Living for God's Glory: The Purpose of Ethics

 

Summary

Reflecting on the theme "The End of Ethics," I explored the purpose and goal of ethics in the Christian life, drawing from the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism: "What is the chief end of man?" The answer, to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, sets the foundation for understanding the end of ethics as living a life dedicated to God's glory. This pursuit of glorifying God should motivate all our decisions and actions.

Psalm 86 serves as a guiding text, illustrating how David, amidst his struggles, turns to God in prayer rather than worry. This psalm, entirely a prayer, emphasizes the importance of focusing on God rather than our problems. David's confidence in God's promises, particularly the promise that all nations will worship and glorify God, inspires us to live with the same assurance and purpose.

Understanding our identity as a delivered people is crucial. In a world that often denies eternal significance, recognizing ourselves as created in God's image and delivered by His steadfast love transforms how we live. This deliverance is not just from temporal troubles but ultimately from death, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the conqueror of death.

Our response to God's deliverance should be a desire to know His ways and walk in His truth. This requires continual study and engagement with God's Word, as exemplified by the Reformation's emphasis on Scripture alone as the authority for faith and practice. The story of Ulrich Zwingli and the sausage incident during Lent highlights the importance of adhering to God's Word over human traditions.

Finally, devotion to God with our whole heart is essential. This devotion is tested by whether God is a weighty reality in our lives, influencing our thoughts and actions. In a world filled with disasters and distractions, we are called to repentance and a renewed commitment to God's glory. The end of ethics is to see God clearly, live as a delivered people, desire His ways, and be devoted to Him, trusting that living for God is not in vain.

Key Takeaways:

- The purpose of ethics is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. This goal should motivate all our decisions and actions, aligning our lives with God's glory and purpose. [03:52]

- Psalm 86 teaches us to focus on God rather than our problems, turning to Him in prayer. David's confidence in God's promises inspires us to live with assurance and purpose, knowing that all nations will ultimately worship and glorify God. [06:24]

- Understanding our identity as a delivered people transforms how we live. Recognizing ourselves as created in God's image and delivered by His steadfast love gives us an eternal perspective, influencing our actions and decisions. [10:42]

- Continual study and engagement with God's Word are essential for knowing His ways. The Reformation's emphasis on Scripture alone reminds us to adhere to God's Word over human traditions, seeking His truth in all aspects of life. [27:58]

- Devotion to God with our whole heart is tested by whether He is a weighty reality in our lives. In a world filled with distractions, we are called to repentance and a renewed commitment to God's glory, trusting that living for Him is not in vain. [35:18]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:37] - Introduction to the Theme
- [01:23] - The End of Ethics Explained
- [02:05] - Purpose of Ethics
- [03:05] - Glorifying God
- [04:45] - Psalm 86 Overview
- [05:33] - Prayer Over Worry
- [06:24] - David's Confidence in God
- [09:05] - Identity as Delivered People
- [10:42] - Eternal Perspective
- [12:54] - God's Sovereignty
- [14:34] - God's Steadfast Love
- [19:21] - Deliverance from Death
- [21:37] - Desire to Know God's Ways
- [27:58] - Scripture Over Tradition
- [35:18] - Devotion to God
- [40:47] - Call to Repentance
- [42:26] - Living for God's Glory

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 86:8-13
- Joel 2:12-13

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Observation Questions:

1. In Psalm 86, how does David express his confidence in God's promises despite his struggles? ([06:24])

2. What does David request from God in Psalm 86:11, and why is this significant for understanding the purpose of ethics? ([21:37])

3. How does the sermon describe the role of God's steadfast love in transforming our identity and actions? ([10:42])

4. What historical event involving Ulrich Zwingli was mentioned in the sermon, and what was its significance in relation to adhering to God's Word over human traditions? ([27:58])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the promise that "all nations will worship and glorify God" in Psalm 86:9 influence a believer's perspective on current struggles and future hope? ([08:19])

2. In what ways does understanding oneself as a "delivered people" change the way Christians live their daily lives? ([09:05])

3. How does the sermon suggest that devotion to God is tested in our lives, and what does it mean for God to be a "weighty reality"? ([35:18])

4. What does the story of Zwingli and the sausage incident teach about the importance of Scripture over tradition, and how might this apply to modern Christian practices? ([27:58])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did the goal of glorifying God influence that decision, if at all? How might you approach similar decisions differently in the future? ([03:52])

2. When facing personal struggles, how often do you turn to prayer instead of worry? What practical steps can you take to make prayer a more central response in your life? ([05:33])

3. Consider your understanding of being created in God's image and delivered by His love. How does this identity shape your interactions with others, especially those who may not share your faith? ([10:42])

4. How can you incorporate more regular study and engagement with God's Word into your daily routine? What specific changes can you make to prioritize Scripture in your life? ([21:37])

5. In what ways can you demonstrate a whole-hearted devotion to God in your daily activities? Identify one area of your life where you can be more intentional about glorifying God. ([33:04])

6. Reflect on the concept of God being a "weighty reality" in your life. What distractions or attitudes might be preventing you from experiencing this, and how can you address them? ([35:18])

7. How do you respond to the disasters and challenges in the world today? What role does repentance and seeking God's mercy play in your response? ([39:37])

Devotional

Day 1: Living for God's Glory
The purpose of ethics in the Christian life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. This foundational goal should guide all our decisions and actions, aligning our lives with God's glory and purpose. By understanding that our chief end is to glorify God, we are called to evaluate our daily choices and actions through this lens. This perspective challenges us to live intentionally, ensuring that our lives reflect God's character and bring Him honor. As we pursue this purpose, we find true fulfillment and joy in our relationship with God. [03:52]

"For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen." (Romans 11:36, ESV)

Reflection: What is one decision you can make today that will intentionally glorify God in your life?


