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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 32

"That we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory."

Text: Ephesians 1:12

A GOOD SENSE OF CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE GLORY OF GOD

Paul displayed a good sense of consciousness of the glory of God in his writings. This may be seen in the following phrases:-

“To the praise of the glory of His grace.”
EPHESIANS 1:6

“To the praise of His glory”
EPHESIANS 1:12 (ALSO 1:14)

ABSOLUTELY NATURAL TO DESIRE TO GIVE GLORY TO GOD

It is only natural that Paul should have this holy desire to give glory to God. This understanding that Paul had probably arose from his years of training as a rabbinical student in his younger days. This desire to give glory to God is most noticeable in the book of psalms.

“The heavens declare the glory of God…”
PSALM 19:1

“Declare His glory among the nations…”
PSALM 96:3

“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us
But to Your name give glory…”
PSALM 115:1

OTHER WAYS OF EXPRESSING “GIVING GLORY TO GOD”

There were other ways in which the psalmists sought to give glory to the Lord. Consider these expressions:-

“Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.”
PSALM 103:1

“I will praise You, O LORD, among the peoples,
And I will sing praises to You among the nations.”
PSALM 108:3

“Be exalted, O God above the heavens
And Your glory above all the earth”
PSALM 108:5

IMPORTANT IDEAS BEHIND THE WORD “GLORY”

What lies behind the word “glory” (“doxa”)? Let us ponder the following thoughts:-

1. That which is Due to God

Glory must be ascribed. It rightly belongs to God.

2. Exaltation of God’s name

God’s name deserves to be exalted and His praises extolled for He has done wondrous things for man.

3. Appropriate response

Giving of glory is man’s truly appropriate response to God for who He is and what He has done.