All Glory to God
The sermon emphasizes the importance of making God's glory our primary objective in Christian life and ministry.
Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of living a life that glorifies God in all aspects, whether in our daily activities or ministry. He highlights the interconnectedness of the ministries of the Holy Spirit, the Son, and the Father in bringing glory to God. Stanford stresses the significance of abiding in the Son and being led by the Holy Spirit to truly reflect God's glory in our lives and service.
Text
"Whether, therefore, ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God " (1 Corinthians 10:31).
The present and eternal ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Son; the past, present, and future ministry of the Son is to glorify the Father. Our life and ministry will bring glory to our Father to the extent that we abide in the Son, and are controlled by the Holy Spirit.
"When one's ministry or outreach flows from close communion with the Father, one's influence and moral authority will be recognized. Moreover, such a workman is not carried beyond what he has received from the Lord, so that his ministry finds sanction in hearts without any pressure.-J.N.D.
"The object of all Christian life and ministry, of whatever kind, must surely be to bring glory to God. Any lesser motive is inferior. If this were kept in the forefront of our thinking and praying, it would have two beneficial results. The hectic strain would be taken out of our lives and service, and spontaneous fruitfulness would follow.
"We can aim to meet the needs of people as a primary objective, and fret because so many of our efforts prove abortive. We may secretly pride ourselves on our ability to minister, or on our efficient service, and reap nothing but frustration. It is only when our whole outlook is made radiant by His glory, because we are hungry to do His will and that only, that our activities will be quickened into new life, and others be truly blessed." -J.C.M.
"He [Abraham]. . . was Strong in faith, giving glory to God" (Romans 4:20).
Sermon Outline
- The Ministry of Glorifying God
- Abiding in the Son and being controlled by the Holy Spirit
- The Object of Christian Life and Ministry
- To bring glory to God
- Any lesser motive is inferior
Key Quotes
“Whether, therefore, ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” — Miles J. Stanford
“When one's ministry or outreach flows from close communion with the Father, one's influence and moral authority will be recognized.” — Miles J. Stanford
“The object of all Christian life and ministry, of whatever kind, must surely be to bring glory to God.” — Miles J. Stanford
Application Points
- We should make God's glory our primary objective in all aspects of our lives and ministry.
- Abiding in the Son and being controlled by the Holy Spirit is key to bringing glory to God.
- Making our whole outlook radiant with God's glory will lead to spontaneous fruitfulness and a quickening of our activities.