, the church often finds itself caught up in activities and programs, losing sight of the essence of Christianity. The true essence lies in cultivating a profound relationship with God, which is the wellspring of genuine glory. This glory is not just for personal edification but is meant to be a beacon that attracts others to the faith. When believers prioritize their relationship with God, they become living testimonies of His transformative power, drawing others to experience the same. [03:16]
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize your relationship with God over religious activities this week? How might this shift impact those around you?
Day 2: Transformation from Glory to Glory
Christianity is a journey of transformation, moving from glory to glory. This progression should be evident in our lives as we grow in our understanding and experience of God, ultimately leading to our final glorification. The Christian life is not static; it is a dynamic journey of transformation. As believers, we are called to grow continuously in our understanding and experience of God. This growth is marked by a progression from one level of glory to another, reflecting the increasing likeness of Christ in our lives. This journey culminates in our final glorification, where we will fully reflect the image of Christ. The process of transformation is ongoing and requires intentionality and openness to the work of the Holy Spirit. [09:31]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you see God transforming you. How can you cooperate with the Holy Spirit to continue this transformation?
Day 3: The Magnetism of God's Glory
The manifestation of God's glory in His people is the key to revival and transformation in the world. When God's presence is evident, it acts as a magnet, drawing others to Him and transforming communities and nations. Throughout history, revivals have been marked by a palpable presence of God's glory among His people. This glory acts as a powerful magnet, drawing individuals, communities, and even nations to God. The church's role is not to rely solely on human efforts but to seek the manifestation of God's glory. When believers embody this glory, they become catalysts for revival and transformation, impacting the world around them in profound ways. [39:07]
Isaiah 60:1-3 (ESV): "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising."
Reflection: How can you position yourself to be a vessel of God's glory in your community? What steps can you take to reflect His presence more clearly?
Day 4: Beholding God's Glory
To experience God's glory, we must take time to behold it through meditation on Scripture, prayer, and submission to the Holy Spirit's work. This involves a willingness to be led by the Spirit and a focus on God's presence rather than our activities. Experiencing God's glory requires intentionality and dedication. It involves setting aside time to meditate on Scripture, engage in prayer, and submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This process is not about adding more activities to our lives but about focusing on God's presence. As believers take time to behold God's glory, they are progressively transformed, and His glory becomes evident in and through them, impacting the world around them. [45:08]
Psalm 27:4 (ESV): "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple."
Reflection: What specific time can you set aside this week to meditate on God's glory? How can this practice deepen your relationship with Him?
Day 5: The Hope of Future Glory
Our ultimate hope and consolation lie in the glory that awaits us, a glory that far surpasses the sufferings of this present time. This future glory should shape our perspective and conduct, providing strength and encouragement in the face of trials. The Christian journey is marked by the hope of future glory, a glory that far exceeds the trials and sufferings of this present life. This hope is not just a distant dream but a reality that shapes our perspective and conduct. It provides strength and encouragement, enabling believers to endure hardships with the assurance that a greater glory awaits. This future glory is the ultimate consolation, reminding us that our present sufferings are temporary and that God's promises are sure. [13:08]
1 Peter 5:10 (ESV): "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."
Reflection: How does the promise of future glory influence your response to current challenges? What practical steps can you take to keep this hope alive in your daily life?
Quotes
The church in many ways has never been more active than she is at the present time. Men have never been so busy, so zealous, and have never tried so much by means of various organizations to retrieve the situation. And yet we find that in spite of that, the position, far from improving, deteriorates and goes from bad to worse. [00:88:00]
The whole business of the Gospel is to bring us into relationship with God. But the tragedy is that we tend to stop at blessings received instead of the relationship itself. And the result is that we're missing the greatest, the most wonderful, the most glorious thing of all while we are busying ourselves with lesser things. [00:209:879]
There seems to be a failure in our part to realize that we're meant to enjoy God. The chief end of men is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. And likewise, we tend to forget that we are to be such that men and women see something of this glory in us. [00:411:88]
It is only when you get some striking, signal, outstanding manifestation of the glory and the power of God in what we call Revival that a community, that a nation can be convicted and turned to God. Now, this has happened so often in the past, and God remains still the same. [00:469:199]
There is a suggestion of a progression, and it is meant to be true. We all of us should know more and more increasingly as year passes year of this glory, and more and more of this Glory should be evident and manifest in us. If people are not growing in the Christian Life, there is something seriously wrong. [00:579:72]
The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Now, he's already said it in the 17th verse. He's reminded them that the spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. [00:703:519]
Our final and complete deliverance from all the effects and the results of sin and of the Fall. We were dealing last Sunday morning with the fall and what it has done to us and how even in this present life, in this present world, we are delivered from so many and so much of the consequences of the Fall. [00:913:92]
The body still Bears the results of sin and the fall: weakness, Frailty, illness, disease, all the things that we know of. The body can so often be a burden. The body has suffered, and you see, this is a very wonderful thing. A part of our ultimate salvation, a part of our glorification includes the complete emancipation even of the body from the effects and the ravages of sin. [01:339:159]
The glory of God in the midst of his people always acts as a magnet. Out of sure curiosity, they'll come, and so the work goes on. Now, I am asking, what do we do, therefore? This is the way that God's work is done, not by human effort, but by the manifestation of God's Own glory and God's Own power in and through his own people. [01:3335:24]
We must realize the possibility. Are we expecting anything from God? It seems to me that we are not, that the church is not expecting from God. She's expecting from men, from individuals. We are relying upon ourselves and our own efforts. The church is not expecting from God because if you expect from God, you won't expect something to happen in about a year. [01:2453:359]
We must submit entirely to the work of the Holy Spirit within us. We all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord order changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the spirit of the Lord. The spirit has been sent to do this, to Enlighten Us, open our understanding. [01:2598:359]
We all, beholding as in a glass, as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord. How do we do this? Well, you see, it takes time. I am convinced that the main trouble with most of us, even as Christians at the present time, is that we are Fring our energies away in over activities. Take time to be holy, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord. [01:2697:96]
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