To Him Be the Glory Forever and Ever

In one paragraph

This message finished the series in 2 Timothy by returning to verses 17 and 18 that Pastor had accidentally skipped, then used those verses as a doorway into a rare topical and largely Old Testament sermon on the glory of God. The word for glory in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin was traced through scripture to land on a working definition: God's holiness when it goes public. The congregation at First B...

Read together

1. 2 Timothy 4:9-22 the passage being concluded from the ongoing series
2. 2 Timothy 4:17 the Lord stood with Paul and strengthened him so the proclamation might be fully accomplished
3. 2 Timothy 4:18 the Lord will rescue from every evil deed and bring safely to his heavenly kingdom
4. Psalm 22 Paul likely quoting it when he says he was delivered out of the lion's mouth
5. 2 Corinthians 4:6 God shining light in our hearts to give the knowledge of his glory in the face of Christ
6. Isaiah 6 Isaiah's vision of the Lord high and lifted up, seraphim singing holy holy holy, the earth full of his glory
7. Numbers 6:24-27 the Aaronic blessing, the Lord bless you and keep you, used at hospital rooms and funerals
8. Numbers 20 the waters of Meribah, Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it
9. Psalm 19 the heavens are telling of the glory of God, day after day pours forth speech
10. Romans 1 you are without excuse just from seeing creation
11. Hebrews 1:3 Christ as the exact representation of God showing his glory
12. 2 Corinthians 4:7 we have this treasure in earthen vessels so the surpassing greatness of power is of God and not ourselves
13. Ephesians 2:8-10 saved by grace through faith not of ourselves, God's gift, his workmanship created for good works
14. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 afflicted but not crushed, perplexed but not despairing, always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus
15. Ephesians 3:20-21 benediction, to him who is able to do far more abundantly, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ forever

Talk about it

1. Pastor Mark described the glory of God as 'God's holiness when it goes public.' What does that definition open up for you, and where have you seen it play out in your own life?
2. The sermon traced a shift in the book of Numbers from chapters characterized by obedience and optimism to chapters marked by complaining and disobedience. Where do you recognize that same pattern in your own walk with God?
3. Moses fell on his face before God right after his sister died and while the people were grumbling against him. Pastor Mark said we tend to see God's glory most clearly in our most desperate moments. Has that been true for you, and why do you think that is?
4. Moses disobeyed by striking the rock instead of speaking to it, and the sermon drew a sharp line: the credit belongs to God, the blame belongs to us. How do you personally guard against taking credit, even subtly, for what God does through you?
5. Second Corinthians 4 says we carry the treasure of God's glory in earthen vessels. The sermon said we are afflicted but not crushed, perplexed but not despairing, persecuted but not forsaken. Which of those pairs feels most real to you right now, and how does knowing God's glory is the point change how you carry it?