WE TEND TO THINK OF SIN AS A MORAL ISSUE, WHEN INDEED, IT IS A GLORY ISSUE.
WHEN WE CHOOSE WHAT WE WANT IN THE MOMENT, WITHOUT CONSIDERING GOD’S GLORY, WE ARE WEIGHING OUR GLORY AS HEAVIER THAN GOD’S GLORY.
THIS IS WHAT ESAU DID WHEN HE CHOSE TO SELL HIS BIRTHRIGHT (HIS BLESSING FROM GOD) FOR A MESS OF POTTAGE.
LATER, THE AUTHOR OF HEBREWS TELLS US:
For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.
(Hebrews 12:17)
This understanding of “the weight of glory” could be paradigm changing in your struggle with sin. For example, when I am tempted to shade the truth, overeat, or gossip I could look at it as “breaking a rule,” and decide that in “this situation” it’s not so bad if I “break the rule.” But if I look at it as being like Esau, and weighing my wants, my “glory,” as heavier than God’s glory, it’s paradigm changing in my mind.
Let’s consider another difference, for example, between the religious and the gospel person, and how considering the weight of glory might transform our thinking and behavior
| Religion | The Gospel |
| My prayer life consists largely of petition, | My prayer life consists of generous stretches |
| and only heats up in times of need. | of praise and adoration. My main purpose is fellowship with God. |
Praise and adoration is a discipline, to take a truth and praise until the spark becomes a flame takes time. I often feel too busy, but that is because I am weighing my glory as heavier than God’s. This is paradigm changing.
In the same way, we long for prestige, popularity, and position. But the truth is, when we seek our own glory, we are like Esau, and are on the wrong track, headed toward trouble, heartache, and sorrow.
WHAT IS THE WRONG TRACK?
SEEKING OUR OWN GLORY.
IN DOING SO,
WE SETTLE FOR MAKING MUD-PIES
INSTEAD OF A DAY AT THE OCEAN
WHAT IS THE RIGHT TRACK?
SEEKING GOD’S GLORY IN EVERYTHING WE SAY AND DO.
WE WILL THEN,
TO OUR GREAT SURPRISE,
FIND A GLORY LIKE WE HAVE NEVER KNOWN.
IN MERE CHRISTIANITY, C. S. LEWIS PUT IT LIKE THIS:
Submit to death, death of your ambitions and favourite wishes every day and death of your whole body in the end: submit with every fibre of your being, and you will find eternal life. Keep back nothing. Nothing that you have not given away will be really yours. Nothing in you that has not died will ever be raised from the dead. Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in.
IT SEEMS SO HARD, YET IT IS THE SECRET.
THIS TRACK WILL TAKE US TO WHAT OUR HEARTS DESIRE MOST.
HELP US TO BELIEVE, LORD.
SUNDAY ICEBREAKER:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
2. Whatever you have chosen for your Lenten discipline, how could this concept of the weight of glory transform your thinking and behavior? Be specific.
MONDAY-WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Begin memorizing John 12:25.
Pastor and Christian speakers are not immune from seeking their own glory. To my shame, I have done it.
How everyone who stands in such a grave responsibility needs a pulpit like this:
These words can impact all of us, however, every day of our lives.
3. Read John 12:20-26
A. What entreaty did the Greeks make of Philip?
Matthew Henry writes:
The great desire of our souls should be to see Jesus,
to have our acquaintance with Him…
and our communion with Him increased.
B. Do you have this hunger in your heart? If not, pray for it. If so, then ask God to show you how to increase your communion with Him. Write your prayer here.
C. Jesus does not answer directly, but He does answer. First, in verses 23-24 He tells what He must do to be glorified.
D. Then, in verses 25-26 He tells what we must do to experience glory. Put this in your own words.
E. Think about ways you have tried to seek your own glory. How could seeing this as a glory issue instead of a moral issue help you overcome?
F. Write out John 12:25 without looking at it.
4. Read John 12:27-29
A. What struggle do you see Jesus experiencing and what victory in this passage?
B. Where is your struggle today in dying to self? What is the secret to victory?
C. What did God the Father do when Jesus prayed in verse 28? What did people think had happened?
Thunder or the voice of an angel is an understandable interpretation to GLORY. God spoke. God has the weight of glory. If you are looking for a devotional to continue in Lent, I recommend The Weight of Glory.
5. Read John 11:1:8 and explain how Mary of Bethany is an illustration of the above teaching.
Thursday-Friday: Keller on The Weight of Glory
This is not free, but it is wonderful.
http://www.gospelinlife.com/sermons/weight-of-glory.html
6. What notes or comments do you have on this sermon?
SATURDAY
7. What is your take-a-way and why?
225 comments
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? Wow, the whole topic! With this eye issue (possible mets to the eye from my breast cancer) in addition to giving thanks (which we talked about last week) I know it was the Holy Spirt who also prompted me to add, “for however You will be glorified through this.” As I mentioned last week, before I even got those words out it was as if God superimposed His words on mine and said, “I AM going to be glorified through this!!!” Some of my friends would assume that means that He will be glorified because I will be healed or this will not turn out to be cancer in my eye. I am not making any such assumptions because my own thinking is so small compared to what an eternal God might have in mind and I’d rather just look with great anticipation to what He is going to do. After I sensed Him saying that I prayed that He would allow me to see how He is glorified in this, at least a glimpse.
2. Whatever you have chosen for your Lenten discipline, how could this concept of the weight of glory transform your thinking and behavior? Be specific. Well…so answer to #1 is Mary walking in the Spirit, thus not fulfilling the deeds of the flesh…answer #2 is Mary walking in the flesh. I really did not pick a Lenten discipline this year because I did not feel a particular leading toward anything, BUT, in general I have so been struggling with the flesh in regard to food and yesterday I really chose my glory over God’s in this area. I was doing really well but then my right should and neck (which have been bothering me for a couple months now) where thrown into sever pain by a jerking movement I did when rummaging through my purse and pricking my finger on something sharp. I jerked my arm away hard and fast and the pain in my shoulder was so bad I thought I might faint. So…once that calmed down I said to myself “forget eating healthy, you get to eat whatever you want because this happened and you need to find comfort.” Sadly, I had made provision for this earlier in the day by some things I bought at the grocery store. 🙁 I ate a TONE of black jelly beans. (yes, I love black jelly beans.) In addition I ate some chips and chocolate (yes, I made lots of provision for the flesh on this shopping trip.) I knew this was a comfort idol issue even while doing it but I never thought of it as exchanging God’s glory for my own. But you know where I see grace here? That even in my sin God can use this for His glory because He has graciously shown me this issue (since reading this blog) for what it really is and as I (and others) share their issues we can encourage one another in the truth. Thanks Dee.
Mary — having you with as during this enormously hard time for you, when the north wind is blowing, indeed, that north wind is blowing His fragrance abroad — and we are the beneficiaries, as well as all who cross your path. Yes, His glory may be in healing, or it may be in your beautiful trust. We pray for the first, unless He has another plan. You are loved.
Mary, I so agree with what Dee said here. “…that north wind is blowing His fragrance abroad” because of your testimony. I am a grateful beneficiary. Yes, you are loved!
Amen to Dee’s words to you, Mary. You have been such a sweet fragrance here.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? “Praise and adoration is a discipline, to take a truth and praise until the spark becomes a flame takes time.” Just last night as I was praying I was thinking about how to praise more because when I begin to praise I do not want to praise Him only for the things He does for me, but for who He is and when I start down that path I get to His ability in creation and I am speechless. But as I type I can see even praising Him for the things He has done brings Him glory. So, this is a blessing from Him today, encouraging me to make conscious efforts to praise (apart from the spontaneous praises through the day and giving thanks FOR through the day).
