Soli Deo Gloria – 1 Corinthians 6:20, 10:30
“THE 5 SOLAS” Sermon Series #4: Soli Deo Gloria – 1 Corinthians 6:20, 10:30
Pastor Jason Hebert – 1/5/2025
Please see the outline for this sermon below…
SOLI DEO GLORIA
1 Corinthians 6:20, 1 Corinthians 10:31
INTRODUCTION:
A spiritual darkness covered the world from 500-1500. The Lord’s churches had been driven underground by the state religion, and the word of God was controlled by the religious leaders.
Beginning in the 1300s, a spark began a wildfire, and what we know today as the “Reformation” began. Out of the Reformation came these 5 phrases known as the 5 Solas:
• Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)
• Sola Gratia (Grace Alone)
• Sola Fide (Faith Alone)
• Solus Christus (Christ Alone)
• Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone Be Glory)
These were the lightning rod of the Reformation but according to history, the Reformation has ended. Yet, there are and will always be those who try to downgrade the authority of Scripture, dethrone Christ, side-step faith, minimize grace, and make life man-centered. Therefore, we must continue to be reminded that Scripture alone is our authority, that salvation is only found in a relationship with Christ that Grace appropriates through faith alone and that life is to be lived for the glory of God alone!
The 5 Solas are still applicable today, and as this New Year begins, we need to be reminded of the simplicity and power of these truths!
This morning, we will be looking at “Sola Deo Gloria,” which is the culmination of all of the other solas. Since the scripture alone teaches us that salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone, and by Christ alone, all of life should be lived to the glory of God alone! Sola Deo Gloria is the motivation that ought to guide every part of the believer’s life. Life can not be divided between the sacred and the secular; all of life must be lived under the Lordship of Christ! In other words, every activity of the Christian is to be sanctified unto the glory of God.
God is worthy of our honor, and our praise, and our worship, and our reverence, and our veneration, and our awe, and our adoration because he is a glorious God as revealed in His attributes, and His actions! The scripture is very clear on this…
“Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.” – Psalm 148:13 KJV
“To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.” – Romans 16:27 KJV
“To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” – Jude 1:25 KJV
“Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.” – Revelation 15:4 KJV
At the end of the day, Soli Deo Gloria is all about who, or what, we live our lives for. I have watched the religious landscape for years, and I’ve seen religious leaders caught up in scandal after scandal! Claiming to champion the poor and oppressed while flying their jets and driving around in chauffeured limousines! Telling parishioners to remain faithful to a marriage or remain sexually pure, all the while committing adultery and fornication themselves! They have SEPARATED the spiritual life and the secular life! If you leave your spiritual life at church on Sunday, then you don’t have a spiritual life!
Remember what Isaiah 43:7 says, “Even everyone that is called by my name: for I have created him FOR MY GLORY, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.”
BIG IDEA:
Since we were created for God’s glory, our lives will not make any sense until it is lived for that purpose.
BODY:
I. UNDERSTANDING GOD’S GLORY 1 Corinthians 10:31
Note: Since everything that we do is to be for the glory of God, it would make sense that we need to understand what God’s glory is! We have many examples of it throughout the scripture but is there a clear definition of it? The answer is yes!
A. The Glory of God Defined Biblically Exodus 33:18-20
Exodus 33:18-20, “And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.”
B. The Glory of God Displayed Practically
a. In Nature—power and lightning—Sinai, Ezekiel 1:26-28, Psalm 19:1—Heavens declare the glory of God
b. In Jesus—John 1:14, Hebrews 1:3
c. In Creation Romans 11:36—
• the source of life (“For from him”)
• the course of life (“and through him”)
• the force of life (“and to him are all things”)
II. SHOWING GOD’S GLORY Isaiah 42:8, Matthew 5:16
Note: While the Heavens declare the glory of God, so does the life of every believer. Our goal and aim is to be like Christ in everything! He always glorified the Father! This is our command and our call! However, it is not without a word of caution!
A. God’s Glory will NOT be Shared
a. Sin causes us to be glory thieves
b. The short-sightedness of idolatry is foolish
•because it lowers God’s personality
•because it limits God’s power
B. God’s Glory is Reflected In Our Good Works
a. Glorifying God in Everyday Actions
Even mundane activities like eating and drinking are opportunities to glorify God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 emphasizes that no act is too small to reflect God’s majesty when done with a heart of thanksgiving and acknowledgment of His provision.
b. Living a Life of Worship
Worship is the foundation of glorifying God in our lives. Psalm 29:2 – “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” True worship involves honoring God in spirit and truth, making every part of life an act of adoration.
c. Pursuing Righteousness
A life of holiness demonstrates God’s transformative power in us. Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” By walking in obedience, we show others the character of God.
d. Depending on God
Trusting God in all circumstances glorifies Him as the sovereign and all-sufficient one. Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
CONCLUSION:
To live for God’s glory is to center every thought, action, and decision on Him.
Our lives are designed to showcase His majesty, whether in acts of worship, simple daily tasks, or the way we interact with others.
Let us commit to glorify Him in all things, proclaiming, “Not unto us, O Lord, but unto thy name give glory.” (Psalm 115:1).
NEXT STEPS:
· Make every decision based on whether it brings God glory or not.
· Say only words that bring God glory.
· Protect the unity of ABC by committing to being TOGETHER in all things!