The Glory Of Knowing God

by Pastor Mark
June 06, 2024

The problem with self

A consistent problem that all of us struggle with is self. We tend to be focused on who we are and what we have achieved. We think more highly of ourselves than we ought to and we seek to glory in our success. This was a problem that the people of Israel had. They thought of how great they were but only to eventually see God judging them for their prideful ways. The Prophet Jeremiah preached the Word of God, warning Israel concerning how they had forsaken the Lord and His Word, and had turned to idolatry. He highlighted three groups of people in their self-centred ways.

The challenge to not glory in self

1. Wisdom

“Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,”” (Jeremiah 9:23)

  1. Some considered themselves wise in Israel.
  2. But the Lord thought of them as indeed fools…for rejecting the Lord’s Word.
    “The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken. Behold, they have rejected the word of the Lord; So what wisdom do they have?” (Jeremiah 8:9)

2. Might

“Let not the mighty man glory in his might,” (Jeremiah 9:23)

  1. Some gloried in the might that they had.
  2. But Israel’s strength was nothing compared to the power of God.

3. Riches

“Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;” (Jeremiah 9:23)

  1. Others gloried in their wealth, thinking of how much they had gained by themselves.
  2. But their riches would not be able to save them from the Lord’s judgment.

Let us guard ourselves from glorying in the things of the world.

The glory of knowing God

“But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me,” (Jeremiah 9:24)

  1. The challenge is to focus on God instead.
  2. Our glory should be in the Lord…to discover and know Him.
  3. This should be our joy and privilege as there is much to understand about God.

A great and glorious God

““That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:24)

  1. Lovingkindness…this is God’s love expressed in His kindness
    1. God’s lovingkindness is seen in all His blessings.
    2. It is something truly profound.
  2. Judgment…this is God’s sense of justice
    1. He will ensure justice is upheld as He is a just God.
    2. We understand that no one can escape His justice.
  3. Righteousness…God is morally upright and holy
    1. He is righteous in all His ways.
    2. We can discover His righteousness in all that He does, in all His works.

When we glory in knowing our great and glorious Lord, it is what He delights in. He is pleased when we seek to grow in our knowledge and understanding of Him and all He does. Let us be challenged not to focus on ourselves but to discover the deep things of God.

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