Glory to God!

Glory to God!

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 1:11-12 and Luke 2:8-14

Series: Comments on Galatians

Today's Scripture Jigsaw

Man’s position is one of receiving grace and therefore, peace, not getting glory. All glory belongs to God and only because of God’s glory may a person rest in peace. Otherwise, it is easy to lose heart and even let loose of faith. When one grabs at glory by insisting upon being right or being lord over others in matters that are not found in Holy Scripture, then he simply fools himself. Insisting upon being correct and that others toe the party line, when it is indefensible from Scripture, is never for the glory of God.

We should always run from personal glory. Furthermore, we should give no glory to other people either — not pastor, pope, or bishop. Putting one’s trust in their words when not backed up by entire sections of Scripture is to ascribe them glory they do not deserve. Too many preachers hang their doctrines on an isolated verse or even phrase in the Bible. Don’t give us a snatch of Scripture; this is what the atheists and heretics do. Bring us paragraphs, pericopes, pages, a story, a chapter, a book. A verse too often misleads or at best, inspires; a pericope (a unit of thought, generally seen in Bible subheadings) teaches. Inspirational preaching too often begs glory for man; teaching gives the glory to God.

Always look to give the glory to God. This is rarely done by your own reasoning but is consistently accomplished in God’s word. Therein, one also finds peace by understanding that it is God who is sovereign and glorious — not self. If you trust your own glory, your sleep will be fitful and your days wary. If you give the glory to God, your faith will remain intact and even if you are hounded as Luther was, you will both lie down in peace and awake in safety (Psalm 3:5; 4:8). Glory to God!

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