Topical Bible: Glorifying God: Saints should Persevere In

Bible > Topical > Glorifying God

◄ Glorifying God: Saints should Persevere In ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

The concept of glorifying God is central to Christian theology and practice. It encompasses the idea of honoring, praising, and reflecting the divine nature and works of God through one's life. For the saints, or believers, persevering in glorifying God is not merely an act of worship but a continuous commitment that permeates every aspect of their existence. This entry explores the biblical foundation and the imperative for saints to persist in glorifying God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of glorifying God. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, the Apostle Paul instructs, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." This verse underscores the comprehensive nature of glorifying God, suggesting that every action, no matter how mundane, should be performed with the intention of honoring Him.

Furthermore, in Matthew 5:16, Jesus exhorts His followers, "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 act of glorifying God is linked to the visible demonstration of good works, which serve as a testimony to God's transformative power in the lives of believers.

Perseverance in Glorifying God

Perseverance in glorifying God is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the need for steadfastness and endurance. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages believers to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." This passage suggests that perseverance is essential in the Christian journey, with the ultimate goal of glorifying God through faithful living.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, provides a personal testimony of perseverance. In Philippians 3:13-14, he writes, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus." Paul's determination to press on despite challenges serves as an example for believers to persist in their pursuit of glorifying God.

The Role of Suffering and Trials

Suffering and trials are often seen as opportunities for believers to glorify God through perseverance. In 1 Peter 4:12-13, Peter encourages the saints, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory." This passage suggests that enduring hardships with faith and joy can lead to a greater revelation of God's glory.

Similarly, James 1:2-4 advises believers to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Here, perseverance through trials is portrayed as a refining process that ultimately results in spiritual maturity and the glorification of God.

The Empowerment of the Holy Spirit

The ability to persevere in glorifying God is not solely reliant on human effort but is empowered by the Holy Spirit. In Romans 8:26-27, Paul assures believers, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words." The Holy Spirit provides the strength and guidance necessary for believers to continue glorifying God, even in times of weakness.

Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes are essential for a life that consistently glorifies God, and they are cultivated through the Spirit's work in the believer's life.

Conclusion

The call for saints to persevere in glorifying God is a profound and enduring mandate found throughout Scripture. It requires a steadfast commitment to live in a manner that reflects God's character and honors His name, empowered by the Holy Spirit and refined through trials.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 86:12
I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify your name for ever more.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Degrees of Enjoyment through the Glorified Senses.
... of God and of his saints; musicians, who ... for the advancement of religion, and glorifying
God with the ... undisturbed possession and enjoyment Of God himself, and ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter xv degrees of enjoyment.htm

John Chapter xiii. 31-32.
... separated, and He shall dwell with His saints through eternity. ... in Him." For this
is itself the glorifying of the Son of man, that God should be glorified ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lxiii john chapter xiii.htm

The Master's Profession --The Disciple's Pursuit
... is set on winning souls, that is set on glorifying God, that is ... In works which perfect
saints above ... God bless you, dear friends, and make you earnest to tell to ...
/.../the masters professionthe disciples pursuit.htm

Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
... affording him every facility for glorifying God by yielding ... The communion of saints
was confederated, that, by ... universe, at war with all God's creatures, and ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vii covenanting adapted to.htm

The Life, as Amplified by Mediaeval Biographers.
... arise and walk," he was cured instantly; and departed, glorifying God. ... God was the
giver of them: glory to Him ... Ad'd. 12174 (Lives of Saints), of the British ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/iii the life as amplified by.htm

1 John iii. 19-4. 3
... The Spirit itself intercedeth for the saints," but as ... the Lord sent from heaven,
the glorifying of the ... another, the water which betokens the Spirit of God. ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily vi 1 john iii.htm

The Necessity of Actual Grace
... were made impious by not glorifying God, and unrighteousness ... exhorting all men without
exception, saints as well ... acts with the supernatural concurrence of God. ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 1 the necessity of.htm

Covenant Duties.
... modified for good, or succeeded by what is glorifying to God ... me."[308] "I will extol
thee, my God, O King ... shall praise thee, O Lord; and thy saints shall bless ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I.
... enrolled in the company of the saints, ought we ... striking model, if ever any one should
fall into ... And all were rejoicing, and glorifying God, that one nurtured ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/an exhortation to theodore after.htm

Psalm LXII.
... How glorifying to honour belongeth, it is not needful to ... here, "Thou art My beloved
Son." [2435] God hath spoken ... He hath spoken to all the Saints, even though ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxii.htm