Using Examples to Glorify God and Point to Christ
Glorifying God and Pointing to Christ through Examples
Glorifying God is a fundamental aspect of Christian living, and it is achieved through various means, including giving thanks, praising Him, and living a life that reflects His character [1]. One way to glorify God is by following the example set by Christ, who Himself glorified God through His actions and teachings [5].
The biblical basis for glorifying God is rooted in the Old and New Testaments. In 1 Chronicles 16:28, the Israelites are commanded to "ascribe to the Lord glory and strength" [1]. Similarly, in Psalm 50:23, it is written, "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me" [1]. The New Testament reinforces this idea, with Jesus being the ultimate example of one who glorified God. Jesus' life and ministry were characterized by a deep commitment to doing the will of God, and He is cited as saying, "I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do" (John 17:4) [1].
Christ's example is a powerful motivator for believers to glorify God. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, Christ set an example of liberality, humility, and thanksgiving, among other virtues [2, 4, 5]. For instance, Jesus demonstrated liberality by becoming poor for the sake of humanity (2 Corinthians 8:9) [2]. His humility is exemplified in His willingness to serve others, as seen in John 13:14-15, where He washes the feet of His disciples [4]. Furthermore, Jesus showed thanksgiving on multiple occasions, such as when He gave thanks before feeding the multitude (John 6:11) [5].
Believers are encouraged to follow Christ's example in their daily lives. This includes practicing virtues such as humility, liberality, and thanksgiving. According to Matthew Henry, the psalmist's meditation on God's glory and greatness serves as a reminder of the importance of thinking highly and honorably of God [6]. By emulating Christ's character and living a life that honors God, believers can glorify God and point others to Christ.
The apostle Paul's writings provide further insight into glorifying God through Christ. In Romans 15:17, Paul states, "I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God" [3]. This verse highlights the role of Christ in enabling believers to glorify God. Paul's ministry and the success it achieved are attributed to God's power, demonstrating that glorifying God is not solely an individual effort but is also dependent on God's grace and empowerment [7].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Glorifying God — Commanded -- 1Ch 16:28; Ps 22:23; Isa 42:12. Due to him -- 1Ch 16:29. For his Holiness. -- Ps 99:9; Re 15:4. Mercy and truth. -- Ps 115:1; Ro 15:9. Faithfulness and truth. -- Isa 25:1. Wondrous works. -- Mt 15:31; Ac 4:21. Judgments. -- Isa 25:3; Eze 28:22; Re 14:7. Deliverance. -- Ps 50:15. Grace to others. -- Ac 11:18; 2Co 9:13; Ga 1:24. Obligation of saints to -- 1Co 6:20. Is acceptable through Christ -- Php 1:11; 1Pe 4:11. Christ, an example of -- Joh 17:4. Accomplished by Relying on his promises. -- Ro 4:20. Praising him. -- Ps 50:23. Doing all ”
- 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:”
- King James Version “[KJV] Romans 15:17 — I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Thanksgiving — Christ set an example of -- Mt 11:25; 26:27; Joh 6:11; 11:41. The heavenly host engaged in -- Re 4:9; 7:11,12; 11:16,17. Commanded -- Ps 50:14; Php 4:6. Is a good thing -- Ps 92:1. Should be offered To God. -- Ps 50:14. To Christ. -- 1Ti 1:12. Through Christ. -- Ro 1:8; Col 3:17; Heb 13:15. In the name of Christ. -- Eph 5:20. In behalf of ministers. -- 2Co 1:11. In private worship. -- Da 6:10. In public worship. -- Ps 35:18. In everything. -- 1Th 5:18. Upon the completion of great undertakings. -- Ne 12:31,40. Before taking food. -- Joh 6:11; Ac 27:35.”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 8 (introduction): This psalm is a solemn meditation on, and admiration of, the glory and greatness of God, of which we are all concerned to think highly and honourably. It begins and ends with the same acknowledgment of the transcendent excellency of God's name. It is proposed for proof (Psa 8:1) that God's name is excellent in all the earth, and then it is repeated as proved (with a "quod erat demonstrandum" - which was to be demonstrated) in the last verse. For the proof of God's glory the psalmist gives instances of his goodness to man; for God's goodness is his glor”
- Romans (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Romans 15:17: The apostle here gives some account of himself and of his own affairs. Having mentioned his ministry and apostleship, he goes on further to magnify his office in the efficacy of it, and to mention to the glory of God the great success of his ministry and the wonderful things that God had done by him, for encouragement to the Christian church at Rome, that they were not alone in the profession of Christianity, but though, compared with the multitude of their idolatrous neighbours, they were but a little flock, yet, up and down the country, there were many that wer”