Using Examples and Illustrations to Glorify God Not Ourselves
Using Examples and Illustrations to Glorify God Not Ourselves
The concept of using examples and illustrations to glorify God rather than ourselves is rooted in biblical teachings and has been a theme throughout Christian tradition. The apostle Peter exhorts believers not to lord over God's heritage but to be examples to the flock [1]. This principle is echoed in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who demonstrated humility and self-denial, setting an example for his followers [3].
In the biblical account, Jesus emphasizes that glorifying oneself is not the path to true glory; rather, it is God who glorifies [2]. This theme is further developed in the writings of the apostle Paul, who highlights the importance of humility and self-denial in the Christian life. Paul's own example is instructive, as he boasts not in his accomplishments but in the cross of Christ [4].
The early Christian tradition and subsequent theological reflections underscore the significance of humility and self-denial in glorifying God. Torrey's Topical Textbook notes that self-denial is necessary in following Christ and is a characteristic of saints [3]. This self-denial is not limited to personal piety but extends to all aspects of Christian life, including liberality and service to others [5].
In the view of various Christian traditions, the key to glorifying God lies not in self-aggrandizement but in humility and service. one commentary tradition on 1 John 3:8 highlights the contrast between being of the devil and being of God, emphasizing the importance of righteousness and not sinning [6]. Similarly, the Protestant academic interpretation of Romans 1:18 underscores God's necessary response to sin, emphasizing the universal sinfulness of humanity and the need for divine grace [7].
The practice of giving glory to God is a recurring theme in the Psalms. Psalm 115:1, as interpreted by John Gill, emphasizes that glory is due not to humans but to God alone [8]. Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalm 115 notes that the psalm teaches believers to give glory to God and not to themselves or idols [9].
In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, John Chrysostom's homilies emphasize the importance of honoring God through works and deeds, reflecting the biblical principle that honor and glory are not mere words but are demonstrated through actions [10].
Sources
- I Peter “I Peter 5:3 (BBE) — Not as lords over God's heritage, but making yourselves examples to the flock.”
- John “Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say that he is our God. -- John 8:54”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- Galatians “Galatians 6:14 (YLT) — And for me, let it not be--to glory, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which to me the world hath been crucified, and I to the world;”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Liberality — Pleasing to God -- 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16. God never forgets -- Heb 6:10. Christ set an example of -- 2Co 8:9. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 112:9; Isa 32:8. Unprofitable, without love -- 1Co 13:3. Should be exercised In the service of God. -- Ex 35:21-29. Toward saints. -- Ro 12:13; Ga 6:10. Toward servants. -- De 15:12-14. Toward the poor. -- De 15:11; Isa 58:7. Toward strangers. -- Le 25:35. Toward enemies. -- Pr 25:21. Toward all men. -- Ga 6:10. In leading to those in want. -- Mt 5:42. In giving alms. -- Lu 12:33. In relieving the destitute. -- Isa 58:”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 115:1: Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory,.... There is no glory due to men; no, not to the best of men, not to be given them on any account whatever; neither on account of things natural, civil, and temporal, nor on account of things spiritual and eternal; but all to be given to the Lord: for, as for their beings and the preservation of them, with all the mercies of life, food, raiment, &c. they are not of themselves, but of the Lord; and so are the salvation of their souls, their election and redemption, their regeneration, conversion, and sanc”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 115 (introduction): Many ancient translations join this psalm to that which goes next before it, the Septuagint particularly, and the vulgar Latin; but it is, in the Hebrew, a distinct psalm. In it we are taught to give glory, I. To God, and not to ourselves (Psa 115:1). II. To God, and not to idols (Psa 115:2-8). We must give glory to God, 1. By trusting in him, and in his promise and blessing (Psa 115:9-15). 2. By blessing him (Psa 115:16-18). Some think this psalm was penned upon occasion of some great distress and trouble that the church of God was in, when the enem”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: the words before, and the argument here is complete; viz., that there is One God. of whom all this is said, that is, the Ever Blessed Trinity. Some good mss . favor this reading in the text. God”? Or when it is said, “There is no other name whereby we must be saved”: and again, “There is salvation in no other”? ( Acts iv. 12 .) “To Him be honor and glory forever. Amen.” Now honor and glory are not mere words; and since He has honored us not by words only, but by what He has done for us, so let us honor Him by works and deeds. Yet”