To God Be the Glory (GR4S, 2-5-12)

I’m still rather young in the ministry, so I’m not sure how far this trend goes back- but the idea of churches writing “purpose” statements has been huge in the last 12-15 years.  Hundreds of books have been written on finding & communicating the church’s vision, mission, and purpose.  I’m not opposed to it, & I’ve participated in the discussion quite a bit myself (probably too much), but I just don’t think the process is as complicated as its been made out to be.  I don’t think we need a huge brainstorming session, a formal “process”, or fancy buzzwords.  In fact, I think finding the church’s vision, mission, & purpose is as simple as reading the Bible & communicating the message of who God wants the church to be & what He wants the church to do.  I mean- the church does belong to Him, right?

Over the last month we’ve taken “bite-sized” pieces of 1 Corinthians 1 for our sermon texts.  I hope we’ve “chewed them up good” & “swallowed hard” because we’re going to have to take another “bite” this week.  And it’s a big one- maybe not in size, but in importance.  I think the text that follows this week is what really gives the prior texts meaning, & dare I say it- PURPOSE.  We’re going to look at 1 Corinthians 1:26-31.

26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God–and righteousness and sanctification and redemption– 31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”

I’m gonna let the “cat out of the bag” because I think by now it’s obvious- the purpose of the church is to glorify God.  I think this truth will take on new meaning because of what we’ve already looked at:  the church’s Identity (1:1-3); Ability (1:4-9); Unity (1:10-17);  & Priority (1:17-25).  These are just some of the areas the church needs to be built up in, but to what end?  I believe this text teaches us that the goal (aka- purpose) of the church is the Glory of God.

“To God be the Glory” is another sermon in our Church-Builders series.  We’re going to see why God deserves all the glory for our salvation.  Everything that He builds us up into is so that He receives the glory He is due.

So please make this your prayer before Sunday-  Ask the Lord to help us see that what He is building us into as His church is NOT for us to be content, satisfied, or proud of ourselves.  Our purpose is not to boast or to brag about us, but about HIM!  May His glory be our goal.

And if you’d like, here is the playlist for Sunday’s service to help you as you contemplate the glory of God for our salvation:

Walk on the Water     (Megan Pinkerton) 

Only a Sinner     (34532)

I Know Whom I have Believed     (19722)    

All the Glory Belongs to Jesus     (36736) 

Salvation Belongs to our God     (Praise Team)

RESPONSE:  To God Be the Glory     (23426)

I hope you have a good rest of the week & I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday.

God Bless,

Pastor Jeremy

The song numbers correspond to Song Select by Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI).