Reflecting God's Glory: Our Transformative Calling

 

Summary

In 2 Corinthians 3:18, we are reminded of the transformative power of beholding the glory of the Lord. As Christians, we are called to reflect this glory, moving from one degree of glory to another, through the Spirit of the Lord. The current state of the church and its lack of influence in society can be attributed to a failure to realize and manifest this glory. Historically, the church has been a powerful force when it is filled with the presence of God, but today, it often relies on human efforts and organizational structures rather than the divine presence.

The essence of our faith is not just about moral effort or religious activity but about being transformed into the image of Christ. This transformation is rooted in understanding who we are in Christ and the glory that is meant to be revealed in us. The early church was constantly reminded of their identity in Christ, and we too must remember that we are called to reflect God's glory. The story of Moses, whose face shone after being in God's presence, illustrates the potential for believers to reflect God's glory.

The tragedy of humanity is the fall from the original state of being created in God's image. Sin has marred this image, but through Christ, the image is being restored. Salvation is not just about forgiveness but about being conformed to the image of Christ, the new humanity. This restoration goes beyond the original state of Adam, as we are called to bear the image of the heavenly man, Jesus Christ.

As Christians, we are partakers of the divine nature, and this should fill us with joy and thanksgiving. Our lives should reflect the glory of God, serving as a silent rebuke to sin and a beacon of hope to others. We are to live in such a way that others see the glory of God in us and are drawn to Him. This is the essence of our calling and the true measure of our faith.

Key Takeaways:

- The church's current ineffectiveness is due to a lack of awareness of God's glory. We must move beyond relying on human efforts and seek the divine presence that transforms and empowers us. [03:22]

- Our identity in Christ is central to our faith. We are called to reflect God's glory, and this requires a deep understanding of who we are in Him. The early church was constantly reminded of this truth, and so must we. [05:33]

- The fall of man marred the image of God in us, but through Christ, this image is being restored. Salvation is not just about forgiveness but about being conformed to the image of Christ, the new humanity. [24:55]

- As partakers of the divine nature, we should be filled with joy and thanksgiving. Our lives should reflect the glory of God, serving as a silent rebuke to sin and a beacon of hope to others. [40:19]

- We are called to live in such a way that others see the glory of God in us. This is the essence of our calling and the true measure of our faith. Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of God's presence. [48:24]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to 2 Corinthians 3:18
- [00:54] - The Church's Current Condition
- [01:58] - The Glory of God
- [03:22] - Reliance on Human Efforts
- [04:49] - Our Identity in Christ
- [06:04] - Transformation Through Glory
- [07:15] - The Story of Moses
- [09:17] - Reflecting God's Glory
- [10:49] - The Fall of Man
- [13:12] - The Essence of Salvation
- [15:37] - Man's Original Condition
- [24:55] - The Marring of God's Image
- [34:06] - Restoration Through Christ
- [40:19] - Partakers of the Divine Nature
- [48:24] - Living as Reflections of God's Glory

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 3:18

Observation Questions:
1. What does 2 Corinthians 3:18 say about the process of transformation for believers? How is this transformation achieved? [00:30]
2. According to the sermon, what is the current state of the church, and what is the primary reason for its ineffectiveness? [01:43]
3. How does the story of Moses illustrate the potential for believers to reflect God's glory? [07:15]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the relationship between beholding the glory of the Lord and being changed into His image? [09:36]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon describe the difference between the early church and the modern church in terms of influence and power? What factors contribute to this difference? [01:11]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our identity in Christ is central to our faith and transformation? [05:33]
3. How does the sermon explain the concept of being "partakers of the divine nature," and what implications does this have for believers? [40:19]
4. What does the sermon imply about the ultimate goal of salvation beyond forgiveness? How does this relate to the restoration of the image of God in humanity? [24:55]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal awareness of God's glory in your life. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence daily? [03:22]
2. Consider your understanding of your identity in Christ. How does this understanding influence your daily actions and decisions? [05:33]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of reflecting God's glory. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your life serves as a beacon of hope to others? [40:19]
4. How can you move beyond relying on human efforts in your spiritual journey and seek the transformative power of God's presence? [03:22]
5. Identify an area in your life where you feel the image of God has been marred. What steps can you take to allow Christ to restore that image? [24:55]
6. Think of a situation where you can be a silent rebuke to sin through your actions. How can you prepare yourself to be a positive influence in that context? [47:26]
7. How can you live in such a way that others see the glory of God in you? What changes might you need to make in your behavior or attitude to achieve this? [48:24]

Devotional

Day 1: Seeking Divine Presence Over Human Efforts
The church's current ineffectiveness is due to a lack of awareness of God's glory. We must move beyond relying on human efforts and seek the divine presence that transforms and empowers us. The church historically has been a powerful force when filled with God's presence, but today it often relies on human efforts and organizational structures. This reliance on human strength rather than divine power has led to a diminished influence in society. To regain its transformative power, the church must return to seeking and manifesting the glory of God. This involves a conscious effort to prioritize spiritual growth and divine encounters over mere religious activities. [03:22]

2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV): "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

Reflection: In what ways have you relied on your own efforts rather than seeking God's presence? How can you intentionally seek His presence today?


