Glorifying God: Embracing Our Unique Purpose
Summary
In our new series, "Glory in the Highest," we delve into the profound meaning of glorifying God, especially during the Advent season as we reflect on the birth of Jesus. This pivotal event in history brought immense purpose and direction to those who encountered Jesus, and it continues to do so today. Each of us is created with a unique purpose, designed by a master Creator who knew us before we were born. Our lives are not random; they are intentional, filled with meaning and significance. As we explore the Word of God, we are reminded that we are living stones and holy priests, called to offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.
The story of the shepherds in Luke 2 illustrates how God chooses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. These shepherds, considered lowly by societal standards, were among the first to hear the good news of Jesus' birth and to share it with others. This signifies a shift in how God operates, assigning roles of spiritual significance to everyday people. As believers, we are called to bring a collective glory to God through our worship, which is not a matter of personal preference but a response to His commands. The psalmic expressions of worship—speaking, singing, shouting, lifting hands, and more—are ways we glorify God together.
Beyond our collective worship, each of us has a unique glory to offer God. This involves using our God-given gifts and abilities to serve others, reflecting His nature in our daily lives. Whether in business, studies, or athletics, we are to bring our best, honoring God through excellence. Our ultimate fulfillment comes not from worldly achievements but from seeking God's kingdom first and giving Him the highest glory in our lives. Solomon's quest for fulfillment teaches us that true satisfaction is found in worshiping God and keeping His commandments.
As we navigate life's challenges, we are reminded to keep God as the highest and greatest in our lives. This alignment brings purpose, fulfillment, and a sense of direction. By giving God the best of ourselves, we find joy, contentment, and the strength to overcome adversity. Let us commit to glorifying God in all we do, knowing that He is worthy of our highest praise.
Key Takeaways:
1. Purpose and Design: Each of us is created with a unique purpose by a master Creator. Our lives are not the result of chaos but of intentional design, filled with meaning and significance. Embracing this truth leads us to discover our God-given purpose and direction. [37:19]
2. Ordinary People, Extraordinary Roles: The story of the shepherds reminds us that God assigns spiritual significance to everyday people. We are called to be living stones and holy priests, offering spiritual sacrifices that please God. Our role is to glorify Him through our collective worship. [42:25]
3. Expressions of Worship: Worship is not about personal preference but responding to God's commands. The psalmic expressions of worship—speaking, singing, shouting, and more—are ways we glorify God together. Our worship should be enthusiastic, dynamic, and passionate, reflecting the best of what we have to offer. [49:33]
4. Unique Glory: Beyond collective worship, each of us has a unique glory to offer God. By using our gifts and abilities to serve others, we reflect His nature and bring Him glory. Excellence in our endeavors honors God and inspires others. [57:36]
5. True Fulfillment: Solomon's quest for fulfillment teaches us that true satisfaction is found in worshiping God and keeping His commandments. Our ultimate purpose is to give God glory in the highest measure, seeking His kingdom first and aligning our lives with His will. [01:03:23]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Introduction to "Glory in the Highest"
- [02:30] - The Purpose of Our Lives
- [05:15] - Prayer and Worship
- [07:00] - Christmas Traditions and Music
- [12:00] - The Story of the Shepherds
- [18:30] - God’s New Way of Doing Things
- [22:00] - Our Role as Living Stones and Priests
- [27:00] - Expressions of Worship
- [32:00] - Bringing Our Best to God
- [37:19] - Unique Glory and God-Given Gifts
- [42:25] - Solomon’s Quest for Fulfillment
- [49:33] - True Purpose and Fulfillment
- [55:22] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
- [01:08:05] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Glory in the Highest"
Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:8-20
- 1 Peter 2:5
- Matthew 6:33
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 2, why do you think the angels appeared to the shepherds to announce Jesus' birth? What significance does this hold? [42:25]
2. According to 1 Peter 2:5, what roles are believers assigned, and how do these roles relate to the concept of being "living stones"? [44:30]
3. What are some of the psalmic expressions of worship mentioned in the sermon, and how are they intended to glorify God? [49:33]
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of "unique glory" that each person can offer to God? [57:36]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the story of the shepherds in Luke 2 teach about God's choice of messengers and the nature of His kingdom? [42:25]
2. How does the idea of being "living stones" and "holy priests" in 1 Peter 2:5 challenge traditional views of worship and service in the church? [44:30]
3. In what ways do the psalmic expressions of worship reflect the heart and attitude God desires from His people? [49:33]
4. How does the sermon suggest that one's unique gifts and abilities can be used to reflect God's glory in everyday life? [57:36]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life. How do you perceive your God-given purpose, and what steps can you take to align more closely with it? [37:19]
2. Consider the story of the shepherds. How can you embrace your role in God's kingdom, even if it seems ordinary or insignificant? [42:25]
3. Think about your worship practices. Are there any psalmic expressions of worship you find challenging? How can you incorporate them more fully into your worship? [49:33]
4. Identify a specific gift or ability you have. How can you use it this week to serve others and bring glory to God? [57:36]
5. Reflect on Solomon's quest for fulfillment. Are there areas in your life where you are seeking satisfaction outside of God's will? How can you redirect your focus to seek His kingdom first? [01:03:23]
6. How can you prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for worship, ensuring you bring your best to God each time you gather with other believers? [51:47]
7. Consider the distractions in your life that may prevent you from giving God the highest glory. What practical steps can you take to minimize these distractions and prioritize your relationship with Him? [01:05:24]
Devotional
Day 1: Created with Purpose and Design
Each of us is uniquely crafted by a master Creator, who knew us before we were born. Our lives are not the result of chaos but are filled with intentional design, meaning, and significance. Embracing this truth leads us to discover our God-given purpose and direction. We are not random beings; we are living stones and holy priests, called to offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. This understanding brings a profound sense of purpose and direction, encouraging us to seek out and fulfill the unique role God has designed for us. [37:19]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What specific talents or passions do you believe God has uniquely designed in you, and how can you use them to serve others this week?
