The Story of His Glory

The Story of His glory

Big Idea: We are transformed not by trying harder, but by beholding God’s glory in Christ, because what we behold reshapes our desires, and our desires shape our lives.

1. What is the central theme and Mission of the Bible? The display of God’s glory among all the peoples of the earth.

Implications:

1. Thinking Shift: from a human centered thinking to God centered thinking.
2. Mission Focus: Missions goes from an optional side project of the church to the central purpose and our participation in His mission should be our goal.
3. Glory Driven: Instead of driven by guilt, I am driven by delight in God and His glory.
4. Why don’t we treasure Jesus or behold his glory as our greatest good?
5. We don’t see spiritually. 2 Cor. 4:4 Satan has blinded our minds.
6. Distortion: Incorrect view of his goodness/worth. If we see him as:
   1. Distant– We’ll drift when disconnected from his intrinsic worth.
   2. Harsh– We’ll hide or cover up our sin.

The solution is divine illumination: 2 Cor. 4:6, God shines light into our hearts to reveal the knowledge of His glory displayed in the face of Christ (Beholding).

1. How do we cultivate this beholding?
2. We become what we (direction and priority) Transformation requires a reorientation of what we pursue. Pray for an unveiled heart/mind.
3. We become what we . Ps. 115:8 What captures our attention shapes our affections. What shapes our affections governs our actions. 2 Cor. 3:18 Practically: I behold when I see Jesus in scriptures/the works of his hands/creation. I behold when I recall with a thankful heart.
4. We are changed when we : Every encounter has 2 simultaneous effects.
   1. Revelation of who God is
   2. Revelation of who we are in light of who God is.

Grow Group Application Questions

1. What tends to shape your view of “success” more: God’s glory or personal comfort? and how can you tell?
2. What are you currently “beholding” the most in your everyday life, and how do you see it shaping your desires or reactions?
3. Why do you think delight in God is more powerful for change than guilt or pressure?
4. Which distorted view of God do you struggle with more: seeing Him as distant or harsh; and how does that affect your relationship with Him?
5. What would it look like this week to intentionally position yourself to behold Christ rather than just behave better?

Family Corner Summary:
God made us to know Him and enjoy how amazing He is, and when we really see who Jesus is, He changes us from the inside out. Following Jesus isn’t about trying harder; it’s about looking to Him more.

Questions for the Kids (On way home):

1. What was something amazing about God or Jesus that you heard today?
2. What’s one way we can “look at Jesus” more this week; at home or together as a family?