Day 2: Embracing Our Identity in Christ
Our identity in Christ is central to our faith. We are called to reflect God's glory, and this requires a deep understanding of who we are in Him. The early church was constantly reminded of this truth, and so must we. Understanding our identity in Christ means recognizing that we are not defined by our past mistakes or current struggles but by the transformative power of Christ within us. This identity empowers us to live lives that reflect God's glory and draw others to Him. By embracing our identity in Christ, we can move from one degree of glory to another, becoming more like Him each day. [05:33]

Ephesians 1:18-19 (ESV): "Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might."

Reflection: How does understanding your identity in Christ change the way you view yourself and your purpose? What steps can you take to deepen this understanding?


Day 3: Restoration of God's Image Through Christ
The fall of man marred the image of God in us, but through Christ, this image is being restored. Salvation is not just about forgiveness but about being conformed to the image of Christ, the new humanity. This restoration goes beyond the original state of Adam, as we are called to bear the image of the heavenly man, Jesus Christ. Through Christ, we are being transformed into His likeness, reflecting His character and love to the world. This process of restoration is ongoing and requires our active participation in allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us. [24:55]

Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV): "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you see the need for restoration? How can you cooperate with the Holy Spirit in this process of being conformed to the image of Christ?


Day 4: Living as Partakers of the Divine Nature
As partakers of the divine nature, we should be filled with joy and thanksgiving. Our lives should reflect the glory of God, serving as a silent rebuke to sin and a beacon of hope to others. Being partakers of the divine nature means that we have access to God's power and presence in our lives. This should lead us to live lives that are distinct from the world, characterized by love, joy, peace, and righteousness. Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of God's presence, drawing others to Him. [40:19]

2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."

Reflection: How can you live as a partaker of the divine nature in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to reflect God's glory to those around you?


Day 5: Reflecting God's Glory to the World
We are called to live in such a way that others see the glory of God in us. This is the essence of our calling and the true measure of our faith. Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of God's presence. By living in alignment with God's will and reflecting His character, we become beacons of hope and light in a dark world. This calling requires intentionality and a commitment to living out our faith in practical ways that demonstrate God's love and grace to others. [48:24]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: What are some practical ways you can reflect God's glory in your community? How can you be intentional about being a light to those around you today?

Quotes

We are looking at the condition of the church in general and Christian people in particular at the present time. We must admit and all must confess and agree that things are not as they should be. We read in the New Testament of the early church, we see what she was at the beginning, we read of her at times of reformation and of Revival, and we know that the church at such a time is a church of power, a church of influence, a church that counts in society, and God's people are filled with a sense of praise and of rejoicing. [00:54:28]

The longing of the men of God throughout the Bible is for the face of God, and our Lord, you remember, says that this is life eternal, that we may know him, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he has sent. Well, that's the first thing, and it's basic, but it's not the only one. We now move on to something else, and this again is of all importance to us. [04:14:00]

There is a glory that belongs to us as Christian people, and it is our failure to realize this as we should that accounts for a lot of our dejection, and still more that accounts for a lot of our ineffectiveness. Now, you notice that in this verse that we're looking at this morning, the relationship between these two things is put together. We all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord. [05:48:00]

The realization of the glory of God and the realization of his presence ends in our being somehow or another changed into the likeness of that glory, and it is a glory which can be seen. Now, this, you see, is the great lesson I say that we need at the present time. The people looking at the face of Moses could see something of the glory of God reflected from it. Now, this is our calling as Christian people. [09:56:00]

Man's real and essential tragedy is that he has fallen from his original condition. You've got to start with this. We'll never appreciate the greatness of this great salvation until we realize what it has to save us from, as it were, and this is the thing that is put here so clearly. Man's essential tragedy is that he has fallen from his original condition. [15:30:00]

The image of God in men became marred and defaced, so much so that it is almost difficult to recognize it at all. Now, you notice that I say not that the image was destroyed or completely lost. That isn't true. It was marred, it was defaced. Man, as we know him, is a fallen creature, but he's still man, and this is the real understanding of men as he is today. [24:55:00]

The object of this is, I say, to restore the image. The Apostle Paul again put this to us in Romans 8:29, whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his son. If you pay less attention on both sides to predestination and more to the image of his son, you'd get greater benefit. [35:04:00]

We are partakers of the divine nature. Oh, listen to it again in Hebrews 2: It became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many sons unto glory to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Then listen, for both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren. [40:19:00]

We are partakers of the divine nature. Are you on your feet? Are you rejoicing? Are you filled with a sense of glory and of thanksgiving and of praise? You should be. We are partakers of the divine nature. Oh, listen to it again in Hebrews 2: It became him for whom are all things and by whom are all things in bringing many sons unto glory to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. [40:19:00]

We reflect his glory. We are to be light as he is light. We all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, changed into the same image from glory to glory. My friends, you and I should be such people that by just being what we are and conforming to his image, we should be a silent rebuke to sin. [47:24:00]

Live in such a way, he says, that they shall see something of the glory of God in your face, in your life, in your whole department, in your whole demeanor, in your being, what you are. Let your light so shine that men shall see your good works but glorify, give the glory to—they look at you as these others looked at Moses. [48:24:00]

The image and likeness of God are restored in the new humanity that is in Christ Jesus. There is in us something of the glory of God himself. Amen. [49:33:00]

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Transcript
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