Day 2: God’s Extraordinary Roles for Ordinary People
The story of the shepherds in Luke 2 illustrates how God assigns spiritual significance to everyday people. These shepherds, considered lowly by societal standards, were among the first to hear the good news of Jesus' birth and to share it with others. This signifies a shift in how God operates, assigning roles of spiritual significance to ordinary people. As believers, we are called to be living stones and holy priests, offering spiritual sacrifices that please God. Our role is to glorify Him through our collective worship, demonstrating that God values and uses each of us, regardless of our societal status. [42:25]
"But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong." (1 Corinthians 1:27, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you step out of your comfort zone to share the good news of Jesus with someone who might not expect it from you?
Day 3: Enthusiastic Expressions of Worship
Worship is not about personal preference but responding to God's commands. The psalmic expressions of worship—speaking, singing, shouting, and more—are ways we glorify God together. Our worship should be enthusiastic, dynamic, and passionate, reflecting the best of what we have to offer. This collective worship is a powerful testimony of our faith and devotion, inviting others to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from glorifying God. By engaging in these expressions, we align ourselves with God's desires and demonstrate our love and reverence for Him. [49:33]
"Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!" (Psalm 95:2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate a new form of worship, such as singing or lifting hands, into your personal or communal worship this week?
Day 4: Offering Our Unique Glory to God
Beyond collective worship, each of us has a unique glory to offer God. By using our gifts and abilities to serve others, we reflect His nature and bring Him glory. Excellence in our endeavors honors God and inspires others. Whether in business, studies, or athletics, we are to bring our best, honoring God through excellence. Our ultimate fulfillment comes not from worldly achievements but from seeking God's kingdom first and giving Him the highest glory in our lives. [57:36]
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can strive for excellence this week, and consider how this can be an act of worship to God.
Day 5: True Fulfillment in God’s Kingdom
Solomon's quest for fulfillment teaches us that true satisfaction is found in worshiping God and keeping His commandments. Our ultimate purpose is to give God glory in the highest measure, seeking His kingdom first and aligning our lives with His will. As we navigate life's challenges, we are reminded to keep God as the highest and greatest in our lives. This alignment brings purpose, fulfillment, and a sense of direction. By giving God the best of ourselves, we find joy, contentment, and the strength to overcome adversity. [01:03:23]
"Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13, ESV)
Reflection: What is one commandment or teaching of Jesus that you can focus on living out more fully this week, and how might this bring you closer to true fulfillment?
Quotes
"These are commands in the book of Psalms. The first one is speaking. That can be heartfelt praise, declarations from scripture, prayers, et cetera. They're singing, shouting, lifting hands, playing instruments, clapping, standing, bowing, and dancing. Now these are all things that God has commanded his people to do. They're not suggestions; they are commands." [00:47:14] (22 seconds)
"Your ultimate fulfillment in life will not come with chasing down the American dream. It's not gonna come with getting the pay raise or the promotion or being the top in your field. It's not gonna come with getting more wealth and more finances and the dream spouse. It's not gonna come with giving your body, soul, and intellect everything that it could ever crave." [01:03:23] (20 seconds)
"Fear God or worship God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man. This is what we're here for. Fear God, worship God, reverence God, honor God, keep his commands. This is what we're here for." [01:04:23] (17 seconds)
"Put him first in your life, make him highest and greatest, give the best of yourself to him, give him highest glory in your life. He will bring all the other needs that you have and your sense of purpose and fulfillment will be found in giving him glory in the highest." [01:08:05] (17 seconds)
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