Verse By Verse Devotional by Pastor Jack on 2 Corinthians #109

When Your Heart Beats for the Glory of God (4:15)

4:13-15 "But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed, therefore I spoke,’ we also believe, therefore we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. 15 for all things are for your sakes, SO THAT THE GRACE WHICH IS SPREADING TO MORE AND MORE PEOPLE MAY CAUSE THE GIVING OF THANKS TO ABOUND TO THE GLORY OF GOD."

One part of this verse (that which is translated "more and more people" here) is difficult, so translations differ widely. However, the general meaning of the verse is clear:

Paul is laboring to proclaim the gospel -- even to the point of suffering -- so that the grace of Christ, as it spreads, may result in the giving of thanks, bringing glory to God.

The Bible makes it clear that we were created for the praise of God’s glory:

"In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory." (Eph. 1:11-12, Cf.1:5-6)

The final goal and end result of our salvation is that the glory of God might be displayed in abundance. The more people who come to believe in Christ and be transformed by His love, the more thanksgiving is going to be lifted up to Him. And the more the thanksgiving, the more He is glorified.

For Paul, God’s glory was everything. Isn’t it sad that for most of us the glory of God isn’t even something we think about? Paul poured out his body and soul in order to increase the amount of praise Christ received. We strive mainly for our comfort and security. Most of us are more interested in winning human approval for ourselves than winning it for our Savior.

Paul’s idea of ultimate fulfillment was a great throng adoring and lifting up high praise to God. Is that our idea of ultimate fulfillment? Or is it more like a great throng adoring and praising US? Do we yearn for an increase in praise given to Christ or for an increase of praise given to us? Do we look for ways to generate thanks for God or do we look for ways to generate appreciation for ourselves?

Dear Father, in my flesh I crave the admiration and esteem of men. And yet I have been saved so that I can work for YOUR praise and glory, for You deserve the praise of every one of Your creatures and especially those redeemed by the blood of Your Son. Forgive me for my sin, and help me to invest my blood, sweat and tears in trying to persuade men to give praise and thanks to the Fountain of every blessing.