Seeking False Glory
Seeking False Glory
Typically, in Grace Everyday we focus on the sermons; today we are going to look at a Gospel. Part of our discipleship plan is to read a portion of a Gospel and ask ourselves three questions. Today, we are going to ask four questions.
Recently, I was struck by reading John 5:44: How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? Talk about a mic-drop moment. Jesus, as always, speaks directly to our hearts. I thought of the ways that I receive glory from others (people and things) and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God. In fact, what does it mean to seek the glory that comes from God?
I then began to realize how similar this passage is to the sermon from Sunday: how many ways have we made ourselves gods in our own eyes, thinking that we understand the ways of justice and righteousness? The eighteenth-century French philosopher Voltaire is credited with saying, “If God has made us in his image, we have returned him the favor.” What do you think Voltaire means by this statement? What does it mean to make ourselves in our own image?
Take a moment to pray and ask God for wisdom as you read the passage from John 5 below. You may wish to read it more than one time.
John 5:39-44
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. I do not receive glory from people. But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
Father, give me the courage to face my weaknesses and be transformed by your love. Amen
Grace Discipleship: Pray for the lost
Dear God, I pray for a world that doesn't know you. I pray for those who are lost. God show yourself to those who don't believe. Allow me to be a source of your light to those who need you.. Amen.
Recently, I was struck by reading John 5:44: How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? Talk about a mic-drop moment. Jesus, as always, speaks directly to our hearts. I thought of the ways that I receive glory from others (people and things) and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God. In fact, what does it mean to seek the glory that comes from God?
I then began to realize how similar this passage is to the sermon from Sunday: how many ways have we made ourselves gods in our own eyes, thinking that we understand the ways of justice and righteousness? The eighteenth-century French philosopher Voltaire is credited with saying, “If God has made us in his image, we have returned him the favor.” What do you think Voltaire means by this statement? What does it mean to make ourselves in our own image?
Take a moment to pray and ask God for wisdom as you read the passage from John 5 below. You may wish to read it more than one time.
John 5:39-44
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. I do not receive glory from people. But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
- Does this passage relate to our study of the prophet Isaiah? How?
- What truth is revealed in the passage?
- What does the passage reveal about my spiritual life?
- What does the passage teach you about how to act or respond?
Father, give me the courage to face my weaknesses and be transformed by your love. Amen
Grace Discipleship: Pray for the lost
Dear God, I pray for a world that doesn't know you. I pray for those who are lost. God show yourself to those who don't believe. Allow me to be a source of your light to those who need you.. Amen.
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