The Rally Cry of the Christian: To God Be the Glory

Oct 26, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: God Looks at the Heart, Not Outward Appearance

God does not judge as humans do, focusing on the external, but instead looks at the heart and true character. We are often tempted to judge others by their appearance, background, or style, but God calls us to see beyond the surface and recognize the value and faith of every person. Whether someone is dressed in fine clothes or appears rough around the edges, their worth is not determined by outward things but by their relationship with Christ. Let us be careful not to judge a book by its cover, but instead welcome and love others as God does, remembering that we are all in need of His grace. [33:11]

1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Reflection: Who is someone you’ve overlooked or judged based on their appearance or background? How can you intentionally show them Christlike love and acceptance this week?

Day 2: The Danger of Pride and Self-Commendation

Pride is a subtle and destructive force that leads us to compare ourselves with others, boast in our own achievements, and seek approval from people rather than from God. When we measure ourselves by ourselves or commend ourselves, we fall into the trap of self-righteousness and miss the wisdom and humility God desires. True greatness in God’s eyes is not found in exalting ourselves, but in recognizing our dependence on Him and serving faithfully where He has placed us. Let us guard our hearts from pride, resist the urge to compare, and instead seek the Lord’s commendation above all. [54:18]

2 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV)
Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

Reflection: In what area of your life are you most tempted to compare yourself to others or seek their approval? What would it look like to seek God’s approval instead?

Day 3: Boast Only in the Lord

All that we have and all that we accomplish is by God’s grace and for His glory, not our own. We are warned not to glory in our wisdom, strength, or riches, but to glory in knowing and understanding the Lord. When we boast, let it be about what God has done, not about ourselves. Our rally cry as Christians should always be, “To God be the glory,” pointing others to Jesus and magnifying His name above our own. Let us humble ourselves, give thanks for God’s work in and through us, and make much of Him in every area of our lives. [06:10]

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: What is one recent accomplishment or blessing in your life that you can intentionally give God the glory for today, either in prayer or by sharing with someone else?

Day 4: Build Others Up, Not Tear Down

God gives us influence and authority not to destroy or discourage others, but to edify, encourage, and build them up in Christ. Our words and actions should be aimed at helping others grow in faith, not at puffing ourselves up or tearing others down. Even when we must speak hard truths, our motive should be love and the desire to see others strengthened in the Lord. Let us examine our conversations and leadership, asking whether we are using our influence to point people to Jesus and to lift them up, rather than to criticize or control. [39:59]

2 Corinthians 10:8 (ESV)
For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.

Reflection: Think of someone you have influence over—at home, work, or church. How can you intentionally encourage and build them up in Christ this week?

Day 5: Faithfully Serve Where God Has Placed You

God appoints each of us to unique roles and places, and calls us to serve faithfully right where we are, without striving for recognition or comparing ourselves to others. Our value and effectiveness are not measured by titles or positions, but by our obedience and faithfulness to God’s calling. When we focus on running in our own lane and serving with contentment, God is glorified and His kingdom advances. Trust that in His time, God will raise you up as He sees fit—your task is to be faithful, humble, and content in the assignment He has given you today. [58:10]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: What is one way you can serve God wholeheartedly in your current role or situation, trusting Him with the results and recognition?

Sermon Summary

Thank you to everyone who participated in worship and supported the Good News Jail and Prison Ministry. It’s a blessing to see so many hearts invested in reaching souls for Christ. Today, the focus is on the “rally cry” of every Christian: “To God be the glory.” In a world obsessed with self-promotion, comparison, and outward appearances, it’s easy to fall into the trap of pride—whether in our work, our ministries, or even our spiritual lives. But Scripture calls us to something radically different: humility, authenticity, and a life that points others to Jesus, not ourselves.

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 10 challenge us to examine our motives. Are we living to make a name for ourselves, or to magnify Christ? The temptation to judge others by their appearance or to compare ourselves with others is strong, but God looks at the heart. We’re reminded of the story of David’s anointing, where God chose the unlikely candidate because of his heart, not his stature. Likewise, we must be careful not to judge or look down on others who may not fit our expectations, remembering that all who are in Christ are equally loved and accepted.

Criticism is inevitable, especially when we step out in faith. Paul faced critics who questioned his authority and appearance, yet he remained focused on his calling. The key is to respond with humility, using any authority or influence we have to build others up, not tear them down. Pride is a subtle and dangerous enemy, often blinding us to our own faults while magnifying the shortcomings of others. Instead, we’re called to run in the lane God has assigned us, content and faithful, letting Him raise us up in His timing.

Ultimately, anything of eternal value comes from Christ alone. Our gifts, opportunities, and influence are all from Him. Rather than boasting in ourselves or inflating our accomplishments, we are to glory in the Lord, recognizing that it’s only by His grace that we are anything at all. The true measure of approval is not self-commendation, but the commendation that comes from God. May our lives be marked by humility, gratitude, and a relentless desire to point others to Jesus.

Key Takeaways

1. God Looks at the Heart, Not the Outward Appearance It’s easy to judge others based on how they look, dress, or present themselves, but God’s concern is always the heart. The story of David’s anointing reminds us that God chooses and uses people the world might overlook. We must resist the urge to compare or look down on others, remembering that every believer is equally in Christ, regardless of their background or appearance. [33:11]
2. The Danger of Pride and Self-Commendation Pride is a root sin that leads to many others, often manifesting as self-promotion, comparison, or a critical spirit. When we commend ourselves or seek to build our own reputation, we step into a trap that distances us from God’s heart. True greatness in the kingdom is found in humility and in letting God be the one who raises us up and commends us. [53:52]
3. Use Your Influence to Build Up, Not Tear Down Any authority or influence we have—whether in ministry, work, or relationships—is given by God for the purpose of edification. Paul’s example shows that leadership is about building others up, not asserting dominance or destroying. We must examine whether our words and actions are encouraging growth in others or simply serving our own egos. [39:59]
4. Run Faithfully in the Lane God Has Assigned You Comparison is a thief of joy and effectiveness. God has uniquely gifted and placed each of us in specific roles and spheres of influence. Rather than striving to be like someone else or seeking positions for recognition, we are called to be faithful where we are, trusting God to use us as He sees fit and to move us when the time is right. [58:28]
5. Glory in the Lord Alone—He Is the Source of All Good All that we have and all that we accomplish is by God’s grace. Boasting in ourselves is empty; instead, we are to glory in the Lord, giving Him credit for every good thing. Our rally cry should always be “to God be the glory,” recognizing that anything of eternal worth is accomplished through Christ in us, not by our own strength or merit. [65:28]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[23:38] - Ministry Updates & Children’s Church
[24:29] - The Rally Cry of the Christian
[25:43] - To God Be the Glory, Not Ourselves
[26:11] - Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 10:7-18
[27:24] - The Folly of Comparison
[31:23] - Judging by Outward Appearance
[33:11] - God Looks at the Heart
[34:50] - Pride and Spiritual Elitism
[39:59] - Authority for Edification, Not Destruction
[44:56] - Responding to Critics
[46:36] - Imitating Christ, Not People
[53:52] - The Danger of Pride
[58:28] - Running in Your Lane
[65:28] - Glorying in the Lord Alone
[70:39] - Invitation and Prayer
[77:06] - Announcements & Closing

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “To God Be the Glory”

Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 10:7-18 (ESV)
7 Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we.
8 For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.
9 I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters.
10 For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.”
11 Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present.
12 Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.
13 But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.
14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ.
15 We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged,
16 so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another’s area of influence.
17 “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

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.”

Observation Questions

According to 2 Corinthians 10:7-18, what was Paul’s main concern about how the Corinthians were judging him and others?
In 1 Samuel 16:7, what does God say is more important than outward appearance?
What does Paul say is the purpose of the authority God gave him? ([39:59])
In Jeremiah 9:23-24, what does God say people should boast about?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul warns against comparing ourselves with others or commending ourselves? What dangers does he see in this? ([53:52])
How does the story of David’s anointing challenge the way we view and treat people who don’t fit our expectations? ([33:11])
What does it look like to “run in the lane God has assigned you” instead of striving for recognition or comparing yourself to others? ([58:28])
Why is it so easy to fall into pride or self-promotion, even in spiritual things? How does this affect our relationships with others and with God? ([53:52])

Application Questions

The sermon talked about how easy it is to judge others by their appearance or background. Can you think of a time when you misjudged someone based on how they looked or where they came from? How did that affect your relationship with them? ([33:11])
Paul says our authority and influence are for building others up, not tearing them down. In your daily life—at work, at home, or in church—are your words and actions more likely to encourage or discourage others? What’s one way you can be more intentional about building someone up this week? ([39:59])
The sermon warned about the danger of pride and self-commendation. Are there areas in your life where you find yourself wanting recognition or comparing yourself to others? How can you shift your focus to giving God the glory instead? ([53:52])
Criticism is inevitable, especially when you step out in faith. How do you usually respond to criticism? Is there a recent example where you could have responded with more humility or grace? ([49:34])
The idea of “running in your lane” means being faithful where God has placed you. Is there a place in your life where you’re tempted to compare yourself or wish you were in someone else’s position? What would it look like to be content and faithful right where you are? ([58:28])
The sermon said, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” What is one specific thing God has done in your life recently that you can give Him credit for, either privately or publicly? ([01:05:28])
The message challenged us to examine our motives: Are we living to make a name for ourselves, or to magnify Christ? Take a moment to reflect—what is your “rally cry” right now? What would you like it to be? ([25:43])

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you see others as He sees them, to guard your heart from pride, and to give you a desire to point others to Jesus in all you do.

Sermon Clips

“You know, the rally cry of every Christian should really be, to God be the glory. Not to us, not that we would make a name for ourselves, but that Jesus would be magnified and Jesus known. That should be our rally cry. To God be the glory, not to us, not that we would make a name for ourselves, but that Jesus would be magnified and Jesus known.”

“Isn't it funny a lot of times how we just judge based on the outward appearance? People are always looking at the external and rarely at the heart. But you know what God looks at? The heart. I just want to encourage you, be careful when you judge a book by its cover.”

“Sometimes you might see somebody with tattoos all over them and look rough as a cob. But they love Jesus, and they're serving Him with all their heart and loving the Lord, and I think that's awesome. Remember, if a person is a born-again believer in Jesus, and so are you, they are in Christ just like you are in Christ. So we've got to be careful judging those other people.”

“Just because you're a little farther down the road, don't mean you've got to look down on everybody else that you feel like is not up to snuff with you, because that's when pride sets in a lot of times. That's when you start looking down your nose at others and thinking you're so much better than everybody else. And I just want to remind you, you're not all that in a bag of chips, and me neither. And it's only because of Jesus that we are what we are, so don't forget that.”

“We can be different and still be born again. We can be believers. You cannot like me, and some of you don't. That's okay. And we're still brothers and sisters in Christ, whether you like it or not. You're going to have to spend an eternity with me. Oh man, I know that really burdens your soul, but hey, it's the truth. We might as well learn to get along. We might as well learn to love each other, be kind to one another.”

“If God has placed you in positions of authority, even here in this church, as Sunday school teachers, praise team leaders, children's director, whatever it is, are you using that to build up or to destroy? You know, sometimes truths are hard to hear. Sometimes truths are hard to swallow. But you know what? You need to hear them because it builds you up.”

“When you see yourself as sinful, and the only thing good in you is Jesus Christ, then you're on a good trajectory to do better because you realize, hey, it's not I, but Christ. It's just the Lord in me. But guys, do things to build up and not to tear down.”

“Satan is always seeking to divide God's people, to destroy the things that the Lord wants to build up. He was doing that then, and guess what? He's doing that today. But only you can ask yourself what your motives are. Only you truly know the heart of yourself.”

“It's only because of Christ that I'm anything, just like anybody else who was born again and saved. It's not my talents, my merit, anything else that gets me to where I am. It's because the Lord has placed me. Do you understand that? Do you realize that?”

“I do believe there are flickers of revival. I do believe the Lord is working, so don't miss these opportunities. Walk across the street to your neighbors. Knock on the door. Talk to them about the Lord Jesus Christ, but also remember that there will be critics. When you step out for Jesus, somebody might say, well, you're too weak. You're too small. That boy's ignorant. I've heard that many times. He don't know what he's talking about, but it's okay because you realize, hey, I'm in Jesus Christ, just like you're in Jesus Christ.”

“There's no big eyes in the kingdom. It's all level ground at the foot of the cross. Do you realize that?”

“Just be genuine. Just be who you are and who God's called you to be. You know, don't try to imitate me, for heaven's sakes. Don't try to imitate one of your heroes, but imitate Christ. That's our aim and our goal.”

“Whether people have money, whether they don't have money, whether they have tattoos, whether they don't have tattoos, whether they've been in prison, whether they haven't been. Man, we should love them, and thank God they're here and be welcoming. Isn't it amazing how the gospel works and changes things if we'll just share Jesus with other people?”

“But I want to encourage you, don't let the critics get to you, and know that it's not you and just you that's receiving criticism. It's all of us if we live for the Lord Jesus Christ. People are going to talk about, just like they did Paul, well, he's weak, I don't like the way he speaks. He talks too long. He talks too short. It was cold in there. It was hot. I didn't like her hair. I didn't like the way he looked at me. Did you see how he didn't shake my hand, but he shook everybody else's hand? Hey, I might not have been thinking about it, okay? Things happen. But just be careful being so critical of everything that everybody does. And look at your own life and say, you know what? Am I really living out what I'm calling all these other people out on?”

“Pride is a dangerous thing. Pride is a thing that leads to many other sinful things. And a lot of the root of that is pride. Steve Wingfield, an evangelist up in Northern Virginia, at Pastor Dog's retirement party, he said, Darius, I want to give you a piece of advice, especially starting out as a senior pastor at Rosedale Baptist. Remember pride will always be your greatest enemy and humility your greatest asset. And I think he hit the nail on the head. Because it's true. It's true for you, it's true for me, but keep your pride in check.”

“But be careful with the comparison, because it's a trap. Ladies, young women. There's a lot of airbrush stuff out there that you'll compare yourselves to and belittle yourself and feel beat down and deflated. Men, there's a lot of rock star preachers and people in sports and people that are doing so many amazing things that you'll compare yourself to and you'll feel like, man, I can never measure up to that. There's no way why I even try. But Paul, he said, we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves, just stop it, with those who commend themselves.”

“But you be the masterpiece that God has created you to be. God created you and there's none other like you, thank God. There's none other like me, thank God. But be the person that God's created you to be. Don't be a bragger. Remember that you're no greater than any other born-again believer in Jesus. Don't exalt yourself above others, but instead hold yourself to the mirror of God's Word.”

“Run in your lane. If God's called you to preach the gospel, preach the gospel. God's called you to be a missionary, be a missionary. God's called you to be a youth pastor, be a youth pastor. If God's called you to be a construction worker, be a construction worker. If God's called you to be a doctor, a lawyer. God's called you to be a teacher, whatever. But run in your lane and quit comparing yourselves and looking over in this person's lane and trying to jump into the lane you don't fit in and trying to run in it and you'll realize it don't fit very well. But run in the lane that God's called you to and don't apologize for it and run well and run hard and love Jesus and point others to Jesus Christ.”

“There's not many of us that aren't building off a foundation that Christ laid, that other people have built on over the years. And you are the person you are today because God has appointed those people in your life, given you the parents you've had, grandparents, aunts, uncles, people, friends, places, opportunities. But it's the Lord. Remember that.”

“But that realization of Christ, that it's the Lord, it's God who saved us. It's God who uses us. It's God who grows us. But to preach the gospel in regions beyond you and not to boast in another man's sphere of accomplishment, just realize guys that it's all Jesus. It's all about him it's not about us and when we remove ourselves out of the equation and we quit wanting a lot of atta boys and atta girls and we just realize man we're doing this for the glory of god then things start happening and god receives all the glory for it.”

“Do you realize that nothing of eternal worth will happen apart from Jesus Christ? The Bible says abide in me and I in you. He says I am the vine you are the branches apart from me you can do nothing. Your time with Jesus is one of the most important things you can do in life to pray to get alone with god to read the word of god and as the lord grows you you'll start doing things of eternal worth.”

“But he who glories let him glory in the Lord, not himself or herself but to glory in the Lord. Brag on Jesus for what he's doing and what he has done. Don't brag on yourself and think that man it's because of me that this is happening. No, it's because of Jesus that you were anything. Remember that.”

“Just know and love the Lord. Get over yourself thank God that he's enabled you to do anything that you were doing because it's him who put breath in your lungs it's him who gives you strength it's the Lord that gives you words to communicate and can control your tongue.”

“Just serve the Lord right where you are and in time the Lord will raise you up you don't have to brag on yourself you don't have to put yourself out there you don't have to try to worm your way into positions and but just serve faithfully right where you are and in God's time he'll raise you up if that's his will or desire for your life but be faithful right where God's called you.”

“Our rally cries a Christian for not he who commends himself is approved it's not us that we say well I'm the person for the job Lord you got it right here but it says but whom the Lord commends let the Lord commend you if you're really loving Jesus and you're really walking with the Lord it'll be evident and in time the Lord will raise you up and he'll use you to the glory of God you don't have to go around tooting your own horn and telling everybody how holy and righteous you are and remember you're not God we serve one God let go of that messiah complex and remember who is God and cry out to him and let him do the commending for you and let him raise you up.”

“Be content with the things the Lord has you doing and just serve him with your whole heart, loving him fully and spending time in the word and loving Jesus. Amen. But just know there's a reality of critics in anything that you do, but don't forget the realization of Christ and that it's God through us that we are anything. And then remember that your rally cry is to God be the glory and don't try to commend yourself and raise yourself up, but let the Lord raise you up in due time.”

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Rosedale Baptist Church This sermon · AI assistant

What is the true rally cry of a Christian?

How does God view outward appearance versus the heart?

Why should believers focus on glorifying Jesus, not themselves?