Topical Bible: Glorifying God: Paul

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The Apostle Paul stands as a central figure in the New Testament, renowned for his missionary journeys, epistles, and theological insights. His life and teachings provide a profound example of glorifying God, a theme that permeates his writings and ministry.

Conversion and Calling

Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his mission to glorify God through the proclamation of the Gospel. In Galatians 1:23-24, Paul recounts how those who heard of his conversion glorified God because of him: "They only heard the account: 'The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.' And they glorified God because of me" .

Missionary Journeys

Paul's missionary journeys were driven by a desire to spread the Gospel and bring glory to God. In Romans 15:18-19, he writes, "I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God" . His efforts to reach both Jews and Gentiles were motivated by a commitment to magnify God's name across the earth.

Teaching and Doctrine

Paul's epistles are rich with theological teachings that emphasize glorifying God. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, he instructs believers, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God" . This directive encapsulates Paul's view that every aspect of a believer's life should reflect God's glory.

In Ephesians 1:12, Paul speaks of the purpose of believers being "for the praise of His glory" . This underscores the idea that the ultimate aim of salvation and Christian living is to honor and exalt God.

Suffering and Perseverance

Paul's life was marked by suffering, yet he viewed his trials as opportunities to glorify God. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, he shares, "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me" . Paul's acceptance of his weaknesses and sufferings as a means to display God's power and grace is a testament to his commitment to glorifying God.

Final Reflections

In his final letters, Paul continues to emphasize the importance of glorifying God. In 2 Timothy 4:18, he expresses confidence in God's deliverance and eternal glory: "The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen" . This statement reflects Paul's unwavering dedication to glorifying God until the end of his earthly life.

Paul's life and teachings serve as a profound example of glorifying God through conversion, mission, doctrine, suffering, and perseverance. His legacy continues to inspire believers to live lives that reflect the glory of God in all things.

Nave's Topical Index

Romans 11:36
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
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Library

God Showed Himself, by the Fall of Man, as Patient, Benign ...
... me out of the belly of hell;" [3686] and that he might always continue glorifying
God, and giving ... And therefore Paul declares, "For God hath concluded ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xx god showed himself by.htm

Acts of Paul and Thecla.
... is buried about two or three stadia from the tomb of her master Paul. ... spirits went
out shrieking, and all received their own in health, glorifying God, who had ...
/.../unknown/acts of paul and thecla/acts of paul and thecla.htm

On the Feast of St Paul the Apostle
... was I more mocked than when I was most glorifying My Heavenly ... and until the old man
be driven out." May God grant that we may follow St Paul perfectly in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xiii on the feast.htm

Created in Christ Jesus for Good Works
... His servants of old, Moses and Joshua, Samuel and David, Peter and Paul, for the
work He ... We are created for good works, as the great means for glorifying God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/ix created in christ jesus.htm

Concerning the Place of God: and that the Deity Alone is ...
... for we have set this apart for the glorifying of God ... speak of God as nowhere and
as everywhere ... Against the Sabellian doctrine, the views of Paul of Samosata, &c ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xiii concerning the place of.htm

Man's Chief End
... this is to live to God, and this is glorifying God. Philippians 1:10. That Christ
might be magnified, whether by life or by death.' Three wishes Paul had, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 mans chief end.htm

Letter xiv. Dress.
... The apostle Paul, in the text quoted at the commencement of this letter ... herself a
slattern, brings reproach upon the cause of Christ, instead of glorifying God. ...
/.../newcomb/a practical directory for young christian females/letter xiv dress.htm

Christ the Exemplar
... Paul speaks about the death, Peter speaks of the sufferings ... Master, and with simple
loving trust you will go on from strength to strength glorifying God in your ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/christ the exemplar.htm

St. Ignatius (Ad 116)
... Paul said of himself, that he "had a desire to depart, and to be with Christ ... in his
letter, that they would do nothing to hinder him from glorifying God by his ...
/.../chapter ii st ignatius ad.htm

Inexcusable Irreverence and Ingratitude
... not glorifying him as God. II. Now I take from my text the second accusation, which
is certainly quite as sad as the other. Those who are mentioned by Paul are ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/inexcusable irreverence and ingratitude.htm