Topical Bible: The Glory of God: Magnify

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The concept of magnifying the glory of God is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where God's majesty, holiness, and splendor are to be exalted and proclaimed by His creation. The term "magnify" in this context does not imply making God greater than He is, for He is already infinitely great. Rather, it involves recognizing, declaring, and reflecting His greatness and glory in our lives and worship.

Biblical Foundation

The call to magnify the Lord is a recurring theme in Scripture. In Psalm 34:3 , David invites others to join him in this act of worship: "Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together." This verse highlights the communal aspect of magnifying God, suggesting that it is an act that believers are to engage in collectively, as well as individually.

In the New Testament, the concept of magnifying God is further emphasized. In Luke 1:46-47 , Mary responds to the news of Jesus' impending birth with a song of praise: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." Here, Mary's response to God's work in her life is to magnify Him, acknowledging His greatness and mercy.

Theological Significance

Magnifying the glory of God is an acknowledgment of His supreme worth and an expression of our reverence and adoration. It is an act of worship that aligns with the first commandment, which calls for the exclusive worship of God (Exodus 20:3). By magnifying God, believers fulfill their purpose as His creation, reflecting His image and declaring His praises.

Theologically, magnifying God is also an act of humility. It requires recognizing our own limitations and the infinite nature of God's attributes. As John the Baptist declared in John 3:30 , "He must increase; I must decrease." This statement encapsulates the essence of magnifying God—elevating His glory above all else, including our own desires and ambitions.

Practical Application

In practical terms, magnifying the glory of God involves both our words and actions. It is expressed through worship, prayer, and the proclamation of His deeds. Psalm 69:30 states, "I will praise the name of God with song and magnify Him with thanksgiving." This verse underscores the importance of gratitude and praise as means of magnifying God.

Moreover, believers are called to magnify God through their conduct. In Matthew 5:16 , Jesus instructs, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Our lives, therefore, become a testament to God's glory when we live in obedience to His will and reflect His character.

Challenges and Encouragement

While the call to magnify God is clear, believers may face challenges in doing so, particularly in a world that often prioritizes self-glorification. However, Scripture provides encouragement and assurance. In Philippians 1:20 , Paul expresses his hope that "Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death." This demonstrates that even in adversity, believers can magnify God by trusting in His sovereignty and grace.

Ultimately, the act of magnifying the glory of God is a lifelong pursuit, one that is empowered by the Holy Spirit. As believers grow in their knowledge and love of God, their capacity to magnify Him increases, bringing them into deeper communion with their Creator and fulfilling their ultimate purpose.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 57:5
Be you exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be above all the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

1392. doxazo -- to render or esteem glorious (in a wide ...
... For example, "giving (ascribing) glory to God" God in (essence). ... 12), had glory
(1), has...glory (1), honor (1), honored (2), magnify (1), praised (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1392.htm - 9k

Library

LMWH Burleigh. The Heavens Declare the Glory of God.
... Declare the Glory of God. 1 Not only doth the voiceful day Thy loving kindness,
Lord! proclaim, But night, with its sublime array Of worlds, doth magnify Thy ...
/.../various/book of hymns for public and private devotion/89 l m w h.htm

Man's Crown and God's
... He who has God in his heart will magnify Him by ... He who thus glorifies God is held
in God's hand ... men lead the universal chorus that thunders forth 'glory to Him ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/mans crown and gods.htm

New Testament Hymns
... by Simeon, and above all the Magnificat,. My soul doth magnify the Lord
(Luke 1:46-55),. ... Glory to God in the highest (Luke 2:14),. ...
/.../christian hymns of the first three centuries/iii new testament hymns.htm

The Magnificence of Prayer
... glory, and the very supremest praise of God"the men, from among men, that He takes,
and makes of them Kings and Priests unto God. Let all such men magnify ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/i the magnificence of prayer.htm

The General Service to an Apostle.
... Glory ...Both now ...the Theotokion: Of the divine nature we ... hast brought forth unto
us the God Incarnate; wherefore ... in duty bound we all piously magnify thee. ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter viii the general service.htm

The Key-Note of a Choice Sonnet
... me, not unto me be the glory! My soul doth magnify the Lord." But that humility
is not of the cringing and crouching kind which draws back from God, for it is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/the key-note of a choice.htm

The Glory of the Trinity
... hymn of praise which goes up for ever to God from suns ... thing, giving Him thanks for
ever for His great glory. ... bless ye the Lord; praise Him and magnify Him for ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xvi the glory of.htm

How the Desire to Exalt and Magnify God Separates us from Inferior ...
... in their sweet words or in the glory of their ... by one the works and wonders of God,
and the ... most holy complacency, thereby more highly to magnify his excellence ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter vii how the desire.htm

Christians, Temples of the Living God
... may be in tune this day to "magnify the Lord ... great Jehovah filled the temple with
his glory, out of ... forth into this pathetic exclamation, "But will God in very ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/christians temples of the living.htm

Of the Sovereign Praise which God Gives unto Himself, and How we ...
... seeing her beloved infinitely praise, bless and magnify himself ... this so worthy a
praise given to God by himself ... assistance, to come and glorify the glory of God ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xii of the sovereign.htm