What Jesus Said About God's Glory Series

“Jesus Said”

What Jesus said about the Father

“His Glory

Michael Wiley

January 11, 2009

John 11:40

John 15:5-8

Introduction:

Second message in our year long series titled, “Jesus Said.” Last week our message was an introduction to the year long teaching when I asked, “Why study Jesus’ Words.” If you were not able to hear it, I encourage you to go to our website, www.AtTheVine.org and listen to it, or order a CD for $2.00 at the info table in the back

Also, today, I want to introduce you to the Point Guides…

Transition:

For the rest of January and February we are going to find what Jesus said about the Father.

Today in particular – what He said about God’s glory

Today I want to look at two aspects of God’s glory

John 11 READ and expound on story

I want to focus on the statement -- John 11:40 -- “Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” (NIV)

GLORY

Write down --- Presence, Honor, Power

The Greek word for glory – doxa – literally means heaviness – that which gives something weight

In all of the Bible, Old and New Testaments, it is usually speaking of God’s Presence, Honor, or Power

God’s Glory was revealed to the Israelites as He provided for them (His Power) and went with them in the cloud by day and fire by night (His Presence).

Ps 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (NIV)”

Once the tabernacle was built we find God’s glory above the Ark of the Covenant.

Then again in Solomon’s Temple

The New Testament continues the story of the Glory of God as His Presence, Honor, and Power.

His Glory is Manifest in Jesus Christ – This brings us back to our story.

What was Jesus actually saying to Martha?

READ John 11:40 again…

“Your going to see God’s glory IN ME as I raise Lazarus from the dead.

In the New Testament Jesus repeatedly Jesus point to the father for all He has, His Glory, Honor, Power, teaching…

His Power is God’s Power ----- so the first aspect of God’s glory I want to point out is that Jesus said: “His glory comes from God—Is God’s glory.”

-- Jesus constantly points to God. When you pray, “Our Father” --- In John 17 Jesus says, in his prayer to the father that everything he has, Everything He gave to His followers, It all came from God. God had entrusted His glory and teaching to Christ, and Christ has entrusted it to us.

The Second Aspect of God’s Glory comes from what Jesus said is John 15:5-8

Turn there…

The Vine and The Branches - This is where we get our name, The Vine

God’s focus is fruitfulness.

A branch left to itself will give unproductive growth.

Verse three (clean) reminds us Jesus is really talking about “us” the branches

Verse eight gives us the second aspect of God’s glory I want to point out.

Jesus says” God’s glory is manifest in US!...

By the fruit we produce…

How do we Remain in The Vine?

1. Stay in God’s Word. It is impossible to stay in God’s will apart from His word.

2 Tim 3:16 - All Scripture is Godbreathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

Psalm 119:9 - How can a young man keep his way pure?

By living according to your word.

--- Read it – Good translation

Other books are great, but let Scripture interpret Scripture

Over time God’s word will become “who you are.” Your decisions, your actions. Your life will be filled with His grace.

--- Pray it

--- Meditate on it – Allow God to speak through it

2. Be controlled by the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

3. Pray: Set times of prayer. Go to Him in need. Go to Him in thanks. Pray at all times in the Spirit.

Start off the day with prayer. Allow the day to be permeated with Prayer. End with prayer

Practice Conversational Prayer

A – Adoration

C – Confession

T – Thanksgiving

S – Supplication

4. Practice the Presence of God. That is the “habitual acknowledgment of His love and presence within us.

Conclusion:

You feel God is not present in your life. Do you long for His glory?

Honor His word, continue in prayer

John 11:40 -- “Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” (NIV)