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Psalm 19:8b

BYT-20

“our glorious God”

 

Please open with me to Luke 9:28 on our way to our study of Psalm 19.

19Come with me to the place Jesus let His Glory shine. Come to that hallowed spot that Peter couldn’t shake the memory of. To his dying day he remembered that awesome sight. There on a lonely mountain side he saw God shining out of Christ. Yes, he had seen the miracles. Loaves multiplied, sick healed. These were amazing. But nothing rivaled this. For just a moment they were bathed in an unearthly light. There was a warmth and wonder to it. So much so that Peter wanted to never leave that place. But there was also the sheer horror of seeing the unleashed glory of an infinite, incomprehensible, limitless God coming out of One he had spent so many days and nights with.

 

John said it near the end of his life, we beheld His glory!  Attending the transfiguration of Christ[1]  was a memorable privilege

“granted to only three disciples, our Lord’s intimates, Peter and James and John; intimates not because of favoritism, but because they more than the others were willing to pay the high price of following Him closely.  Like them, we are each as close to the Lord as we really want to be.”

 “For those three it was an unforgettable experience. 

  • In reading John’s record of it written half a century later, we can almost detect the awe in his words, “We beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father” (John 1:14).
  • Peter too records the indelible impression the experience made on him, “We … were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). The passing years had only served to deepen their awe and wonder. It appears as though the evangelists vie with each other in their endeavor to convey the impression of the glory of the Lord on that occasion. 
  • Matthew records that “His raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow” (Mark 9:3; see also Matthew 17:2).
  • Luke adds other elements: “The fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering” (Luke 9:29). The “form of God” shone through the form of a servant (Philippians 2:6).

 

These descriptions make it clear that the illumination was not merely external, as from a spotlight.  The change came from within, first the countenance and then the garments, which had the translucent whiteness of pure light.  Common to all records are the two features of dazzling whiteness and blazing light.  The word “glistering” means to emit flashes of light.  Combining the three descriptions, we have the purity of snow, the majesty of lightning, and the beneficence of light emanating from the person of the Lord.  Small wonder that Peter wanted the experience perpetuated!”

 

 

So we are here this morning to glorify God. How? What can we do personally that would please and magnify Him? First we should respond to His glory. How ?

    1. HALLOW HIS PRESENCE = Exodus 3:5-6 Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand [is] holy ground.” Moreover He said, “I [am] the God of your father — the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. (NKJV)
    2. FEAR HIS HOLINESS = Judges 13:21-22 When the Angel of the LORD appeared no more to Manoah and his wife, then Manoah knew that He [was] the Angel of the LORD. And Manoah said to his wife, “We shall surely die, because we have seen God!” (NKJV) Manoah – die because saw God
    3. REPENT OF ALL SELF-SUFFICIENCY = Job 42:5-6 “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor [myself,] And repent in dust and ashes.” (NKJV) undone
    4. CONFESS ALL SINFULNESS = Isaiah 6:5 So I said: “Woe [is] me, for I am undone! Because I [am] a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts.” (NKJV) unclean
    5. BOW BEFORE HIS GLORY = Matthew 17:6 And when the disciples heard [it,] they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. (NKJV) transfiguration, fell on face
    6. BELIEVE HIS WORD = John 20:27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand [here,] and put [it] into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” (NKJV)
    7. TALK ABOUT HIS MAJESTY = 2 Peter 1:17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (NKJV)– Peter still talking at end of life.

Lets do it now! Open to Revelation 5:11-13 (also 7:11-12) and Stand if you can and we will talk about His Majesty!

Back to Psalm 19. Where are we?

    1. HIS PERFECT LAW RESTORES (v. 7a) = The Word of God is THE DIVINE TEACHER: The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul:  God’s truth that totally transforms, touching all of life, turning the whole person to God. so the word teaches . . .
    2. HIS SURE TESTIMONY MAKES WISE (v. 7b) = The Word of God is THE DIVINE WITNESS: 9 the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. God’s testimony absolutely trustworthy making us skilled in the art of holy living. so the word teaches and testifies . . .
    3. HIS RIGHT STATUTES REJOICES (v. 8a) = The Word of God is THE DIVINE DIRECTIONS: The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart. God’s statutes giving directions to only secure  place in the universe, causing great joy because we know what is absolutely right. so the word teaches and testifies and turns . . .
    4. HIS PURE COMMANDMENTS ENLIGHTENS (v. 8b) = The Word of God is THE DIVINE DECREES: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.  God’s commands giving a clear portrait of  God’s non-optional absolutes, without any flaw bringing light on every area. . so the word teaches and testifies and turns and ties us the god.