Also the C.S. Lewis quote: “Submit to death, death of your ambition and favourite wishes every day … Keep back nothing.” Coupled with the Keller sermon last week, (paraphrase) “If you love you will be hurt, if you love God, you will suffer.” I hold back. I have prioritized not getting hurt and keeping my heart intact. I have been seeing this and He is awakening me. His glory! Yes. Give all, hold back nothing… God may it be.
2. Whatever you have chosen for your Lenten discipline, how could this concept of the weight of glory transform your thinking and behavior? Be specific. To be in His Word more is not a discipline to master or accomplish, but a necessity to have Him speak and shine into my life that I may be His vessel. I want to be changed by Him that I would be concerned about His glory more than my own. I do not read more to check off my list, I read more because I want to be closer to Him, to hear Him more, to be changed by Him so that I may grow in my trust and obedience which is decreasing me and increasing Him. Reading books that illuminate His word are for the same reason – to open doors that I may shed my idols and selfish coping mechanisms in order to have Him change my heart to do His work and bring Him glory.
“I hold back. I have prioritized not getting hurt and keeping my heart intact.” This is the exact topic that I have been exploring in my counseling sessions. It’s hard!!
I read more because I want to be closer to Him.
Yes.
Thank you all for your prayers for Omaha. Although I felt I was a bit lacking in energy Friday night, yesterday was wonderful and I so sensed His Spirit. Christy and Rebecca were wonderful support as well, as were you!
I get to spend today with daughter Anne and her family, and then head home.
Jill, I absolutely love this: ” To be in His Word more is not a discipline to master or accomplish, but a necessity to have Him speak and shine into my life that I may be His vessel. I want to be changed by Him that I would be concerned about His glory more than my own.” YES!!!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
What C.S. Lewis said: Submit to death, death of your ambitions…submit with every fibre of your being, and you will find eternal life. Keep back nothing…..Nothing in you that has not died will ever be raised from the dead. Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in.
This is so true. My nature bends toward being like Esau-DAILY..when I have moments when He isn’t my life..instead my life is my comfort with this food, or so-n-so’s approval..when I bow down to me instead of Him I am on the wrong track and for me it isn’t about the consequences because yes they do come as a result, but it is becoming more and more about my affections not being on God and how that effects Him and the flow of our intimacy. I am thinking of what God told Cain..”sin is crouching at your door and you must master it.” I don’t think that warning was just to keep the consequences from falling down on Cain-which I think it was to a certain extent, but it was, at least I think, a warning so that Cain wouldn’t forgo the ‘ocean’ of blessings of intimacy with God for a deep, dark rotten mud pie.
Another thing that stood out: When Dee brought out that praying in generous stretches of praise and adoration is a discipline-it is! Unfortunately so because we are still in a fallen world-but it is! I am so busy, and honestly I HATE IT that I am, but if my business is making it impossible to meet with Him then the weight of glory is on me, not God. I start to sense me opening that door to sin crouching behind it..Lately, I am more and more dropping whatever it is that screams for me and turning to the One who Longs and enjoys being with me. I have found it so true that getting something done, putting someone elses needs above turning my attention to Jesus for that morning, day etc..ends up making me feel a huge daily hole inside..for I have embraced the least for the best.
Rebecca, love your whole post and this at the very end stands out…“I have found it so true that getting something done, putting someone elses needs above turning my attention to Jesus for that morning, day etc..ends up making me feel a huge daily hole inside..for I have embraced the least for the best.”
I love your whole post too, Rebecca, and I’m not trying to be one who affirms any excuses… but I do just want you to know that life situations change over time and, in truth, you ARE busy right now! =) I am single, never married, no kids. I have time to set aside hours in prayer at times and it can (and does) lead to deep praise/worship. But I want you to know that God has you as a mom to those boys because He wants you as their mom and as a wife to your husband for the same reason, and as you allow yourself to be a vessel of HIS love for them, poured through you….guess what??? YOU ARE PRAISING HIM! Many, many things can be acts of worship. So, while it is good to acknowledge if we spend hours of time on the internet or watching TV that the time could be better spent pressing into the Lord, at the same time, He understands your season of life right now and please don’t let the enemy make you feel as though praise or worship can only look a certain way, or bring you any condemnation. You are loved and precious in His sight, Rebecca. And sometimes He just says REST in knowing that.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The part about thinking of giving in to sins as just “breaking the rules” instead of viewing it as weighing God’s glory against your own. The problem I seem to have is I don’t think of this until AFTER I’ve done wrong, which helps in the repentance aspect, but not the preventive aspect.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The quote from Bernard Malamud; “If your train’s on the wrong track every station you come to is the wrong station.” Love it!
BTW, Dee, I forgot to put my name and email in and usually it comes back and says something like, “please enter information.” It didn’t do that this time.
1. what stands out to you from above and why?
“weighing my wants, my ‘glory,’ as heavier than God’s glory, it’s paradigm changing in my mind.”…is it ever. To think that I am usurping the glory rightfully my Lord’s…I cringe…this needs to sink into my mind and heart; I need to bring this truth into my life consciously.
I too like Bernard Malamud’s quote (Laura has the quote in her comment above)…not being on the “right track” can only lead to wrong “stations”…there is no possible way to get to the correct destination if we begin/continue on the wrong track…so true.
Enjoy your visit with family, Dee…
SUNDAY ICEBREAKER:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Lately, my prayer has been of religious nature. A must do- a thing to check off on my to do list. And busyness has taken a toll that I sometimes feel miserable and overwhelmed. I am weighing my glory as heavier than God’s. I do not want to be like Esau settling for mud-pies. I want “a day in the ocean” and the “far, far better things ahead” as C.S. Lewis so aptly said. Help me to believe, Lord that there is the right track (seeking your glory in all I say and do) and with your help I can stay there.
“Submit to death. Of your ambitions and favorite wishes everyday…” I listed them and came to the remembrance and realization of my depravity (where do I seek glory?) and brought them to the feet of Jesus where they belong. Lord, everyday, help me to keep these things under your feet.
2. Whatever you have chosen for your Lenten discipline, how could this concept of the weight of glory transform your thinking and behavior? Be specific.
I am learning the discipline of the Sabbath as a lifestyle rather than a one day of the week practice. AS I have shared last week, my priorities are skewed. I am so busy with work and ministry, I am giving the least of my time to God. I am seeking my own glory. I need to refocus and nurture my relationship with God and not just come to Him in prayer for my needs but to “look for Him” in stretches of praise and adoration and not myself. The words to the song “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord” as rendered so beautifully by a 10 year old, blind autistic boy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPTMA7HIIyk
Picking up a book of Ann Spangler once again- Praying the names of God, as I renew my praise life. I will add this book to our FB page. She also has written one on praying the names of Jesus.
“Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus, How the Jewishness of Jesus can Transform Your Faith” is another that is good, co-written by Ann Spangler (Lois Tverberg is the other co-author).
Thanks, Nanci. The Lord is so good in raising Christian men and women who can write and share godly wisdom. I love Ann Spangler.
I have heard good things about that book, Ernema! I’ll have to add it to my to-do reading list. =)
STILL STUCK ON LAST WEEK 🙂 This popped up on my YouTube “recommended for you” list:
What Not to Say to Someone Who’s Suffering – Tullian Tchividjian, Paul Tripp, Dave Furman
http://youtu.be/G0NOIGMW4ww
For me, this adds clarity to last week’s sermon. There are some truths that probably should not be spoken, to either Marys or Marthas, especially if we don’t know them well (and I’m not sure how we’d begin to peg a person if we don’t know them VERY well. Outward behaviors may not match heart-felt emotions). e.g., there was some truth in what Job’s friends said, still not helpful. In this video, the speakers said that it’s never helpful to say “you will never suffer as much as Jesus did,” although I do think it can be helpful eventually to examine Jesus’ love, His suffering, and that He is with us — but do it by looking at Scripture and asking questions. At the end of this (short), Paul Tripp pointed out that “God gets it,” that “darkness is my closest friend” in Ps 88 is to give us hope. I thought of the study last week, how Jesus “got” the timing, for Lazarus, Mary, Martha (so that they would believe) as well as for himself (so that he could fulfill what he had come to do).
PT said something that contrasts with this (sorta). “We tend to categorize suffering… Answers diminish reality.
TT: God suffers for/with us “We have a faith that embraces suffering….realistic”
PT: “that’s absolutely true. The reason we’re talking about this is the ministry people are uncomfortable with that… we want to cover it up, words that will fix it, we want to get quickly back to happiness religion which is not the gospel. THe gospel is bloody brutal raw, the blood and guts of that are on every page of scripture, that is it’s hope , Ps 88 that says darkness is my closes friend is in Bible to give you hope because God gets it. That’s a very different thing than I am sort of uptight and nervous as your pastor and want to get you to a better place real quickly. that’s not my love for you That’s because I’m uncomfortable with it.
TT: “that I want to deal with my schedule.”This is helping me understand why I was uncomfortable with describing Mary and Martha by temperament and saying that some people need truth first, others need tears first. Jesus knew them well AND he had perfect timing. Jesus had very close relationship; therefore, even “truth first” would be in the context of trust with someone who is more trustworthy than we can imagine; the trust that comes about through tears already was in place.I think the only times I’d ever consider using Truth first with individuals during suffering are 1) if it wasn’t really first but might just be the most recent conversation, and 2) if I were mad and wanted to get even! (I might speak the truth first at a meeting though)
I’ll have to listen to the sermon more carefully, when I have some distance. What I think bothered me most WAS the clarity about truth and tears — and I have to dig deeper into Scripture to see if that principle is true for imperfect people with bad timing. Until then, I will use considerable caution with applying the “truth first for certain temperaments” with considerable caution, unless I am in a very close relationship — and even then, I’d first want the person to know they are heard.
Disclaimer: I’m not overly fond of temperament tests (mine DID change; that’s not supposed to happen! — and for the past decades have tested right down the middle of most categories); plus I’ve looked at the problems with reliability and validity. I know some Christians who appear to believe these tests are as authoritative as Scripture. I think there is “something to” temperament, but without examining other factors, I strongly believe that many psych tests/pegging people can be dangerous.
QUESTION ABOUT INTERPRETING SCRIPTURE: How do I know that Jesus just blurted out the truth to Martha? That he didn’t say anything else first? That she didn’t already know she absolutely could trust him? I know the Bible contains what we need to know, and I think the contrast how he responded to the two sisters is very interesting. But I question a clear application of this for us. Is showing both truth and tears a sign of spiritual growth? Maybe, if a person was clearly one way or the other in the first place. Professional training programs & university classes also teach listening, empathy, when/if/how to be directive. (that could be God’s truth showing up in the world).
Where, in Scripture, might I find examples of others using or teaching about truth/tears and who/when to use which approach?
Renee. I want to watch the video but haven’t yet, but I have also thought a lot about this since yesterday. (wrote a little more on last weeks’ blog at midnight last night). I agree about temperament tests. Have only done one in my life and don’t really remember what it said. I just know from years of observing myself that how I respond, say in comparison to how someone who is very close to me responds is pretty close to one being apt to begin with tears and the other with truth. One of us is a feeler and the other is a fixer. (which causes stress in our relationship sometimes). Like you said, I don’t know how we know exactly how to minister to others according to their temperament, but I do know that I lean more toward one than the other and I need to incorporate both. For example, this morning, a friend broke down in tears after church, when I was with her. This happens often. I know her very well. I usually just let her talk and affirm to her that I am ‘with her’. I don’t physically cry with her usually, but I affirm her tears. Today, I felt compelled to add more truth. Using some of the truth from the gospel side of the contrasting ‘chart’. I felt the Spirit lead. It wasn’t as much about her temperament as about me feeling compelled to go a bit away from my usual pattern of responding and utilize the other kind of response. If not for Keller’s message yesterday, I don’t think I would have felt prepared to do that. I think it was a good interaction.
Wanda, how did she respond?
Very well. This is a friend who is very fragile emotionally and I’ve known her for 20 years. She does have a ton of worries on her plate but she appreciated being reminded that God will never love us any more or any less than He does now. And that it’s not about our performance or how we look to others. She still has heavy burdens but I think maybe she felt a little lighter after we talked.
Wanda, I think you’ve hit the nail on the head; it’s about following the Spirit’s leading, being compelled. And being aware of truth and feelings. But if your friend is a feeler — and you’d never listened to her, she may not have been open to the truth.
It seems that the fixer/feeler also is a male/female stereotype that fits much of the time. Seems to me that most females want someone to listen first, even “fixers,” and that even for fixers, giving answers first probably isn’t the most helpful. I get “answers” from people I’m pretty sure are “feelers.” I wonder if we have a tendency to give answers but like receiving sympathy ????
Wanda and Renee, I feel enlightened by your exchange here about the feeler and fixer. I am a feeler (smile here) and often times struggle with how to share the truth. Keller’s sermon was so good.
Renee: I think your last statement is very true for many people. And often me too.
Ernema: I am smiling 🙂
I was thinking the same, Renee, following the Spirits lead. When I read your play by play conservation quotes above I was thinking…and where does the Holy Spirit come into play here? He is key our interactions with God and with others. I, like you, don’t give a tone of clout to the temperament tests. I have taken a couple and they do seem to peg me to some extent, but there again, being controlled and lead by the Spirit changes everything. =) He enables feelers to think (be enlightened) and thinkers to feel!
Renee, Thank you for the video, extremely helpful. I am intrigued by your conversation here about feelers vs. fixers. I am a huge fixer, I am afraid, and never knew it till the last year or two. I think something helpful to remember is that no matter how clear my “sins” or “hangups” (ie things to be fixed) are to those around me, until God opens MY eyes to it, it cannot be addressed. So how to follow the Spirit as Wanda said? Prayer, obviously but also I think your point about asking gentle questions AFTER sympathizing (and for more than two minutes, perhaps even years?) can be helpful, I know that his approach has been a tool God has used in my life to open my eyes.
Question: Is saying the phrase, “That is so hard.” helpful? In place of or in addition to “I’m sorry.” And when you pray for someone that you are sympathizing is it still not ok to say things like “We don’t know what you are doing here God but…” in your prayers? For someone suffering is this equally unhelpful even if it is directed toward God, but they can hear it?
Jill – my intent was to read through comments as best I could quickly this a.m. Your Question intrigued me. This weekend I read the book “Rejoicing in Lament: Wrestling with Incurable Cancer and Life In Christ”, by J. Todd Billings. As I’ve been telling everyone (practically!) that I’ve talked to this weekend – please read this book if you can!!! Todd is a highly respected theologian who has written – out of the pain of his own diagnosis at 39 with incurable cancer – a very accessible book! Every page bleeds the gospel, the cross…..incredible!!
Thanks for the book ‘review’ Jackie! Just yesterday in my fellowship class (I described what happened a bit in an earlier post) I suggested that we ought to do a study of lament. I finally bought ‘A Sacred Sorrow’ that Nila has recommended often and now this is another great resource. I feel like the Lord is leading here.
Of course Jesus is the most wonderful Counselor because He can see hearts and know what approach is best — and we must endeavor to be sensitive to His Spirit. Praying He will show us.
Calling my flight!
E. Think about ways you have tried to seek your own glory. How could seeing this as a glory issue instead of a moral issue help you overcome? I fall into a “consumer” mentality. I seek my own glory by looking at life as a means to do what I want. This sometimes masks itself as “good” such as Bible study, fellowship, etc., but my heart intent is still making my life look the way, feel the way, deliver in what I want. It is only when I consider myself a servant to bring Him glory that I suddenly find joy in service. My perspective switches to contentment in opportunity to bless the people He loves, rather than seeking to be blessed. God is in the “interruptions.” To trust God and give thanks FOR my life circumstances (small to big, whatever it may be) puts the center firmly where it belongs – Giving Him the glory.
What stood out? Oops.. not sure what I did, but answer to first question disappeared. I was more specific in what ended up in never-never land (didn’t even trigger security).I’ll summarize by saying EVERYTHING stood out, including the title. I love the Weight of Glory, particularly the quote about desires being too weak. The whole concept gives me hope and affirms that it is okay to seek His Glory with every fiber of my being and helps me from becoming too cynical when I run into resistance for being too passionate about honoring Him, and pursuing what is true, noble, right, excellent…I also love the TIMING of this study.
2. Whatever you have chosen for your Lenten discipline, how could this concept of the weight of glory transform your thinking and behavior? Be specific.
I chose to be more intentional about worship, approaching Him in worship morning and night. (the morning part is going better than the evening).
Worship IS seeking His glory. Spending time with Him, worshipping Him is self-perpetuating. I love Him and desire to worship Him because He loved me first. When I spend time worshipping him and prayerfully seeking him through His word (vs just doing an academic exercise), I behold Him, his love for me, and I want to seek His approval, because I know him, love him, and trust him. This changes my whole perspective. I want to do what honors him because I love him; I want His approval because I love him. Knowing I have his approval and his love through Jesus’ work on the cross increases my love; I know my works don’t earn my righteousness. But focusing on Him helps me want to “behave myself” (in His eyes) — though the “right behaviors” aren’t necessarily an intentional decision; they’re more automatic because I am resting in Him and am more relaxed in His safety.They are a response to His love.
Specifically, 1) time with Him in the morning: Sometimes it’s hard to disengage myself from directly spending time in worship, studying Scripture, prayer. But I’m not always able to spend 2 or 3 hours 🙂 Some days, I have to be somewhere EARLY. In the past, I would have said, “not today. I don’t have time. The other days are enough.” But I’ve started to say, “5 minutes is okay.” Then, it’s hard to stop, but I do have to follow through with “butt in chair” someplace else. The 5 minutes, and the other time I am with Him carry through; I am aware of His presence and looking forward to more undistracted time with Him.
2) Awareness of the safety I have when I’m in His presence relaxes me. I am most obnoxious when I feel threatened or feel as if I “need” someone else’s approval. I do believe that as I desire His approval more, my desire for approval of others will become less important. My reasons for not seeking the approval of others are changing. e.g., I sometimes don’t care about peoples’ approval because I don’t like or respect them. Amazingly, my empathy and respect for those who have hurt me have increased as I seek God’s approval. Then relationships become more positive, too. That can be good — unless I allow myself to be sucked back into to having “good relationships” and approval as my goal. Sometimes approval from others requires thoughts and behaviors that do not honor God; then there is more tension in those relationships. But I know I have the approval of the one who loves me most, and the disapproval and lies don’t bother me (quite!) as much. The “weight of glory” refers to this life as well as the next. Knowing that He loves me and approves of me increases my desire to be and do what honors him. I know I have settled for making muddies in the slum rather than accepting his grace to experience holidays at the sea! Maybe I don’t have to make the best of a bad situation; when I see the Lord of Glory, some of the difficult and painful situations become less relevant. It is draining to run around avoiding pain all the time, but I seek His glory, I am seeking pleasure.
1. What stands out to you from above?
This introduction is convicting! wow, I must decrease and He must increase…
I pondered the topic first “The weight of glory”, then I studied the comparison chart.
It was easy to say. my petitions are not the most important. Now looking back at my prayers, how much do
I lift up petitions and how much time do I spend on praise and adoration. This week is definitely going to
be my test. May I have my main purpose to be fellowship with God.
2. Whatever you have chosen for your Lenten discipline…My confession is that I made a choice to study
The Pursuit of God, by A.W. Tozer. I never posted this and I read 3 chapters and found it difficult…
So today I went back to the book and underlined the difficult concepts. ” Self is the opaque veil that hides the face of God from us.”
To be specific the self-sins listed are self-righteousness, self-pity, self-confidence, self-sufficiency, self-admiration, self-love, and others.
We must bring our self sins to the cross for judgment. Each chapter ends with a prayer. Chapter 3 which is Removing the Veil ends with
this prayer:Lord, how excellent are thy ways, and how devious and dark are the ways of man. show us how to die, that we may rise again to newness of life. Rend the veil of our self-life from the top down as Thou didst rend the veil of the temple.
I will return to this study for it is just where I need to be. May God change this heart of mine that is so introspective and may I focus instead on his incredible love that he died for me.
Shirley, you are not alone in this…… me too ~ May God change this heart of mine that is so introspective and may I focus instead on his incredible love that he died for me.
Shirley, thank you for posting quote’s from Tozer. I so often wear the veil of self.
So good, Shirley. I have often thought of reading Tozer and haven’t yet. I can see the depth and how it’s sinking into your heart.
Shirley, Thank you for sharing from Tozer. The prayer you quoted is absolute gold.
Shirley, I too am impressed with the quote and prayer from Tozer. I see the opaque veil of self in myself as well. I am thinking perhaps Tozer’s “The Pursuit of God” needs to be on my reading list as well.
Thanks for posting this, Shirley…I have “The Pursuit of God”…read it several years ago at the recommendation of a good friend. After reading your comment I can see that a re-reading is called for. I think that where I was at several years ago differs from where I am at now and a second reading will bring much more to light for me. The Tozer quote nails it…our tendency to focus on “self” draws us from the primary focus of the Lord.
The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis (9 pages), in case anyone is interested: http://www.verber.com/mark/xian/weight-of-glory.pdf
Thanks, Renee. I will look for it. So blessed to be on this blog. The Lord is good to bring me here and learn from you all.
Thank you, Renee! You are a fabulous Internet sleuth! =D
Yeah, thanks for the pdf, Renee.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The comment about breaking a rule vs being like Esau. My thought when I read that was wow, if I am doing that then I am not in the right place, even if I am doing it a little. I searched myself about whether that was a truth in my life and unfortunately I think in some situations I am like that, not all, but some. But then I read on about the religion vs gospel in prayer and I have to admit that I go up and down on this one too. Shortly before my dad passed, my prayers were for the Lord’s glory in my dad’s illness, regardless of the outcome, then after he passed I think my prayers have returned to the “check list” without me even realizing I was doing that. This now has me analyzing myself of in what area’s I am hanging onto my glory. Again more than there should be. If there is even one, it is too many. One that I can think of was at work, in mid January the company had lay-offs (my job is okay), however my boss was let go. A number of people were telling me that they were expecting me to be promoted from supervisor to manager. I listened and started thinking about that and rather than truly leaving it in God’s hands, I was making my own plans. I was praying, but in hind sight, they were my own plans. Sure enough no promotion and the status quo remains. I know this is from God as I think my pride would have leaned towards my own glory, which is not what the Lord wants. I am content, most of the time as I am grateful I have a job when so many others lost theirs. I find that when someone says what “should” have happened, I have to really pay attention not to let myself get in the way. Even my job is supposed to be about His glory not mine.
2. Whatever you have chosen for your Lenten discipline, how could this concept of the weight of glory transform your thinking and behavior? Be specific.
My books have arrived and I started ready Abba’s Child this week. I have just finished the Impostor chapter and boy can I see much of my history in that chapter. I am still grappling with Manning’s point about calling out the impostor, accepting and embraced as an integral part of my total self. But then as I read the CS Lewis quote that “Nothing in you that has not died will ever be raised from the dead.” made me think of the chapter I have just finished reading. If the impostor remains hidden and buried then part of my true self is missing and Christ wants the whole of me. If he does not have the whole, then the part I keep “hidden” is not about His glory. I have started the chapter on Beloved and noted the part about forgiving ourselves. While I was reading the study today, the thought came that if I am constantly beating myself up about the things I mess up on and Christ has forgiven me, then I am not trusting that Christ is enough and I am weighing my glory more heavily than God’s. I am not sure any of this makes any sense, but I am sensing that the Lord is using both the book and the blog at the same time to reinforce the same point about the areas that need to be brought out and handed to Him permanently.
Mary, I appreciate your sharing about the job and the expectations you were making but now realizing that it is God’s plan for you to be where you are. That contentment (instead of a ‘sour grapes’ attitude) says so much. Your words about your prayers going up and down make me see myself too. If I’m really honest, I lean on the religion side of that fairly often. So good to spur one another on here.
The title grabbed my attention, as I saw it this morning on FB. I’ve not been a regular in your online study, Dee, but I catch a title or read a post on occasion. The reason the title literally grabbed me is that I just discovered yesterday CSLewis’s sermon on The Weight Of Glory. I am reading Washed And Waiting by Wesley Hill (chapter 3, p 131) right now and he referenced this sermon in depth. I am struggling with a deep seated sin/desire that I’ve never allowed myself to face, a fear of being disobedient and the need to be perfect (be a good Christian woman). My counselor is helping me to face my fears and expose them into the light where healing can begin, calling it generational shame.
Lewis’s quote “It would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak…we are far too easily pleased,” is what stands out for me. I so often settle for the immediate gratification of what is so very much short of what Jesus desires to give me. I struggle in letting Him love me and I reject His grace and mercy, thinking I need to earn it. As I wrestle inside with my weak desires, I am learning via Hill’s book that God cannot wait to bless me and shower upon me his accolades as He changes and transforms me to become who He created me to be. He is glorified in His work in my life, and that means I can begin to be satisfied with my own work – my life and my imperfect efforts to serve and love God – now (P 141).
For this year, I am choosing one word to focus on – grace. I understand grace in my mind, but I cannot grasp grace deep in my soul. So daily for this entire year, not just during Lent, I am reading about and meditating about God’s grace for me. It is morphing into the word, Held. Many contemporary Christians songs speak on this and I remind myself often of how much I am loved by God. I will try my best to stick out this week’s study as I look forward to hearing others comments and thoughts as well as what God will teach me. Thanks for this topic, Dee!
Carol, Welcome! It seems God is surrounding you with this message, which must be such a sign of His love and care for you. We are so glad to have you here.
Carol – it was a thrill to read your comments here this morning – God is clearly working deep, deep in your soul. Welcome to our little fellowship!! With the theme for this season of your life being grace…..you will find grace in abundance here with these sisters! 🙂
Welcome, Carol! Glad you jumped in. I’m pondering your thought here. And I like what I’m seeing. Thinking about being held in his arms, held by the truth, held and shielded from the enemy. Sounds like grace IS seeping into your soul.
Thank you for all the Welcomes! Indeed, I have been doing a lot of deep thinking lately, as the Lord challenges me to step outside my comfort zone of hiding and stuffing, to instead be open, vulnerable and honest with him, my therapist, and friends. As I reflect daily on His love, grace and mercy for me, I am overwhelmed (as the new contemporary song says)! And being welcomed into this group overwhelms me as well. I am also overwhelmed by how many posts in this blog u all make. I may not keep up on all the reading, but will do my best to keep tuned in and post as I can.
Welcome, Carol…glad that you posted. We all do the best we can with reading the comments, but as I’m sure you can tell from this delayed post, sometimes we get behind as I am behind…:) The bible study is primary, but the comments are rich, even if read at times in a delayed fashion.
Carol, welcome! Your post is very thought-provoking…that Lewis quote also stood out to me. So good to see how you are focusing on His grace, and how He is adding to that the word, Held.
Carol,
Welcome to this safe and gracious place.
1. 1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
“WHEN WE CHOOSE WHAT WE WANT IN THE MOMENT, WITHOUT CONSIDERING GOD’S GLORY, WE ARE WEIGHING OUR GLORY AS HEAVIER THAN GOD’S GLORY.”
I see that too often I forget to remember His glory and choose what I want in the moment. The lie is deep and even when I see negative consequences to poor choices, the moment of believing the lie sometimes seems irresistible.
The CS Lewis quote calls to my spirit. “Nothing in you that has not died will ever be raised from the dead. Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in.” This is my heart’s desire but dying is hard. It seems I go a few steps forward and then look back. Will I never get it right? Turning my face again and yet again toward Christ is my only hope.
Diane, I understand ~ Turning my face again and yet again toward Christ is my only hope.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? The first sentence is a thought I’ve never heard expressed like this before and it really stood out. Sin is not a moral issue but a glory issue.
“….to take a truth and praise until the spark becomes a flame takes time. I often feel too busy, but that is because I am weighing my glory as heavier than God’s. This is paradigm changing. ”
Just reading these words strikes the beginning of a change in me. And I see how much I fall short. If I can, by God’s grace, see this shift begin to happen in my own life, the paradigm will indeed be changed. I’m so looking forward to diving in again.
If I can add a general comment; I’d like to say that the religion vs. the gospel components on the chart are really starting to hit home and I’ve had opportunity to share and apply the gospel in several separate instances in the past two weeks. A couple of the points have really been sinking in and I’m finding myself shifting in my own thoughts as well as encouraging others. This is the Lord’s hand! We had an incredibly honest and emotional discussion in our fellowship class this morning, that sprang from a weekend conference at our church where Josh McDowell was the speaker. I doubt that the intent of the conference was to have this effect, and I actually had reservations about some of McDowell’s teaching this morning (I didn’t attend the conference but heard him speak this morning), but oh, the wounds that were opened as at least 7 adults (5 of them; men) shared the pain, abuse and wounding in their childhoods. Some are still very open wounds (all of these people are in their upper 50’s/early 60’s). Suffice it to say, that it’s been quite a day. It’s so good to open our hearts to one another. (this group is pretty close usually, but today’s sharing really brought it to another level). A dear friend shared through tears, as a closing thought, the affirmation that we have a Savior/God who entered into our suffering as no other belief system has. Which was exactly what I’ve been gleaning from this study and some personal reading of late. Afterwards, I spent quite awhile with a sobbing friend whose struggle over failed parenting looms very large. In the not too distant past, I would have probably sunk into the same despair, but the truth that it is not in my performance, but in Jesus’ finished work that I find my identity; one of the components of the ‘chart’, came through loud and clear to me. In fact, I carry a copy of the religion vs. gospel chart with me and we talked about those things. The Spirit has been sinking truth deep into my soul lately. There were other major ‘moments’ in the past few days, as well. I am so grateful for the soul stirring truth and the life giving grace that is here in this place. It is making such an impact on my daily life.
UGH. I had trouble getting the block quotes in the right place and when I went to edit it, to be more clear, my whole comment ended up in bold. That was not my intent! I did bold the UGH at the beginning of this reply though!
Wanda, I feel your pain. UGH!
🙂 Glad I’m in such good company, Mary!
Hmmm — sounds like you are a bit hard on yourself, Wanda. I loved what you wrote!
Very cool about what is soaking in. Even in bold 😉 Maybe it’s boldly soaking in! (and I just has to edit because I made a typo and wrote “soaking gin” — definitely not what I meant). I do think that what we are learning helps me be more bold & confident.
Giggling about the gin. 🙂
Me, too, Wanda! Gin. Hah!
Glad you aren’t soaking gin.
🙂
Me too, Wanda. Thank you for this ~ I am so grateful for the soul stirring truth and the life giving grace that is here in this place. It is making such an impact on my daily life.
Wanda, I appreciated all this post… tried to pick one thing to highlight that I really appreciated, but I really appreciate all of it.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The quote by Bernard Malamud: “If your train’s on the wrong track, every station you come to is the wrong station.” This is particularly true in our choices to follow the Religion track or the Gospel track. As is posted above, even our prayers can be headed to the wrong station, if we are stuck in the “petition mode” instead of the “praising mode.”
2. Whatever you have chosen for your Lenten discipline, how could this concept of the weight of glory transform your thinking and behavior? Be specific.
I chose to memorize the Sermon on the Mount as my Lenten discipline. So how could the concept of the weight of glory figure in here? I am memorizing these verses to discipline my own heart. Most of the Sermon on the Mount is instructive, and hopefully I will be more aware of these instructions by having them memorized to govern my actions, then it would be for the weight of God’s glory. If, however, I were to use the memory of these verses to chasten others, that would be for the weight of my own glory.
Deanna, I often get stuck in the “petition mode” rather than the “praise mode”. I may have to make a drawing of a train track with the praise mode. 🙂
Good distinctions about the ways the ‘weight of glory’ concept applies, Deanna. I hadn’t quite figured out the question until I read your clear answer! Now I can think about mine.
2. Struggling to understand this question, so I will skip for now.
3. Read John 12:20-26
A. What entreaty did the Greeks make of Philip?
They wanted to see Jesus.
B. Do you have this hunger in your heart? If not, pray for it. If so, then ask God to show you how to increase your communion with Him. Write your prayer here.
Dearest Lord, I get so bogged down with life that I don’t always come to you as I should. Thank You for understanding my negligence. I would like to “see” You more; be with You, to commune together. Will You show me how to accomplish this in the everyday tasks of life? Show me how to fit it all in? Amen.
2. Whatever you have chosen for your Lenten discipline, how could this concept of the weight of glory transform your thinking and behavior? Be specific.
That when someone, or something, or my fleshly desires vie for my time that I have set aside for my lenten discipline I choose Him instead because my deeper desire is that I want Him more-it comes from Him and I want more of Him, but I am giving Him the weight of Glory by putting aside myself for Him-dying to myself to submit to Him.
3. Read John 12:20-26
A. What entreaty did the Greeks make of Philip? They want to see Jesus.
B. Do you have this hunger in your heart? If not, pray for it. If so, then ask God to show you how to increase your communion with Him. Write your prayer here.
Lord Jesus I want you but clearly I haven’t shed off all my skin yet. There are places where I am holding back dying for you-I am hesitant. Bring them out and give me the strength to yield to you in those places..To die to myself but gain so much more of your beauty in me. There is no better place to be..nothing is better than you. Strip me of pride and self seeking glory..and I tremble as I write this because I know pain will come but I trust you will be my salve. Help me to turn my face from the things that hinder communion with you-or the desires I think are better at the moment-ones I need to fulfill instead of letting you fill them up. Lord may the cry of my heart be that you receive all the Glory in my life for I am yours..bought with a price..I am no longer mine.
3B. Do you have this hunger in your heart? If not, pray for it. If so, then ask God to show you how to increase your communion with Him. Write your prayer here.
Oh dear Lord, time with You is so precious…You open me to things I have never before seen or understood. I am so grateful for your patience with me; I know that there is much to be transformed in me, but You are patient, kind, and faithful. Continue to open my eyes, my ears, my mind, my heart to see all that You would have me attend to; may I release what is mine and take in what is You. May I keep You primary in my life. Thank You, Lord for Your love and guidance.
3C. Jesus does not answer directly, but He does answer. First, in verses 23-24 He tells what He must do to be glorified.
Jesus had to sacrifice Himself in coming to earth and taking on our humanity, and ultimately suffering complete separation from God in His death all in order to save us. Without Jesus’ sacrifice (the seed planted in the ground), there would be none that could be with the Lord, we would all be destined to hell since the Lord cannot tolerate sin and we are all sinful; only with the cloak of Jesus’ righteousness covering us are we worthy to be in the presence of the Lord (the rich harvest).
3. Read John 12:20-26
A. What entreaty did the Greeks make of Philip? “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”
B. Do you have this hunger in your heart? If not, pray for it. If so, then ask God to show you how to increase your communion with Him. Write your prayer here. I do see this hunger in my heart, but as C.S. Lewis said, it is too weak and easily pushed aside. God, Forgive my weak hunger and my tendency to give into life instead of giving into You. Give me a hunger that is insatiable for Your Word, Your voice, Your presence. Let eternity be stamped on my eyeballs, that I would seek You first and all else THROUGH you. That you would not be first in my life but in ALL of my life. Be my elephant in the room, overflow Your joy and hunger into my hands, feet, mouth, eyes… God, THANK YOU! That you are patient, kind, and gentle with me in my failing ways, and THANK YOU that you continue to woo me and kiss me back to the place where my hunger overtakes once again. You alone are worthy of heart hunger and praise. Amen.
C. Jesus does not answer directly, but He does answer. First, in verses 23-24 He tells what He must do to be glorified. He must die, but in His death He will be glorified and bear much fruit.
D. Then, in verses 25-26 He tells what we must do to experience glory. Put this in your own words. This is harder than it seems…. my own words… We must hate this life and serve Him. If we love this life the most we will eventually lose it, going to hell (?), and experience true “lack of life” (no presence of God). But if we can see this life is but a ‘mere shadow’ of the ultimate life (heaven) then we will indeed enter into true life (heaven and restored to God fully). In seeing this we lay down the things of this world, knowing they are not things to be held tightly, but tools of God to woo and love and minister, and serve Him fully which will require the loss of our life here, be it in sacrificing comfort, control, approval of this world. But in loosing these things of life here we have free hands to fully grasp (and keep!) the things of heaven.
Thank you all for your prayers for Omaha. Though I was weary Friday, Saturday was amazing. My planes were on time too. Now headed home until Thursday when I drive to a retreat center sw of Chicago where tech seems very iffy, So I continue to be SO thankful for your prayers.
From one of my daily email devotions I got this morning (Life Spring Network), Jesus continues to speak to me from many sources:
“O Jesus, fill me with your love now, and I pray, accept me, and use me a little for your glory. O do, do, I pray, accept me and my service, and take all the glory.”
David Livingstone, 1813-1873 Scottish medical missionary, explorer in Africa and anti-slavery advocate
“For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Hebrews 6:10-12
Encouraging verse, Carol. Thanks very much. I want to be one of the “imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises”.
What spoke to me? The CS Lewis quote “submit to death, death of ambitions and favorite wishes…submit with every fibre of your being…” Powerful. The act of salvation is just the beginning of the sanctification process, which is what Lewis is addressing. As believers, we are to continually bring the ugly parts of our being to the cross to be crucified. As a young believer, we tend to bring events to the cross where we made the wrong choice, but as a mature believer we need to remember to bring attitudes and thought processes to the cross as these are the hidden items through which Satan can get a foothold in our life.
Lenten Discipline – I am trying to just slow down and take the time for re-establishing spiritual disciplines of which Bible Study, prayer, and fellowship are so critical. I am also waiting on God to direct me to my next ministry in my retirement life. Presently I am singing again with the choir, preaching and leading Sunday services about once a month at a Nursing Home, and helping my husband with his pastoral ministry. I am considering taking more course work to qualify as a local pastor, but God has not pushed me there yet.
3. Read John 12:20-26
A. What entreaty did the Greeks make of Philip?
They asked to see Jesus.
B. Do you have this hunger in your heart? If not, pray for it. If so, then ask God to show you how to increase your communion with Him. Write your prayer here.
Yes, I do have that hunger to see Jesus. I think that is one of the reasons I am here participating on this Bible Study blog. It is the reason I sign up to attend Christian women’s conferrences, and why I spend time in prayer with Him each day. I want to see Jesus, to see His perspective on the world, to feel His leading, and to gain His wisdom.
Dear Lord Jesus, Even though I seek you out, I know there is no such thing as too much communion with you, for you desire our constant commitment and attention. Help me see you in new ways and recognize you in new places in my life. Please tighten my bonds with you, and fill me with your joy! I pray this in Your Holy Name. Amen.
C. Jesus does not answer directly, but He does answer. First, in verses 23-24 He tells what He must do to be glorified.
He is explaining that he must die and be raised to be glorified. He compares what he must go through to the planting of a single grain of wheat. The seed must enter the earth and die, but to die enables the production of much fruit.
D. Then, in verses 25-26 He tells what we must do to experience glory. Put this in your own words.
We must be willing to focus on eternal life with Christ to the point that it seems we “hate” our earthly lives. If we spend all our energies on perpetuating this present life, we lose out on Christ’s kingdom. If we lose our selves in building up His kingdom, then all the things that try to snag our attention here on earth will fade into the background, and will not be as important to us. We will become more like Christ.
I posted answers to 3 A-D this morning. I saw it on the blog, even edited it twice. I did not at any time see the red security notice. My post was still visible when I left the blog. Now it is nowhere to be seen. I know I am not the only one having problems, and I don’t expect anything to be done about it. My past experience with this sort of thing is that it corrects itself some time during the same day. So I will wait until tonight, and if it doesn’t show up by then, I will do my best to reconstruct it all.
Deanna — I don’t know why this happens to you. I know Elizabeth and some others put their comments in word documents first. At least then you don’t lose it and don’t have to reconstruct. Just an idea, But I am sorry this brings you so much grief.
2. Whatever you have chosen for your Lenten discipline, how could this concept of the weight of glory transform your thinking and behavior? Be specific. I have this book, ‘The Weight of Glory’ which includes several essays, the first one having that title. I read the essay this morning. I’ve read pieces before, but wow, there is just SO much in the entire essay. I don’t dare begin to comment or I will be here all day. I encourage everyone to read the essay if you can! (Renee posted a link). I needed a hard copy though, because a lot of highlighting and margin writing was necessary for me to breathe in as much as I could. SO many quotables and more importantly, concepts, to really take pause and ponder.
I am reading in the book of Isaiah for Lent. With the study here, chronological daily reading, a Keller book and incidental reading, I haven’t begun memorizing yet, but I have been reading from Ch. 40-53. I want to memorize again, Isaiah 53. I last did this about 15 years ago. If I look at this in light of ‘the weight of glory’, I see now, how I need to approach this, not as ‘another great thing to read’ and not as ‘something else I can add to my list’…..which I just did, because that is sometimes how I approach things; another thing ‘accomplished’. I need to take pause and let God speak to me. I need to let this reading (the profoundly moving words that describe the suffering servant) penetrate my heart. One thing that Lewis says in the Weight of Glory essay is that….”St Paul promises to those who love God not, as we should expect, that they will know Him, but that they will be known by Him“. (I Cor. 8:3) How often I can feel a sense of self-righteous pride that ‘I know God’ when I spend time reading His Word and studying it. But, how I need to adore, worship and delight in the God who knows me.
Yes, Wanda…focusing on the God who knows me puts the glory back on Him, and gives us an amazement that the Creator of the universe takes notice of us! Yet, it seems so common in our Christian way of speaking today that we say things like, “Do you know God?”
I thought the same, Susan. I hadn’t really thought of it this way before, so it made me take notice.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
“Keep back nothing. Nothing that you have not given away will be really yours. Nothing in you that has not died will ever be raised from the dead.”-Lewis
“WHEN WE CHOOSE WHAT WE WANT IN THE MOMENT, WITHOUT CONSIDERING GOD’S GLORY, WE ARE WEIGHING OUR GLORY AS HEAVIER THAN GOD’S GLORY.”-Dee
2. Whatever you have chosen for your Lenten discipline, how could this concept of the weight of glory transform your thinking and behavior? Be specific.
Dee had said to consider where we run when bored, lonely, afraid…I have been asking Him to stop me from running to those old places. I am running instead to His arms as my Abba. He is uncovering wounds, some 40-years-old. He is holding me. There are so many things I want, physically, emotionally, relationally—but at their core, they are all aimed at my own glory. They are all futile attempts to bandage wounds and fill my own cup. And if I am seeking my own glory, I will continue to feel rejected, disappointed, empty. Oh turn my eyes to seek His glory—to seek Him, hold nothing back, fearlessly surrender. Free. Help my unbelief.
I’ve been asking Him to show me, tell me, help me really believe His love for me. He showed me a verse I had forgotten about, but it moved my soul. The end of Matthew 10:31, He says “Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” We know He cares for the sparrows, yet He grants me more value than many, many sparrows. For years I have carried a sense of feeling ‘forgettable’, or not really having a whole lot of value. I don’t mean to sound pathetic, I know His truth, but it is an old favorite lie of the Enemy for me. So when He showed me this a few mornings ago, it stuck. An in all honesty, I went out from my house that morning, an “ice” day for us, and counted 10+ birds all over our driveway (not sure if they were sparrows, but oh how it moved me!) I am feeling a deeper, “inner smile” in my heart these days. A re-writing of my story. I am a deeply-loved child of my Father, unforgettable to Him.
Oh, Elizabeth, I love your thoughts and the picture of the sparrows. Oh, I can see God working so deeply in you, healing old wounds. It is such a beautiful thing!
Elizabeth, your entire post stood out to me, especially “I have been asking Him to stop me from running to those old places.” they are so easy to run to. The picture of the birds over your drive way, oh that would have moved me as well. I loved the end, may that be prayer of each day to remember that we are “unforgettable to Him”.
This is a beautiful post, Elizabeth. Sometimes, you give words for things I do but had no name for…”There are so many things I want, physically, emotionally, relationally-but at their core, they are all aimed at my own glory. They are all futile attempts to bandage wounds and fill my own cup. And if I am seeking my own glory, I will continue to feel rejected, disappointed, empty.” This stood out because rejection and disappointment are things that I feel a lot. Lord, help me, too, to stop running to those old places.
I love seeing what He is doing in you!
This stood out because rejection and disappointment are things that I feel a lot. Lord, help me, too, to stop running to those old places.
this broke my heart when I read it Susan. you are such a sweet spirit and it makes me so sad that you feel rejection! I am praying that this week you will feel an extra helping of love!! wishing I could give you a huge hug right now and tell you how amazing and beautiful you are!
Oh Cyndi…you just did (give me a hug)!
Feeling a deeper smile in my heart these days.
That underground unquenchable river.
“I am a deeply loved child ofmy father” what a wonderful reminder….it gave me a “deep inner smile” thanks for sharing Elizabeth.
Elizabeth, thank you for your post. …running to old places. Where do I run to, Lord? What are my old places that are only filled with disappointment, emptiness and rejection? Like Deanna’s prayers in a later posting, I long to tighten my bonds with Jesus. Help me, Lord. Thank you for showing me you love me for me and in spite of me. I don’t have to perform.
What an unexpected gift to come home to all of your encouragement–thank you. I am reminded how He loves to use the Body, and especially this one here in my life, to encourage us on in this journey. So thankful for you all~
Well my prayer is gone, I forgot to put my name and when I hit submit I guess it bypassed the blog and went straight to the Lord.
I did want to say that the prayers that were posted earlier today were such a gift to me. I had wanted to use my time on the way to work to be completely focused on the Lord. Reading the prayers really helped me to do that and I could relate and say amen to all of them. Thank you for each of your words, even though they were your prayers to the Lord, they were such an encouragement to me.
and I remembered to put my name this time :).
“…..bypassed the blog and went straight to the Lord” . That made me smile, Mary. 🙂
Went straight to the Lord! 🙂
C. Jesus does not answer directly, but He does answer. First, in verses 23-24 He tells what He must do to be glorified.
He says that he must die. He compares what he has to do to a grain of wheat, that the only way for the wheat to be of any benefit, it must die and become a seed which will result in a full harvest.
D. Then, in verses 25-26 He tells what we must do to experience glory. Put this in your own words.
That if you love your life, it is more important to you and although you will have your earthly life, you will lose your eternal life. If however you are not looking for earthly gain and you choose to serve Christ then the Father will honour you. In order to serve the Lord, you must follow him. I think this means that what he wants for me should be more important to me than what I want for me. The more I seek what he wants, the better off I will be, the closer I will be to him.
My do-over:
3. Read John 12:20-26
A. What entreaty did the Greeks make of Philip?
They said they wanted to see Jesus.
B. Do you have this hunger in your heart? If not, pray for it. If so, then ask God to show you how to increase your communion with Him. Write your prayer here.
I do have this hunger in my heart. It is one of the main reasons that I participate in this Bible Study Blog. It is why I attend Christian women’s conferences, and why I spend time in prayer with Christ. I hunger to see things from His perspective, and I very much want His leading and His wisdom in my life.
Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for being accessible and available to us at all times. Even though I seek you daily, I know you desire that we would be in constant communion with you. I want that to be my goal, Dear Lord. I so long to tighten my bonds with you. Please help me to recognize you in more places in my life, and I ask that you will open me up and change me so I am more like you. Amen.
C. Jesus does not answer directly, but He does answer. First, in verses 23-24 He tells what He must do to be glorified.
Jesus tells them that He must die in order to be glorified. He compares it to the planting of a grain of wheat, as it must be buried in the earth and it must die so that fruit may be produced.
D. Then, in verses 25-26 He tells what we must do to experience glory. Put this in your own words.
We must focus so much on our eternal life with Christ that it even seems as though we hate our earthly life. If we love our earthly lives too much and if we allow ourselves to be snagged into concentrating on perpetuating this life, then we will miss out on Christ’s eternal kingdom. However, if we allow ourselves to be consumed with His eternal kingdom and the things of the kingdom, we will find that the matters we feel are important in this world will fade into the background, and we will experience His joy and love.
Deanna — I know I am partly to blame — when I’m traveling and speaking I don’t get into approve comments as often. I think you have to be approved when you don’t sign in — or use a different device. But I will be on the road a lot this spring, so I ask for your patience.
Dee, I am patient — really I am. In fact, I was kicking myself that I didn’t save my answers in a text document, and then it wouldn’t take but a matter of seconds to repost. As sure as I get lax about saving my answers, that is when I get caught. I don’t think it is that I am not signing in — if that were the case, I am guessing I would not see the post at all. However, I do see it in its rightful place, supposedly saved on the blog, and even can edit it a time or two. But when I come back a couple of hours later, it is mysteriously gone! Don’t worry about it, Dee. I love a good mystery! 🙂
Deanna, I can relate. Same happened to me this week — usually I can figure out why; this time I’d edited, too, and it had been accepted already (some kind of a fluke). But I didn’t have the energy to repost — and I experienced a ton of benefit answering the question. At least, I’m not being graded 😉
It is a mystery. I don’t know why I often see your post needed to be confirmed as if you had not signed in. If I were more techy I’d know. But thanks for your patience.
Mary-Canada, I too got a chuckle out of your “my prayer is gone, ,…I guess it bypassed the blog and went straight to the Lord.”…:)
3D. Then, in verses 25-26 He tells what we must do to experience glory. Put this in your own words.
To experience the glory being a disciple of Jesus, I must be self-sacrificing rather than self-seeking…I must love others with genuine love, concern, and care rather than focusing on self and what is good for me solely. It means dying to one’s self, death to selfishness, self-absorption, self-focus, etc. and opening my heart and hands to the needs, cares, etc. of others.
Mary-Canada, I laughed at that, too. Because that’s become my perspective, too, when posts disappear. Even when my posts aren’t prayers, my heart is praying as I’m pondering — and maybe some of those should go right to the Lord 🙂
Nanci–I so see this in you “I must love others with genuine love, concern, and care”. Do you still make the dresses for girls living in poverty? I always see such thoughtful compassion in you~
You are such a dear, Elizabeth…thank you for your kindness. I have not been doing much sewing these days; I work full-time during the academic year and typically don’t get much sewing done September-May.
E. Think about ways you have tried to seek your own glory. How could seeing this as a glory issue instead of a moral issue help you overcome?
When I seek others’ affirmation or approval, I am losing sight of “the primary”…bringing glory to my Lord. When I do my job with integrity, doing the best job possible because that is the right thing, this brings glory to the Lord. When I do my job seeking the praise and affirmation from others, that is a glory issue. The quantity and quality of the work can be exactly the same; what differs is what is in my heart, what is prompting my efforts…love for the Lord or love for self.
Nanci, Yes. This: “The quantity and quality of the work can be exactly the same; what differs is what is in my heart, what is prompting my efforts…love for the Lord or love for self.” It is not what we do so much as why we do it. Good reminder.
Hey, Jill…happy Tuesday!…:)
E. Think about ways you have tried to seek your own glory. How could seeing this as a glory issue instead of a moral issue help you overcome? I fall into a “consumer” mentality. I seek my own glory by looking at life as a means to do what I want. This sometimes masks itself as “good” such as Bible study, fellowship, etc., but my heart intent is still making my life look the way, feel the way, deliver in what I want. It is only when I consider myself a servant to bring Him glory that I suddenly find joy in service. My perspective switches to contentment in opportunity to bless the people He loves, rather than seeking to be blessed. God is in the “interruptions.” To trust God and give thanks FOR my life circumstances (small to big, whatever it may be) puts the center firmly where it belongs – Giving Him the glory.
4A. What struggle do you see Jesus experiencing and what victory in this passage?
Jesus knows what is coming…He looks forward to bringing humanity home to His Father, but oh the physical, emotional, and spiritual pain He will endure to bring that about. Jesus finds victory in turning to God…to focusing on the glory that will be the Lord’s through His suffering and death, the glory of the Lord’s plan being fulfilled, through praying to the Lord.
B. Where is your struggle today in dying to self? What is the secret to victory?
Far too often I can be self-focused…the secret to my victory in these times is shifting my focus from self to the Lord. Affirming the Lord rather than self…looking to His plan rather than my own…resting in His provision rather than trying to create my own.
D. Then, in verses 25-26 He tells what we must do to experience glory. Put this in your own words.
okay everyone….I am truly struggling with the content this week. I usually have trouble deciphering the way Jesus talks; it seems like riddles to me and I’m not good with those. So, in these verses, it seems like He is saying the opposite…..the first part of verse 25 says if you love your life on earth then you lose it, and that’s it. Nothing else. But, in the second part of that verse says the opposite…if you hate your life you keep it for eternal life. So, it doesn’t matter if your love or hate your life on earth? