To the Praise of Our Father’s Glory

by Mitchell Tan
August 21, 2019

THE GLORY OF THE LORD

What is the glory of God? One aspect is the splendour and wonder of who God is and what He has done. It is the intrinsic worth of the essence of all that He is. Because of the glory of the Lord, He is worthy of our praise and honour.

THE GLORY OF THE LORD SEEN IN HIS SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS

Bethany is richly blessed. As individuals, we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing that we need in the heavenly places. The apostle Paul wrote a long passage about how we have been richly blessed. We can see His great glory in His blessings.

1. Pre-planning of salvation – God chose and predestined us to be His sons before time began (Ephesians 1:4-5).

2. Point of salvation for individuals – God’s redemption and forgiveness through Christ (Ephesians 1:7).

3. Person of the Spirit as our Seal in salvation – The Spirit of God is given as a Seal and a Guarantee so that we can have certainty of salvation (Ephesians 1:13).

4. Culminating point of our salvation – God will gather all things as one in Christ (Ephesians 1:10).

5. Personal inheritance in heaven – God’s gift of His inheritance to His sons for all eternity (Ephesians 1:14).

DEPTH OF APPRECIATION OF THE LORD’S GLORY IN SALVATION

1. HIS RICHNESS OF GRACE (EPHESIANS 1:7)

It is out of His richness of grace that He has blessed us with salvation.

2. HIS PLEASURE, HIS PURPOSE AND HIS WILL (EPHESIANS 1:5, 9, 11)

It is according to His good pleasure and His will that He has given us salvation. It is according to His great purpose that the Lord works all things for our salvation.

3. IN CHRIST (EPHESIANS 1:3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13)

Everything that we have is in Christ. It is located in the person of Christ that we have all the spiritual blessings of our salvation.

INTENDED MEANING – TO THE PRAISE TO HIS GLORY

“To the praise of the glory of His grace”
Ephesians 1:6

“That we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.”
Ephesians 1:12

“To the praise of His glory.”
Ephesians 1:14

1. TO UNDERSTAND

The intended meaning is to be seen from the standpoint of God. The Lord God had given all His blessings so that they could be to the praise of His glory. Those who first trusted in Christ were meant to be to the praise of His glory.

2. TO TEACH IT

This concept is to be specially taught to all. Paul sought to teach this to the Ephesian Church. We are meant to learn and appreciate how God meant all His blessings to be to the praise of His glory.

3. TO FULFIL

When we understand the intended meaning, we should fulfil it. Let’s seek through word, deed and life be to the praise of His glory.

PERSONAL APPLICATION

1. REFLECTING ON THE HOME CALLING OF CHLOE TAN

Chloe’s (9 years old) sudden passing away was a shock to many of us and yet it was not in vain. More than 1000 people came for her vigil and her faith in the Lord was testified to all. Her example of joy and care was an inspiration to everyone. There was peace and hope in the hearts of the parents as they spoke lovingly of her caring ways. This is because of the salvation we have in Christ. Chloe is now in heaven and enjoying her inheritance in the Lord. We thank God for the wonderful salvation that we have in Christ… that Chloe has. Her faith and life were to the praise of His glory.

2. LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR 40+6 ANNIVERSARY

As we celebrate our 40+6 anniversary this Sunday, one of the things that we can be thankful for is the salvation that the Lord has blessed us. Bethany is the place where we heard the gospel and found genuine faith in Him. We thank God for all the spiritual blessings that He has given us all these years as individuals and as a church. Let’s truly give praise to His glory this Sunday and always.

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