Topical Bible: Glorifying God: Commanded

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◄ Glorifying God: Commanded ►

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The concept of glorifying God is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the duty and privilege of believers to honor and magnify the Lord in all aspects of life. This command is not merely a suggestion but a divine mandate that reflects the purpose of creation and the calling of God's people.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding the command to glorify God. In Isaiah 43:7, God declares, "everyone called by My name and created for My glory, whom I have indeed formed and made." This verse highlights that humanity was created with the express purpose of bringing glory to God. The Psalms frequently exhort believers to glorify God, as seen in Psalm 29:2, "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness."

The Israelites were commanded to glorify God through their obedience and worship. In Deuteronomy 6:5, the Shema instructs, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This comprehensive devotion is a form of glorifying God, demonstrating His worthiness of total allegiance and love.

New Testament Commandments

The New Testament continues and expands upon the command to glorify God. Jesus Christ, in His teachings, emphasized the importance of glorifying the Father. In Matthew 5:16, He instructs, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Here, the believer's actions are a means of directing others to glorify God.

The Apostle Paul frequently addressed the theme of glorifying God in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, he writes, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." This comprehensive command underscores that every aspect of a believer's life should be oriented towards glorifying God, from mundane activities to significant spiritual endeavors.

The Role of the Church

The church, as the body of Christ, is collectively called to glorify God. Ephesians 3:21 states, "to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." The church glorifies God through worship, teaching, fellowship, and the proclamation of the Gospel. The unity and love among believers serve as a testimony to the world, reflecting God's glory.

The Ultimate Purpose

The ultimate purpose of glorifying God is rooted in His inherent worthiness and majesty. Revelation 4:11 proclaims, "Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created." This heavenly declaration affirms that God's glory is the rightful response to His sovereignty and creative power.

In summary, glorifying God is a command that permeates Scripture, calling believers to live lives that reflect His glory in every thought, word, and deed. Through obedience, worship, and witness, the people of God fulfill their divine purpose, pointing all creation to the majesty of the Creator.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 16:28
Give to the LORD, you kindreds of the people, give to the LORD glory and strength.
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Psalm 22:23
You that fear the LORD, praise him; all you the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all you the seed of Israel.
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Isaiah 42:12
Let them give glory to the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands.
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Library

The Work of God in Our Work.
... act of God that He performs in man; and that God has commanded man to ... in whom this
work is already wrought, may show it forth in God-glorifying works: "Chosen ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xiii the work of god.htm

New Covenant Obedience
... spoke of in Paradise when "the Lord God commanded the man ... wonderful power to will
and do as God wills ... delighting in His creature; the child glorifying the Father ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter xiii new covenant obedience.htm

Whether those Miracles were Fitting which Christ Worked in ...
... the demons have no part in glorifying God; since "praise ... Hence "even the apostles
are commanded to be silent ... unless they had been protected by God's providence ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether those miracles were fitting.htm

Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
... and in affording him every facility for glorifying God by yielding ... been inconsistent
with the glory of God to have ... to deny that he was commanded to undertake ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vii covenanting adapted to.htm

Proof that God did not Appoint the Levitical Dispensation for his ...
... a sweet savour to God is a heart glorifying Him who ... offerings or sacrifices: but
this word I commanded them, saying ... My voice, and I will be your God, and ye ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvii proof that god did.htm

Of the Loving of God in Ourselves and Other Creatures...
... of Divine charity nor directed to the glorifying of God ... Hence we are generally commanded
to exhort, edify, reprove, &c ... charge only of those that God hath called ...
/.../chapter v of the loving.htm

And the Rulers of the Synagogue, and the Priests and the Levites.. ...
... that we may keep His commandments and His judgments which He commanded to our ... having
sung praises, went away each man to his own house, glorifying God; for His ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 16 and the rulers.htm

B. The Second Period. Chs. 5:1 to 6:11
... the man to arouse excitement by telling of his healing, he commanded him to ... and took
up that whereon he lay, and departed to his house, glorifying God.26 And ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the second period chs.htm

Revelation of Moses.
... funeral rites of the remains; and God commanded that all ... archangel Michael went up
into heaven, glorifying, and saying ... holy Lord, to the glory of God the Father ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/revelation of moses/revelation of moses.htm

Cii. Bartim??us and his Companion Healed.
... he met, the more strenuously he wrestled to obtain the blessing.] 32 And Jesus stood
still, and called them, ^c and commanded him to ... c glorifying God: and all ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cii bartimaeus and his companion.htm