What does "to our God and Father be glory" mean for believers? Meaning Wrapped in a Single Sentence “To our God and Father be glory” (Philippians 4:20) is Paul’s heartfelt declaration that every honor, praise, and credit belongs eternally to the One who is both sovereign God and loving Father. Setting the Scene • Philippians 4:19–20 closes a section on God’s faithful provision: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” • The apostle moves from God’s generosity (v. 19) to the only fitting response—glory to Him (v. 20). What Scripture Means by “Glory” • Weight, worth, splendor—glory is the display of God’s character and greatness. • Psalm 29:2: “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name”. • Romans 11:36: “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.”. Glory is not something we create; it is what we acknowledge. Why Paul Adds “Our God and Father” • Emphasizes relationship. He is not a distant deity but “our Father” (cf. Matthew 6:9). • Links provision to paternity: the Father supplies (v. 19), therefore children respond with glory. • Revelation 1:6 echoes the same: “to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever!”. How Believers Give God Glory with Their Lips • Praise—verbally declaring His greatness (Psalm 115:1). • Thanksgiving—crediting Him for every good gift (James 1:17). • Testimony—telling others what He has done (Psalm 66:16). • Corporate worship—uniting voices as the church (Ephesians 3:21). How Believers Give God Glory with Their Lives • Daily choices: “whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). • Fruitfulness: “This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit” (John 15:8). • Holiness: reflecting His character in purity and love (1 Peter 1:15–16). • Stewardship of resources: generous giving mirrors His generosity (2 Corinthians 9:11–13). • Suffering well: endurance shows His sustaining power (1 Peter 4:16). The Eternal Dimension • “Forever and ever” pushes our focus beyond time; glorifying God is an unending occupation (Isaiah 42:8). • Heaven’s worship scene—“Worthy is the Lamb… To Him who sits on the throne be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (Revelation 5:12–13). Take-Home Truths • God’s meeting of our needs (Philippians 4:19) should always propel us toward His glory (v. 20). • Glorifying God is both verbal and practical—praise on our lips, obedience in our lives. • This glory rests on the unshakeable relationship: He is “our God and Father.” • The commitment is lifetime and beyond: glory “forever and ever.” |
    |