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GLORY
Many words have a religious connotation. When you hear a phrase like the glory of God, all you’re likely to think is “God/religion/holy/Bible/love/Jesus/prayer/heaven/hell//try not to sin.” I’ve discovered through the years of my Biblical studies and research, that I do not like defining the words of the Bible using religious context. Because then, my understanding of that word will only be involved in my religious experience.
Rather, I want God to be a part of every facet of my life. And so, understanding the words of the Word of God in light of everyday usage is very important. This is why Jesus taught using parables, in which everyday situations were presented as representing the truths of the kingdom of God.
Glory is from the Greek word doxa.
It means (and this is the definition I’ve come up with…..I encourage you to come up with one of your own). the full and unhindered expression of the best of someone or something, which elicits admiration in the observer.
Example: the winner of the 100 meter dash at the Olympics. He might be the fastest in the world, but his glory is when he wins the race and expresses or manifests that speed for all to see and admire. His glory is not expressed when he’s riding the bus.
The first use of doxa in the New Testament:
Matt 4:8 Again, the devil takes him up into an exceeding high mountain, and shows him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory (doxa) of them.
Consider the glory of the United States. Some examples are: the freedom its citizens have to express ideas, to move about freely, to benefit from their own industriousness. The prosperity and inventiveness and productivity they display. The natural beauty of its mountains, coasts, deserts, forests, etc. These things are the glory of the United States.
Luke 2:13,14 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory (doxa) to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
To “give glory to God” only happens when, or after, God’s glory is manifested (in this instance the birth of His son). It means to recognize and credit that glory to the one glorified (God’s best was fully expressed, or manifested). When someone says, “I give God all the glory”, that person is really saying “I give God all the credit,” or “I recognize God’s expression of Himself and publicly acknowledge it.”
Luke 14:10 But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that invited you comes, he may say unto you, Friend, go up higher; then shall you have worship (doxa – glory) in the presence of them that sit at meat with you.
Many of you recognize this instruction by Jesus concerning those who chose to sit in the places of greatest distinction. The custom in the east in a feast or party, was that when everyone sat down to food, the greatest, or most important people at the party sat closest to the host, the one throwing the party. When one was asked to come and sit closer, the best was conferred upon that person, and was observed with admiration in all those who sat around. In this instance of glory, the best came from (was conferred by) another.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory (doxa), the glory (doxa) as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.
Matt 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory (doxa) of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
This was spoken to men who were still under the law, who will be judged according to their adherence to the law.
The glory of Jesus Christ while he was on this earth was the glory of his Father. Jesus’ glory was conferred by his Father.
John 5:41-44 I receive not honor (doxa – glory) from men. But I know you, that you have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father’s name, and you receive me not; if another shall come in his own name, him you will receive. How can you believe, who receive honor (doxa) one of another, and seek not the honor (doxa) that comes from God only.
Jesus did not get promoted, was never given the best, by man. He came to serve and not to be served. We grow in our believing of God (in our relationship with Him) as we seek that full expression which only God can give. To the degree that we seek what man has to offer us to add to our lives, we stagnate in our growth of believing God.
John 8:49,50 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honor my Father, and you do dishonor me. And I seek not my own glory (doxa); there is one that seeks and judges.
Romans 1:21-23 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified (verb form of doxa) him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations (logical reasonings), and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. And changed the glory (doxa) of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.
I Corinthians 2:6-8 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect (mature); yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought; But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained (prepared) before the world unto our glory (doxa); Which none of the princes of this world knew; for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (doxa).
The truth is that our full expression, the full and unhindered expression of our greatness, occurs in this mystery. Kind of makes you want to know the mystery, doesn’t it? In (very) short, the mystery is how Christ works individually and powerfully in each member of his body, causing all things (of him) to work together for good. It is how each and every working of Christ benefits not only the individual, but how it benefits every other member of the body of Christ also, by means of the spiritual bonds that hold us together as one body.
See studies: The Mystery of Christ and Aspects of the Mystery of Christ
Until the day of Pentecost, when the glory of this mystery began to be manifested in the world by the spirit now born within man, it was held as a closely guarded secret in the deepest heart of God. In its understanding and experience lies the fullness of our glory. We cannot be complete and fulfilled without it.
Ephesians 1. I’ll let you read for yourself, and discover all the uses of doxa, which in this chapter are all translated glory.
Ephesians 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowing, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God.
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Other studies that may interest you:
Our Inheritance
Fruitfulness in Christ – Colossians 1:1-15
Pruned by God.
True Christianity – in a Nutshell
