Go! And Live for His Glory
Introduction
Today, we gather to explore a foundational truth of our faith: the reason we were created. Why are we here? What is our purpose? These questions have profound answers in the Word of God, and they point us to the glory of our Creator.
Our key texts today are Isaiah 43:7 and Isaiah 43:21. Let us hear these words from the New Living Translation:
Isaiah 43:7: "Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them."
Isaiah 43:21: "I have made Israel for myself, and they will someday honour me before the whole world."
These verses remind us of a simple yet profound truth: We were created to glorify God. This morning, let us unpack this truth and discover what it means to live for His glory.
Point 1: Created for His Glory
In Isaiah 43, God is addressing Israel, His chosen people. These verses speak of God’s purpose for creating humanity and, specifically, His covenant people. The Hebrew word for "glory" here is kabod, which conveys weightiness, honour, and splendour. God declares that His people were made to reflect His glory—His divine attributes and character.
Isaiah 43:7 emphasizes God’s sovereignty in creation. The phrase, "I have made them for my glory," underlines that our ultimate purpose is not about us but about Him. This is echoed in Psalm 19:1 (NLT): "The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship." Just as creation reflects God’s glory, so are we called to do the same.
What does it mean to glorify God? It means living in a way that honours Him. It means that our thoughts, actions, and decisions reflect His character. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT) says, "So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Let us examine our lives. Are we living for His glory in our workplaces, families, and communities?
Imagine a mirror. Its purpose is to reflect light. If it’s dirty or turned away from the light, it fails to do its job. Similarly, we are meant to reflect God’s light and glory. When we are "clean" through Christ and facing towards Him, we fulfil our purpose.
John Piper once said, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." When we delight in God, we naturally reflect His glory to the world.
Point 2: Proclaiming His Praise
Isaiah 43:21 states, "I have made Israel for myself, and they will someday honour me before the whole world." The phrase "honour me" can also be translated as "declare my praise." God’s people are not only created for His glory but are also called to proclaim it.
The Hebrew word for "praise" is tehillah, meaning a song or hymn of adoration. This points us to the importance of worship, not just as a corporate activity but as a lifestyle. Hebrews 13:15 (NLT) reinforces this: *"Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name."
Proclaiming God’s praise involves more than singing on Sunday mornings. It’s about testifying to His goodness in every aspect of our lives. Are we quick to share what God has done for us? Are our lives marked by gratitude and worship?
Psalm 96:3 (NLT): "Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does." We glorify God by sharing His goodness with others.
Think of a lighthouse. Its purpose is to shine a light, guiding ships safely to shore. We are like lighthouses, called to shine God’s light and guide others to Him through our words and actions.
Tim Keller said, "Worship is seeing what God is worth and giving Him what He is worth." When we see God’s worth, our response is to proclaim His praise.
Point 3: Living as His Witnesses
Isaiah’s message is not just for Israel but for all who belong to God. As His people, we are His witnesses. Acts 1:8 (NLT) says, *"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
The Greek word for "witness" in Acts 1:8 is martys, which implies someone who testifies to what they have seen or experienced. To live for God’s glory means to testify about Him through our lives.
How can we be witnesses? By living lives that reflect His love, grace, and truth. Matthew 5:16 (NLT) challenges us: "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
1 Peter 2:9 (NLT): "But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light."
Consider a stained-glass window. Its beauty is revealed when light shines through it. In the same way, our lives reveal God’s glory when His light shines through us.
Charles Spurgeon once said, "A Christian should be a striking likeness of Jesus Christ. You have read lives of Christ, beautifully and eloquently written, but the best life of Christ is His living biography, written out in the words and actions of His people."
Conclusion:
Church, we were created for His glory. We are called to proclaim His praise and live as His witnesses. This is our purpose, our privilege, and our joy.
Call to Action:
This week, I challenge you to live intentionally for God’s glory. Spend time in worship, share His goodness with someone, and let your life reflect His light.
Invitation to Faith:
If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus, know that He created you for a relationship with Him. He loves you, and through Jesus Christ, you can experience forgiveness and a new life. Will you respond to His call today?