John Calvin of Geneva who wrote over four centuries ago on this very verse:  “In the end of the verse, the Psalmist teaches that the commandment of God is pure, enlightening the eyes.  By this he gives us tacitly to understand that it is only in the commandments of God that we find the difference between good and evil laid down, and that it is in vain to seek it elsewhere, since whatever men devise of themselves is more filth and refuse, corrupting the purity of the life.  He farther intimates that men, with all their acuteness, are blind, and always wander in darkness, until they turn their eyes to the light of heavenly doctrine.  Whence it follows, that none are truly wise but those who take God for their conductor and guide, following the path which he point out to them, and who are diligently seeking after the peace which he offers and presents by his word.[2]

 

Glory of God in Scriptures is described as:

  1. light that emanates from God. This light is as inescapable as the searing rays bursting from an exploding atomis blast, brighter than a supernova in the skies, brighter than the Sun in its strength.
    • in Eden glorious light flowed from god 1 Timothy 6:15-16 which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen. (NKJV)
    • in the Sinai glorious light flowed from god   Exodus 19:18-19 Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. 19 And when the blast of the trumpet sounded long and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by voice. (NKJV)
    • in the tabernacle glorious light flowed from god Exodus 40:34     Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. (NKJV)
    • in the temple glorious light flowed from god 1 Kings 8:10-11 And it came to pass, when the priests came out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, 11 so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD. (NKJV)
    • in Christ glorious light flowed from God:
      1. at his birth glorious light flowed from god John 1:14     And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (NKJV)
      2. at his baptism glorious light flowed from god Matthew 3:16-17 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (NKJV)
      3. throughout his ministry glorious light flowed from god  2 Corinthians 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (NKJV);
      4. at his transfiguration glorious light flowed from god Matthew 17:2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.  (NKJV)
      5. at the cross and empty tomb glorious light flowed from god Hebrews 1:3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, (NKJV)
      6. now in heaven glorious light flowed from god Revelation 1:15-16 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters;  He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. (NKJV)
    • truth that emanates from the created universe. Pulsating in different ways from the heavenly bodies out in space, down to the least known creature on earth, each reveals and displays the glory of their Creator. 1 Corinthians 15:39-41
  2. Glory that emanate from the redeemed. This is the praise of God’s people. This is the testimony of the saints. This is the purpose of the church and each member of the body of Christ. God isn’t sending out the heavenly hosts to put on a cosmic sound and light show this Christmas. He has you and me instead. What are some ways we can glorify and magnify God?
    • by agreeing with god about our sins (Joshua 7:19 Now Joshua said to Achan, “My son, I beg you, give glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession to Him, and tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.” (NKJV))
    • by personally Praising God (Psalm 50:23 Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.” (NKJV)).
    • by including the Lord in every part of your life! Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (NKJV);
    • by seeking the lord above all else in your life! Matthew 10:37 “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. (NKJV).
    • by constantly Praying John 14:13 “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (NKJV)
    • by abundantly Bearing fruit  John 15:8 “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (NKJV))
    • by gratefully thanking him for everything!  Romans 1:21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (NKJV); 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (NKJV). This is another great test of life. If you can’t say aloud with sincerity: “Thank you dear Father in Heaven for that
      • date I just returned from,
      • movie I just watched,
      • outing I just participated in,
      • TV show I just opened your holy dwelling place to [your mind is where He lives remember!],
      • video game I was just mesmerized by,
      • book I just read,
      • magazine I just looked at, purchased or read
      • sporting activity I just invested one, two or three hours of the most precious commodity in the world my time! And so on!
    • by humbly refusing to take any of his glory for yourself. Again, the damned are characterized in
      • Romans 1:21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (NKJV);
      • James 4:6-10 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (NKJV);
      • 1 Peter 5:5-6 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, (NKJV).
    • by completely Trusting God Romans 4:20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, (NKJV))
    • by dedicating every activity of life to him. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (NKJV). This is one of the acid tests for a spirit led believer. Can you really and honestly say as you start out on anything, “Lord God my Creator and Redeemer, I now utterly dedicate to you my –
      • expenditure of money on this item [since its your money]
      • body as I take it to this place, my presence and activities I dedicate to your glorious holiness. [See why the older you get in Christian maturity, the less freedoms you take! There is a consuming passion that grows to be found in Him unspotted by the world James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (NKJV)]
    • by consistently Enduring suffering  1 Peter 4:14-16 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. (NKJV))
    • by joining the team Exemplified by:
      • David, Psalm 57:5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth. (NKJV);
      • the multitude, Matthew 9:8 Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men. (NKJV); 15:31;
      • the virgin Mary, Luke 1:46 And Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, (NKJV)
      • the angels, Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (NKJV)
      • the shepherds, Luke 2:20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. (NKJV)
      • by Jesus, John 17:4 “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. (NKJV)
      • the man sick of the palsy, Luke 5:25 Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. (NKJV) as well as: the woman with infirmity, Luke 13:13; the leper whom Jesus healed, Luke 17:15; the blind man, Luke 18:43;
      • the centurion, Luke 23:47 So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous Man!” (NKJV)
      • the church at Jerusalem, Acts 11:18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” (NKJV)
      • the Gentiles at Antioch, Acts 13:48 Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. (NKJV)
      • Abraham, Romans 4:20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, (NKJV);
      • Paul, Romans 11:36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. (NKJV)

 

 

[1] Sanders, THE INCOMPARABLE CHRIST, p. 90-92.

[2] Scroggie?

 

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