God's Glory: The Purpose of Life and Death

In this gathering, we explore the profound truth that God’s ultimate purpose is His own glory. This is not merely an outcome of history but the very design and aim of creation. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, either willingly or unwillingly, to the glory of God the Father. This is a divine promise, a certainty that God Himself will bring to fruition. The book of Philippians, particularly chapter 2, verses 9 to 11, reveals this purpose clearly: God exalted Christ for the glory of God. This radical God-centeredness is not a flaw but a profound truth that underpins the universe.

However, this truth can be a stumbling block for many. The idea of God being radically committed to His own glory has led some, like Oprah Winfrey and Brad Pitt, to walk away from Christianity, perceiving it as egotistical. Yet, the book of Philippians also provides the answer to this dilemma. In Philippians 1:20-21, Paul expresses that Christ is magnified in his life and death when he finds his ultimate satisfaction in Christ. This means that God’s self-exaltation is not at odds with our joy; rather, they are intertwined. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.

This understanding transforms our perspective on life and death. To live is Christ, meaning our lives should lead others to find joy in Christ, thereby glorifying Him. To die is gain, as it means gaining Christ, who is more precious than anything life can offer or death can take away. This truth assures us that there is no conflict between God’s glory and our happiness. In fact, God’s pursuit of His glory is the greatest act of love, as it leads us to the deepest joy in Him.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God's ultimate purpose is His own glory, and every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord, either willingly or unwillingly. This is not just an outcome but the very design of creation. [06:25]
• 2. The radical God-centeredness of God can be a stumbling block for many, as it appears egotistical. However, this is a profound truth that underpins the universe and is essential for understanding God's nature. [19:01]
• 3. Philippians provides the answer to the dilemma of God's self-exaltation. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. Our joy and God's glory are intertwined, not in conflict. [23:24]
• 4. To live is Christ, meaning our lives should lead others to find joy in Christ, thereby glorifying Him. To die is gain, as it means gaining Christ, who is more precious than anything life can offer or death can take away. [26:28]
• 5. God's pursuit of His glory is the greatest act of love, as it leads us to the deepest joy in Him. This understanding transforms our perspective on life and death, assuring us that there is no conflict between God's glory and our happiness. [37:26]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:12] - Introduction and Prayer
• [01:23] - The Coming Day of Confession
• [02:00] - Exploring Philippians
• [03:17] - God's Promise and Purpose
• [04:51] - God's Glory in Creation
• [06:10] - God's Design in History
• [07:07] - Humanity's Purpose
• [08:45] - Redemption for God's Glory
• [10:17] - Predestination and Praise
• [11:09] - Radiance of Philippians
• [12:00] - Exaltation of Christ
• [13:17] - God-Centeredness of God
• [15:45] - God's Passion for His Glory
• [17:17] - Assurance in God's Commitment
• [19:01] - The Stumbling Block of God's Glory
• [22:28] - Philippians' Answer to the Dilemma
• [26:28] - Life and Death in Christ
• [32:55] - Satisfaction in Christ
• [37:26] - God's Glory and Our Joy
• [41:31] - Conversion and Treasure
• [44:18] - Ministry for Joy in God
• [45:32] - Closing Prayer

1. Philippians 2:9-11
2. Philippians 1:20-21
3. Isaiah 45:23

1. According to Philippians 2:9-11, what is the ultimate purpose of God exalting Christ? How does this relate to the concept of every knee bowing and every tongue confessing? [12:56]
2. In Philippians 1:20-21, Paul expresses a desire for Christ to be magnified in his body. What does he mean by "to live is Christ and to die is gain"? [25:30]
3. How does Isaiah 45:23 support the idea that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess? What does this reveal about God's sovereignty? [03:35]
4. The sermon mentions that God's radical God-centeredness can be a stumbling block for some. What examples were given of individuals who struggled with this concept? [19:01]

1. How does the idea that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him" challenge or affirm your understanding of God's nature? [23:24]
2. In what ways does the concept of "to live is Christ, to die is gain" transform a believer's perspective on life and death? How might this perspective influence daily decisions and priorities? [26:28]
3. The sermon suggests that God's pursuit of His glory is the greatest act of love. How can this be reconciled with the perception of God as egotistical? [37:26]
4. How does the assurance of God's commitment to His own glory provide confidence and security to believers, according to the sermon? [17:38]

1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with the idea of God's radical God-centeredness. How did you reconcile this with your faith, and what steps can you take to deepen your understanding of this concept? [19:01]
2. Consider the statement "to live is Christ, to die is gain." How can you apply this mindset to a current challenge or decision in your life? What practical steps can you take to prioritize Christ in your daily living? [26:28]
3. The sermon emphasizes that God's glory and our joy are intertwined. Identify an area in your life where you can seek greater satisfaction in God. What changes might you need to make to experience deeper joy in Him? [23:24]
4. How can you actively participate in leading others to find joy in Christ, thereby glorifying Him? Think of one person in your life who might benefit from this, and plan a way to engage them in a meaningful conversation about faith. [27:53]
5. Reflect on the idea that God's pursuit of His glory is an act of love. How does this change your view of God's actions in the world and in your personal life? How can you share this perspective with someone who might see God as egotistical? [37:26]
6. The sermon suggests that God's commitment to His glory provides assurance to believers. How can you remind yourself of this truth during times of doubt or difficulty? What specific scripture or practice can you incorporate into your routine to reinforce this assurance? [17:38]
7. Identify a specific distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on Jesus. What steps can you take this week to minimize that distraction and enhance your relationship with Christ? [37:47]