Glorify God in the Church

Glorify God in the Church

Introduction (Ephesians 3:21)
“To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations.” God’s purpose for His people is clear: glorify Him. Today we examine how a congregation brings glory to God—in worship, benevolence, teaching the lost, and strengthening the saved. (Ephesians 3:21)

The Church Exists to Glorify God
God owns us; we were bought at a price. Therefore, we must glorify Him in body and spirit. This is congregational work as well as personal duty. When the church speaks or serves, God supplies the ability so that in all things He is glorified through Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 4:11)

Glorifying God in Worship
Worship is God-centered. In heaven’s throne room, elders fall, crowns are cast, and God is praised as Creator and Sustainer. Our assemblies should echo that scene—prayer, singing, the Lord’s Supper, giving, and hearing the word offered with reverent hearts. Presence and participation matter; worship that honors God engages both. (Revelation 4:10–11; John 4:23–24; Hebrews 10:24–25)

Glorifying God in Doing Good
Good works glorify the Father when done in His name. The Lord calls us to shine so that others see and glorify God. We do good to all, especially the household of faith, visiting the fatherless and widows in their affliction. Mercy and service point beyond us to Him. (Matthew 5:16; Galatians 6:10; James 1:27)

Glorifying God in Teaching the Lost
Christ came to seek and save the lost. He sends us to preach the gospel to every creature. We sow the seed, trusting that faith comes by hearing. Invitations, tracts, studies, conversations, and online efforts all honor God when they carry His saving message. (Luke 19:10; Mark 16:15–16; Romans 10:17; Acts 8:4)

Glorifying God in Strengthening the Saved
New disciples must be strengthened. Paul returned to exhort churches, establishing souls in the faith. We build up one another by the word, prayer, and mutual care, so that every member grows into Christ. Edification is congregational glory rendered to God. (Acts 14:21–22; Acts 20:32; Ephesians 4:11–16)

Glorify God in the Church: Sermon Outline:

• Theme Text

  • Ephesians 3:21 — Glory to God in the church.

   

• I. The Church’s Purpose

  • 1 Corinthians 6:20 — Bought at a price; glorify God.

  • 1 Peter 4:11 — God glorified in all things.

   

• II. Worship that Glorifies God

  • Revelation 4:10–11 — Heavenly pattern of praise.

  • John 4:23–24 — Spirit and truth.

  • Hebrews 10:24–25 — Assemble and stir up love and good works.

   

• III. Benevolence that Glorifies God

  • Matthew 5:16 — Good works to God’s glory.

  • Galatians 6:10 — Do good to all, especially the saints.

  • James 1:27 — Pure religion: care for the vulnerable.

   

• IV. Evangelism that Glorifies God

  • Mark 16:15–16 — Go and preach to every creature.

  • Romans 10:17 — Faith comes by hearing.

  • Acts 8:4 — Christians spread the word.

   

• V. Edification that Glorifies God

  • Acts 14:21–22 — Strengthen souls; continue in the faith.

  • Acts 20:32 — The word builds up.

  • Ephesians 4:11–16 — Grow the body in love.

   

• VI. Personal Examination and Congregational Resolve

  • 2 Corinthians 13:5 — Examine yourselves.

  • Colossians 3:17 — Do all in the name of the Lord.

   

Call to Action

Brethren, let us examine our worship, our mercy, our teaching, and our encouragement. Commit to presence and participation in every assembly; plan a good work done in God’s name; share the gospel with one soul this week; and purpose to build up a brother or sister. In all, let God be magnified. (Ephesians 3:21)

Key Takeaways

• We exist to glorify God in all things. (1 Peter 4:11)

• Worship honors God when offered in spirit and truth. (John 4:23–24)

• Good works must point to the Father, not self. (Matthew 5:16)

• Evangelism glorifies God as the gospel is shared. (Mark 16:15; Romans 10:17)

• Strengthening the saints is essential congregational work. (Acts 14:21–22; Ephesians 4:16)

Scripture Reference List (with brief notes)

• Ephesians 3:21 — God’s glory in the church is the aim.

• 1 Corinthians 6:20 — Redeemed people glorify God bodily and spiritually.

• 1 Peter 4:11 — Speak and serve so God is glorified.

• Revelation 4:10–11 — Heavenly worship models God-centered praise.

• John 4:23–24 — True worship requires spirit and truth.

• Hebrews 10:24–25 — Assembling strengthens and stirs love and good works.

• Matthew 5:16 — Good works should direct glory to the Father.

• Galatians 6:10 — Do good broadly; prioritize the saints.

• James 1:27 — Pure religion cares for the vulnerable.

• Mark 16:15–16 — The Great Commission.

• Romans 10:17 — Faith arises from hearing the word.

• Acts 8:4 — Scattered Christians preached everywhere.

• Acts 14:21–22 — Strengthening new converts.

• Acts 20:32 — The word builds up and grants inheritance.

• Ephesians 4:11–16 — Maturity through mutual edification.

• 2 Corinthians 13:5 — Self-examination in the faith.

• Colossians 3:17 — Do all in the Lord’s name with thanksgiving.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO