Bible Study 2020
THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
DAY 4
THE REASON FOR EVERYTHING
The ultimate goal of the universe is for the glory of God. That is the reason everything exists, including you. What is the glory of God? It is who God is. It is the essence of His nature, the weight of His importance, the radiance of His splendor, the demonstration of His power and the atmosphere of His presence. God’s glory is the expression of His goodness and all His other intrinsic, eternal qualities.
Where is the glory of God? Everything created by God reflects His glory. From the smallest microscopic form of life to the vastness of the Milky Way. Creation reveals our Creator’s glory. From nature we learn that God is powerful, that He enjoys variety, loves beauty, is organized and is wise and creative. God has revealed His glory to people in different settings throughout history.
It was portrayed as a consuming fire, a cloud, a thunder, smoke and a brilliant light. In heaven God’s glory provides all the light needed. God’s glory is best seen in Jesus Christ. He is the Light of the world, He illuminates God’s glory. Hebrews 1:3 says Jesus is, “the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power.”
Jesus came to earth so that we could fully understand God’s glory. John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” We are commanded to recognize His glory, honor His glory, declare, praise, reflect and live for His glory. Since God made all things, He deserves all the glory.
In the entire universe, only two of God’s creations fail to bring Him glory: fallen angels (demons) and people. All sin is failing to give God glory. Prideful rebellion is the sin that caused Satan’s fall and also our fall. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But in Isaiah 43:7, God says, “They are my own people and I created them to bring Me glory.”
This should be the goal of all believers. How do we do that? We have to follow Jesus who said in John 17:4, “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” Jesus honored God by fulfilling His purpose on earth. We honor God the same way. God has five purposes for your life and we will spend this bible study looking at them in detail. But here is an overview.
We bring God glory by worshipping Him. God wants our worship to be motivated by love, thanksgiving, delight, but not duty. Worship is more than praising, singing and praying to God. Worship is a lifestyle of enjoying God, loving Him and giving ourselves to be used for His purposes. When you use your life for God’s glory, everything you do can become an act of worship.
We bring God glory by loving other believers. When you were born again, you became part of God’s family. Following Christ is not just believing, it also includes belonging and learning to love the family of God. 1 John 3:14 says, “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren.” Romans 15:7 says, “Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us.”
We bring God glory by becoming like Christ. God wants us to grow to spiritual maturity which is becoming like Jesus in the way we think, feel and act. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more.” God gave you a new life when you accepted Christ, now God wants to continue to change your character.
We bring God glory by serving others with our gifts. God did not give you your abilities for selfish purposes. They were given to you to benefit others, just as others were given abilities to benefit you. 1 Peter 4:10-11, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the grace of God. 11 If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies.”
We bring God glory by telling others about Jesus. Once we know the truth, He expects us to share it with others. We need to introduce others to Jesus, helping them to discover their purpose and preparing them for their eternal destiny. 2 Corinthians 4:15 says, “As God’s grace brings more and more people to Christ, God will receive more and more glory.” That is called the Great Commission in Matthew 28.
Living for the glory of God will require a change of priorities, schedules, relationships, and everything else. The question for everyone is, will you fulfill His purpose and bring glory to God or will you shrink back and live a comfortable self-centered life? John 12:25 says, “He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” The choice is yours. Believe God loves you. Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.