BEREAN.AI ← Ask a Question

Using Examples to Illustrate God's Character and Glory in Sermons

The character and glory of God are central themes in Christian preaching, often illustrated through various biblical examples and theological concepts. God's glory is exhibited in numerous ways, including through Christ, His name, His majesty, power, works, and holiness [2]. Preachers often draw upon these aspects to convey the depth and breadth of God's nature.

One primary way God's character and glory are illustrated is through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ is presented as the embodiment of God's glory [2]. John's Gospel states that Christ exhibited God's glory (John 1:14), and Paul describes Christ as the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3) [2, 14]. The excellency and glory of Christ are seen in His divine nature as God, His relationship as the Son of God, His unity with the Father, and His roles as Creator, Mediator, Prophet, Priest, King, and Judge [4]. For instance, Christ's humility, as seen in Philippians 2:5-8, serves as an example for believers [1]. His boldness, demonstrated in John 7:26, is also presented as a model for faith [3]. The New Testament emphasizes that God's glory was manifested through Christ, particularly in His death and resurrection (John 17:1-5) [14].

The glory of God is also evident in His attributes and actions. His majesty is described in passages like Psalm 93:1 and Isaiah 2:10, while His power is seen in Exodus 15:1 and Romans 6:4 [2]. The creation itself testifies to God's glory, as Psalm 19:1 declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God" [2]. Matthew Henry notes that Psalm 8 is a meditation on God's glory and greatness, with instances of His goodness to humanity serving as proof of His glory [10]. The "glory of the Lord" is understood as a tangible expression of His power and majesty, revealed at significant moments such as Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:16), the dedication of the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35), and Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 8:11; 2 Chronicles 7:1) [14].

Sermons often highlight how God's character is revealed through His interactions with humanity. For example, God's joy over His people is a significant aspect of His character. This joy is described as great (Zephaniah 3:17) and is evident in response to their repentance (Luke 15:7, 10), faith (Hebrews 11:5-6), fear of Him (Psalm 147:11), and uprightness (1 Chronicles 29:17) [6]. This divine joy leads God to prosper, do good to, deliver, comfort, and give inheritance to His people (Deuteronomy 30:9; Jeremiah 32:41; 2 Samuel 22:20; Isaiah 65:19; Numbers 14:8) [6]. These examples illustrate God's benevolent and relational nature.

The concept of "glorifying God" is also a crucial element in preaching. Believers are commanded to glorify God (1 Chronicles 16:28; Psalm 22:23; Isaiah 42:12) because it is due to Him (1 Chronicles 16:29) [5]. This glorification is appropriate for His holiness (Psalm 99:9), mercy and truth (Psalm 115:1), faithfulness (Isaiah 25:1), wondrous works (Matthew 15:31), judgments (Isaiah 25:3), and deliverance (Psalm 50:15) [5]. The Apostle Peter instructs that if anyone speaks, they should do so "as one conveying the words of God," and if anyone serves, they should do so "with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 4:11) [8]. Christ Himself serves as an example of glorifying God (John 17:4) [5]. This act of glorifying God is accomplished by relying on His promises (Romans 4:20), praising Him (Psalm 50:23), and doing all things for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31) [5].

Preachers also use examples of human responses to God's character to illustrate His glory. The humility of saints, for instance, is regarded by God (Psalm 138:6; Isaiah 66:2) and leads to His presence (Isaiah 57:15) and exaltation (Luke 14:11; James 4:10) [1]. Similarly, holy boldness, characterized by trust in God (Isaiah 50:7) and faithfulness (1 Timothy 3:13), is encouraged in prayer (Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 4:16) and in ministry (Acts 4:31; Philippians 1:14) [3]. The early church's leaders, like Paul, preached "with all boldness, without hindrance" (Acts 28:31) [7].

The contrast between human sinfulness and God's holiness further highlights His glory. The Bible consistently teaches that all human beings are born sinners (Psalm 51:5) [9]. Sin is described as a rebellion against God (Psalm 32:1) [12] and a preference for the creature over the Creator [11]. Paul emphasizes universal sinfulness before introducing righteousness through faith (Romans 1:18-3:20) [13]. God's anger is not an arbitrary emotional outburst but a necessary response of a holy God to sin [13]. This contrast underscores the magnitude of God's grace and mercy in providing salvation.

The "wonderful" nature of God's testimonies, as described in Psalm 119:125, provides rich material for sermons. These testimonies, referring to the Scriptures, are wonderful due to their divine authorship, the profound truths they contain, and their beneficial impact on believers [15]. They recount the wonders of creation, providence, miracles, and prophecies, all of which reflect God's character and glory [15].

