Topical Bible: Glory: Seek Not, from Man

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In the biblical context, the concept of glory is often associated with the divine presence, majesty, and honor of God. However, Scripture also addresses the human tendency to seek glory from fellow humans rather than from God. This pursuit is cautioned against throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of seeking approval and honor from God alone.

Biblical Warnings Against Seeking Human Glory

The Bible provides numerous warnings against the pursuit of human glory. In the Gospel of John, Jesus addresses this issue directly. He criticizes the religious leaders of His time for their desire for human approval, saying, "How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?" (John 5:44). This rhetorical question highlights the incompatibility of genuine faith with the pursuit of human accolades.

Similarly, the Apostle Paul, in his epistles, underscores the futility of seeking human glory. In Galatians 1:10, he writes, "Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ" . Paul emphasizes that a true servant of Christ prioritizes God's approval over human praise.

The Example of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of one who sought glory from God rather than from men. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently directed attention and honor to the Father. In John 8:50, He states, "I do not seek My own glory. There is One who seeks it, and He is the judge" . Jesus' life and mission were centered on fulfilling the will of the Father, demonstrating a perfect model of humility and submission to God's glory.

The Pitfalls of Human Glory

The pursuit of human glory often leads to pride, competition, and a departure from God's purposes. Proverbs 25:27 warns, "It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out one's own glory" . This proverb illustrates the dangers of self-exaltation and the insatiable nature of seeking human praise.

Moreover, the desire for human glory can lead to hypocrisy and a superficial faith. In Matthew 6:1, Jesus warns, "Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven" . This admonition highlights the importance of sincerity in one's relationship with God, as opposed to performing for the approval of others.

The Call to Seek God's Glory

Believers are called to seek the glory that comes from God alone. This involves living a life that reflects God's character and brings honor to His name. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul instructs, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God" . This comprehensive call to glorify God in all aspects of life underscores the believer's ultimate purpose.

Furthermore, the pursuit of God's glory aligns with the promise of eternal reward. In Romans 2:6-7, Paul writes, "God 'will repay each one according to his deeds.' To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life" . This passage assures believers that seeking God's glory leads to eternal blessings, contrasting sharply with the fleeting nature of human accolades.

In summary, the Bible consistently teaches that seeking glory from man is contrary to the life of faith. Believers are encouraged to seek the glory that comes from God, living lives that honor Him and reflect His divine nature.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 6:2
Therefore when you do your alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 2:6
Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... upper-garment that all the host of heaven must glory in ... Should not the beggar seek
food and clothing ... Should not the sick man seek health, and the poor man riches ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvi but seek ye.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... holiness? Without this, no man shall see the Lord, ye need not seek the
kingdom of glory, hope for it, and look for it. But seek ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xviii but seek ye.htm

A Sabbath Healing in Jerusalem.
... But the witness which I receive is not from man: howbeit I ... who receive glory one
of another, and the glory that cometh from the only God ye seek not? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/a sabbath healing in jerusalem.htm

God's Glory the Chief End of Man's Being
... This is no ambition. Indeed, for a man to seek his own glory, or search into
it, "is not glory," (Proverbs 25:27), but rather a man's shame. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture i gods glory the.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C.
... wants righteousness; (2) He wants grace; (3) He wants glory, and hath ... Men seek not
what they carry from the womb ... if ye break the tenth the nine will not suffice ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xv but seek ye.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and ...
... if ye use it use it as if ye used it not, or use the world as those who do not abuse
it ... Certainly ye cannot with all seek grace and glory, 1 Corinthians 2 ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii but seek ye.htm

That He who Has Attained to Trust, Having Put Off the Former Man ...
... 4254] Of this same matter to the Philippians: "All seek their own, and not those
things ... end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and their glory is to ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/11 that he who has.htm

The Freedom of the Soul.
... But I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. Verily, verily,
I say unto you, If a man keep my word, he shall never see death.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the freedom of the soul.htm

Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles.
... from himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh the glory of him ... Did not
Moses give you the law, and yet none of you doeth the law ... Why seek ye to kill me ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/jesus at the feast of.htm

"But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory ...
... endowed with knowledge" and that word, "glory not," strikes at ... and fightings among
you?" Is it not from these ... Oh that we could seek better things, which may be ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv but if ye.htm