"GLORY IN THE LORD"
I. "LET HIM THAT GLORIETH, GLORY IN THE LORD."
A. Paul wrote the same thing in his first letter to the Corinthians. 1:31, "Let him that glorieth glory in the Lord." The only difference is that the first time he wrote this he declared that it was written. i.e. He was quoting from the Old Testament.
JER 9:23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:
JER 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.
C. The three things of which a man usually glories are given here.
1. His wisdom.
a. There is an intellectual snobbery. People glory in their degrees, and where they obtained their degrees.
b. They look down on those who they believe to be less intelligent.
2. Larry Taylor the past president of our Bible College was speaking recently at a community meeting that was being attended among others by the local Episcopalian minister who had his doctorate, and spoke in a very condescending way to Larry after his address. Speaking of the simplicity of his speech. He introduced himself to Larry as Doctor so and so and asked Larry about his education. Larry responded that he had a Ph.D. to which he replied, but what University did you attend? Larry answered I attended John Hopkins University. The fellow changed completely. But really that should make no difference.
c. I was reading of a note from the dean of the college to the faculty at the beginning of the year. Be very kind to the students with an A average, they may return someday to teach on the faculty. Be very kind to the student with a C average, they may return some day and build a new Science department for the school.
d. Like the mother who told her child, "Honey when you ain't got no education, you just have to use your brains."
e. Paul spoke of those who professed themselves to be wise, but had actually become fools.
d. Remember the words of the psalmist, "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.'"
e. It is amazing and amusing the idiotic unproven theories that man will accept as fact when he once rejects the truth of God.
3. "Neither let the mighty man glory in his might."
a. There is so much of this in the world today.
b. This is sort of the whole sports scene. People pay to see men of might.
c. Look how much these men are being paid to play, and the whole thing is for glory.
d. The cheers of the crowd can become like an opiate.
4. "Neither let the rich man glory in his riches."
a. Jesus spoke of how hard it was for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
b. The Bible says that if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
c. The Bible says that the truly rich man is the man who is godly, and contented.
II. "LET HIM THAT GLORIETH, GLORY IN THE LORD."
A. After Paul left the church he had established in Corinth, others came in and sought to draw the people after themselves. They were boasting of their great ministries, and seeking to put Paul down. There are always those fools who seek to build up their own stock by tearing down others. There are always those who are looking for glory for themselves. They cannot build a ministry of their own, but have to attach themselves to a proven ministry, then try to show themselves superior. The world is made up of builders and destroyers.
B. If there is to be any boasting, let it be in the Lord. "To God be the glory, great things He hath done."
C. The passage from which Paul, is quoting in Jeremiah says, "But let him that glorieth, glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me."
1. What I have accomplished or acquired intellectually, physically, or materially is nothing if I do not know the Lord.
a. It is like wood, hay and stubble to be burned.
b. What would I be profited if I gained the whole world and lost my own soul?
D. The three characteristics of the nature of God that we should know. I am Jehovah who exercises:
1. Lovingkindness.
a. What a wonderful revelation of God.
b. This was so totally foreign to the Greek concepts of God.
c. Their gods were ego centric, lustful, in competition with men.
d. Lovingkindness is one of those beautiful words. God is loving and He is kind. David was always putting this word together with tender mercies.
PSA 51 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
PSA 103 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
2. Judgment. God is fair.
a. Quite often when a vicious crime is committed we feel "Whoever did that should be punished."
b. Oft times when the person is sentenced by the court we feel that the sentence was too lenient.
c. Our hearts cry out for justice.
d. No one ever really gets by with their evil. They may evade the justice of man, but they will not evade the justice of God.
e. Paul spoke to the Romans of the righteous judgment of God who will render to every man according to his deeds.
3. Righteousness. God wants the right things to be done.
a. He wants us to do the right thing.
b. You can respond in a right way or in a wrong way.
c. You can do the wrong thing or the right thing.
d. It seems that we are always faced with the decision of doing what is right or wrong. My flesh so often wants to do what is wrong. God's Spirit prompts me to do what is right.
III. HE THAT GLORIETH, LET HIM GLORY IN THE LORD.
A. When writing to the Galatians Paul said, "But God forbid that I should glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." "In my life Lord, be glorified."
Verse-Reference
Square — [Jhn 1:1 KJV]
Abbreviate Books
Use SBL Abbrev.
