2 Thessalonians 1:12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in him… I. WHEN THE WORK OF FAITH IS FULFILLED WITH POWER, CHRIST IS GLORIFIED IN HIS SERVANTS. 1. Christ is glorified. (1) Passively in all His creatures, as His glorious excellencies are visibly represented in them. Natural agents (Psalm 19:1, 2; Psalm 145:10). The new creature (Ephesians 1:12). (2) Actively, as they conceive and declare His excellency. (a) In their hearts, by estimation and love (Luke 1:46; Psalm 73:25), and trust (Isaiah 26:3), and delight (Psalm 4:6, 7; Psalm 73:3). (b) With their tongues (Psalm 50:23; James 3:10). (c) In their lives, by fixing his glory as the end (1 Corinthians 10:31), and by doing those things as may most suit the end (1 Peter 1:15). 2. The work of faith fulfilled with power glorifies Christ. Christ is glorified by — (1) Our patience under troubles (John 21:19; Philippians 1:21), which is a work of faith. (2) All holy conversation and godliness (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12). II. IN PROMOTING THE GLORY OF CHRIST WE PROMOTE THE SALVATION OF OUR SOULS. 1. God has appointed this order that we should first glorify Him before He glorifies us. It would redound to God's dishonour if he should glorify those that do not glorify Him, and make no difference between those who break His laws and those who keep them. 2. God has also appointed that we should glorify Him on earth before He glorifies us in heaven. In this we have Christ for an example (John 17:4, 5). 3. Christ takes special notice of those that glorify Him in the world (John 17:10). Christ is glorified — (1) In His Person, when He is owned as the Son of God (John 17:8, 27). (2) In His office (John 14:13). (3) In His doctrine, when it is believed and practised (Acts 13:48) 4. This glory is promised (1 Samuel 2:30; John 12:26; Romans 8:7). 5. The suitableness between His being glorified in us and our being glorified in Him. (1) Objectively, because this impression of honour upon us redounds to His glory (ver. 10). (2) Actively, because one part of our happiness is, that we love and praise Him. This is our glory, that we behold Christ's glory (John 17:24). 6. We may expect this glory — (a) With confidence (2 Timothy 4:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). (b) Without danger of presumption, because Christ is the Lord of glory (James 2:1;1 Corinthians 2:8), and because that grace whereby we glorify Him is given by Him (John 17:22). III. OUR COMPLETE SALVATION, FROM FIRST TO LAST, FLOWS FROM THE GRACE OF GOD IN CHRIST. (T. Manton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. |
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