Day 2: Prayer Over Worry
Psalm 86 teaches us to focus on God rather than our problems, turning to Him in prayer. David's confidence in God's promises inspires us to live with assurance and purpose, knowing that all nations will ultimately worship and glorify God. In times of struggle, we are encouraged to shift our focus from our worries to God's faithfulness. By doing so, we can experience peace and assurance, trusting that God is in control and His promises are true. This shift in focus allows us to live with a sense of purpose and confidence, knowing that our lives are part of God's greater plan. [06:24]

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one worry you can bring to God in prayer today, trusting in His promises?


Day 3: Identity as Delivered People
Understanding our identity as a delivered people transforms how we live. Recognizing ourselves as created in God's image and delivered by His steadfast love gives us an eternal perspective, influencing our actions and decisions. This deliverance is not just from temporal troubles but ultimately from death, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the conqueror of death. By embracing this identity, we are empowered to live with hope and purpose, knowing that our lives have eternal significance. This perspective challenges us to live in a way that reflects our identity as God's redeemed people. [10:42]

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: How does recognizing your identity as a delivered person change the way you approach your daily life?


Day 4: Scripture Over Tradition
Continual study and engagement with God's Word are essential for knowing His ways. The Reformation's emphasis on Scripture alone reminds us to adhere to God's Word over human traditions, seeking His truth in all aspects of life. By prioritizing Scripture, we align our lives with God's truth and wisdom, allowing His Word to guide our decisions and actions. This commitment to Scripture challenges us to evaluate our beliefs and practices, ensuring they are rooted in God's Word rather than human traditions. [27:58]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: What is one tradition or belief you hold that you can examine in light of Scripture today?


Day 5: Devotion to God
Devotion to God with our whole heart is tested by whether He is a weighty reality in our lives. In a world filled with distractions, we are called to repentance and a renewed commitment to God's glory, trusting that living for Him is not in vain. This devotion requires us to prioritize our relationship with God, allowing His presence to influence our thoughts and actions. By doing so, we demonstrate that God is the most significant reality in our lives, shaping our identity and purpose. [35:18]

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." (Deuteronomy 6:5, ESV)

Reflection: What is one distraction you can set aside today to deepen your devotion to God?

Quotes


What I'm asked to do is reflect on the end of ethics in the same way that the word "end" is used in the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. You do know the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, don't you? "What is the chief end of man?" I think we need a director, someone who can set the pitch, but it's very encouraging. Yeah, what is the chief end of man? That we should glorify God and enjoy Him forever. [00:02:22]

When we think about ethics, when we think about holy living, when we think about being devoted to God, what is our goal? What is our vision? What is our direction? What is our motivation? And of course, the first question of the catechism really helps us. Did I say, "the catechism?" I apologize. I meant the other catechism. What is the chief end of man? It is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. [00:03:34]

And I think one of the texts in the Scripture that helps us with that is Psalm 86. Psalm 86 is near the center of the Psalter. Psalm 86 is part of book three. All of you who have committed my book on the Psalms to memory will realize that book three is the book of the intense suffering of God's people as they have experienced loss and exile. [00:04:56]

When we face difficulty, we should spend more time praying than worrying. And when we have problems, we should think more about God than about the problems. That's what David illustrates for us here in this wonderful psalm, Psalm 86, entirely a prayer, as he turns from his problems to God, as he takes his worry to God in prayer. [00:06:00]

David is a king of a little kingdom. David is a king of a little kingdom that is assailed by resistance and enemies who would seek his life. He is able to lift up his eyes to the promises of God and say, "Whatever happens in my day, there is a better day coming when all the nations will gather to worship and glorify Your name." [00:08:12]

You know, understanding who you are is absolutely foundational to how you live. And in this modern world where there are so many voices who say, "This life is all there is. When you die, you are dead. When you die, you are gone. When you die, it's over. There is nothing beyond this life. We are only animals passing through like every other animal." [00:09:36]

If you know yourself as created in the image of God, if you know yourself to be someone with an eternal destiny, a life that goes on beyond this life, if you know yourself as someone delivered by God, you are going to live very differently. Well, at least, you should. If you listen to preachers, you will. Who we are determines how we live. [00:10:35]

And the psalmist gives great expression to that in verse 11, "Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth. Unite my heart to fear Your name." "Teach me Your way, O Lord." Now, we might ask ourselves, "Didn't David know God's way?" And David is saying to us, in this life none of us know the way fully enough. [00:21:32]

None of us become so holy and so mature that we can stop studying. We need God's Word all the time. And so, this prayer, "Teach us Your way," is really a prayer, "Help us to study Your Word, O Lord." "Help us to turn ever new to Your Word with anticipation and eagerness and in understanding that we still have much yet to learn and that the Word is the place where we have to turn." [00:22:13]

And Zwingli, increasingly, as a preacher with the care of the souls of the people in the city of Zürich, began to fret, "How do these church rules relate to what I'm finding in the Bible?" And he came, maybe before Luther did, he came to realize only the Bible was the true and necessary and reliable teacher of God's will to God's people. [00:25:00]

Who will teach me the ways of God?" Is it the church with its rules and regulations that have no foundation in the Word of God, or is the Word of God alone what will teach me? This is the five-hundredth anniversary of a great event, an important event, which reminds us that little activities can have some of the greatest outcomes. [00:28:00]

And that question then comes to us, doesn't it, is God a weighty reality in our lives? Is God the one we think about when we think about living? Now, one of the ways I thought I might be able to help you was to translate some of the things that Nathan Bingham was saying to you. I wondered as I sat there if you actually knew what a "partner" was. [00:35:18]

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Transcript
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