Give Glory to God! – Part 2

We have seen what glory and giving it is and we have seen the reasons we should give glory to God, but what are some ways we can give glory to God? The Bible has the answer to that question. How do we give glory to God?

First, we give glory to God by praising Him. The Bible says, “Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.” (Psalm 50:23). When was the last time you praised the Lord or entered into true worship in the Spirit? This verse tells us that praising God is our right conduct. We ought to worship and praise Him more for when we do we glorify the One who deserves all the glory I the world.

Second, we give glory to God by our spiritual fruitfulness. The way we live can bring glory to God (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12). Jesus said, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” (John 15:8). When we are spiritually fruitful we bring glory to God. We can be spiritually fruitful be inwardly growing in the fruit of the Spirit which is love (Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:22-25) and when we outwardly bear fruit in ministry such as harvesting lost souls (Matthew 9:37-38).

Third, we give glory to God by our manner of death and dying to self. Jesus glorified the Father by His sacrificial death (John 17). We should glorify God in death too. When Jesus was bringing Peter back into the fold, He prophesied of Peter’s death and how it would bring glory to God (John 21:18-19). When Peter died he was sentenced by the Romans to be crucified. Upon going to the cross he requested he be crucified upside down because he was unworthy to be crucified in the same manner His Lord was. Before Peter could literally die in a way that brought glory to God, he had to die to self. Peter got to a point where even his very life was less valuable to him than bringing glory to God. When we die to self and live for God we bring glory to Him (Galatians 2:20).

Fourth, we give glory to God by trusting in His promises. Abraham was an example of this (Romans 4:19-21). By trusting God even when things looked bleak and hopeless, Abraham was giving glory to God. Abraham’s faith and trust in God was a way of giving God the respect and honor due Him. We glorify God when we trust in His promises, no matter what.

Fifth, we give glory to God by living in unity with other believers. When we live in loving unity with other believers it is a testimony to the world of how God’s love is able to overcome differences and prejudices and this glorifies God (Psalm 34:3). Paul was inspired to write of this saying, “Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.” (Romans 15:5-7). Loving unity brings glory to God. This is what we have been studying in 1 Corinthians 8-10.

Sixth, we give glory to God by doing all things to bring glory to Him. Our verse in 1 Corinthians 10 says, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31). Rather than do things merely for selfish or self-glorifying reasons, we ought to do things in a way that gives glory to God (cf. also 1 Peter 4:11). Whatever we do we ought to do it asking ourselves, “How can I do this so that God will receive glory for it?” if we do that, God will get more glory.

Seventh, we give glory to God by having a generous giving heart. Paul wrote to the Corinthians stating that they glorified God with their generous giving (1 Cor. 8:18-19). Since all that we have comes from God (Matthew 10:8; John 3:27) and He promises to supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19), we are freed to give to others. When we have a generous giving heart it brings glory to God because it shows our trust in God to provide for us.

Eighth, we give glory to God by exalting and glorifying Jesus. One day every knee will bow when Jesus’ name is uttered and every tongue will confess that He is Lord and ll this to the glory of God (Phil. 2:9-11). Awesome! One day everyone will give glory to God in Christ but we can give glory to God now by exalting and giving glory to Jesus now. One way we do this is by confessing Christ or witnessing to Him (Acts 1:8). When we confess Jesus outwardly, we bring glory to God. (See also Acts 19:17; 2 Thessalonians 1:12.

Ninth, we give glory to God by persevering in Christ. When we endure suffering for the Lord (Psalm 86:12) or hardship for the sake of Jesus and when we lean on Him to get through our suffering we bring glory to Him as people see the sufficiency of His grace in us (2 Corinthians 12:9-10; 1 Peter 4:14-16). When we suffer because we are Christians we bring glory to God (See Matthew 5:10-12). Paul wrote of his sufferings which were many and explained all the pain and sorrow and suffering was worth bringing glory to God (2 Cor. 4:7-15). When people see how we are sustained in hardship by God’s grace, it brings glory to Him. When we go through a trial and rely on God’s grace we see its sufficiency and reliability and that strengthens our faith. But others see this and are brought to saving faith. And all of this brings glory to God.

Angels give glory to God (Luke 2:14). Kings in the Old Testament gave glory to God (Psalm 57:15). Shepherds gave glory to God (Luke 2:20). Those used by God gave Him glory (Luke 1:46; Romans 11:36). Those healed gave glory to God (Luke 5:25; 13:13; 17:15; 18:43). Those whose loved ones were healed gave glory to God (Luke 23:47). Multitudes gave glory to God (Matthew 9:8; 15:31). The church of the New Testament gave glory to god (Acts 11:18). Even Gentiles gave glory to God (Acts 13:48). A time is coming when those who refuse to glorify God will be punished (Daniel 5:23, 30; Malachi 2:2; Acts 12:23; Romans 1:21; 3:23). It’s time for us now to live to give glory to God. Those who are not living to give glory to God need to know there remains the opportunity to turn to God and bring Him the glory due His name. Won’t it be awesome to join the host of heaven in bringing glory to His name? (Revelation 4:11). I can’t wait! God give us all a heart willing and eager to praise Him and give Him glory. Give glory to God!