Sources

  1. 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, ”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Glory of God, The — Exhibited in Christ -- Joh 1:14; 2Co 4:6; Heb 1:3. Exhibited in His name. -- De 28:58; Ne 9:5. His majesty. -- Job 37:22; Ps 93:1; 104:1; 145:5,12; Isa 2:10. His power. -- Ex 15:1,6; Ro 6:4. His works. -- Ps 19:1; 111:3. His holiness. -- Ex 15:11. Described as Great. -- Ps 138:5. Eternal. -- Ps 104:31. Rich. -- Eph 3:16. Highly exalted. -- Ps 8:1; 113:4. Exhibited to Moses. -- Ex 34:5-7; 33:18-23. Stephen. -- Ac 7:55. His Church. -- De 5:24; Ps 102:16. Enlightens the Church -- Isa 60:1,2; Re 21:11,23. Saints desire to behold -- Ps 63:2; 90:16. God”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Boldness, Holy — Christ set an example of -- Joh 7:26. Is through faith in Christ -- Eph 3:12; Heb 10:19. A characteristic of saints -- Pr 28:1. Produced by Trust in God. -- Isa 50:7. The fear of God. -- Ac 4:19; 5:29. Faithfulness to God. -- 1Ti 3:13. Express your trust in God with -- Heb 13:6. Have, in prayer -- Eph 3:12; Heb 4:16. Saints shall have, in judgment -- 1Jo 4:17. Exhortations to -- Jos 1:7; 2Ch 19:11; Jer 1:8; Eze 3:9. Pray for -- Ac 4:29; Eph 6:19,20. Ministers should exhibit, in Faithfulness to their people. -- 2Co 7:4; 10:1. Preaching. -- Ac 4:31; Ph”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Excellency and Glory of Christ, The — As God -- Joh 1:1-5; Php 2:6,9,10. As the Son of God -- Mt 3:17; Heb 1:6,8. As one with the Father -- Joh 10:30,38. As the First-born -- Col 1:15,18. As the First-begotten -- Heb 1:6. As Lord of lords, &c -- Re 17:14. As the image of God -- Col 1:15; Heb 1:3. As creator -- Joh 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2. As the Blessed of God -- Ps 45:2. As Mediator -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6. As Prophet -- De 18:15,16; Ac 3:22. As Priest -- Ps 110:4; Heb 4:15. As King -- Isa 6:1-5; Joh 12:41. As Judge -- Mt 16:27; 25:31,33. As Shepherd -- Isa 40:10,11; Joh”
  5. 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 ”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Joy of God Over His People, The — Greatness of, described -- Zep 3:17. On account of their Repentance. -- Lu 15:7,10. Faith. -- Heb 11:5,6. Fear of him. -- Ps 147:11. Praying to him. -- Pr 15:8. Hope in his mercy. -- Ps 147:11. Meekness. -- Ps 149:4. Uprightness. -- 1Ch 29:17; Pr 11:20. Leads to him Prosper them. -- De 30:9. Do them good. -- De 28:63; Jer 32:41. Deliver them. -- 2Sa 22:20. Comfort them. -- Isa 65:19. Give them the inheritance. -- Nu 14:8. Illustrated -- Isa 62:5; Lu 15:23,24. Exemplified Solomon. -- 1Ki 10:9.”
  7. Acts “preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance. -- Acts 28:31”
  8. I Peter “I Peter 4:11 (BSB) — If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”
  9. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
  10. 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”
  11. Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
  12. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
  13. 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”
  14. Leviticus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Leviticus 9:6: 9:6 Just as holiness describes God’s person and nature, the glory of the Lord tangibly expresses his power and majesty (see Ezek 1:28; 10:4). His glory was revealed on Mount Sinai (Exod 24:16), at the dedication of the Tabernacle (Exod 40:34-35), and in Solomon’s Temple (1 Kgs 8:11; 2 Chr 7:1). Yet it remained as vast as the heavens (Ps 19:1). The New Testament speaks of Christ’s glory as the image of God (2 Cor 4:4), who manifested God’s glory to the world (John 1:14). He was glorified in his death and resurrection (John 17:1-5). See also Exod 24:15-17.”
  15. Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 119:125: PE.--The Seventeenth Part. PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful,.... The Scriptures, which testify of God, his mind and will, are wonderful both with respect to the author of them, the things contained in them, and the use and advantage of them. They give an account of the wonderful works of creation; of their author and matter; of the manner, order, and time of their being wrought: they relate many wonderful events of Providence, both in a way of mercy and judgment; they declare several surprising miracles, wrought by Moses and others, and exhibit many marvellous t”
Ask Your Own Question
About Terms Privacy Contact

© 2026 BEREAN.AI. All rights reserved.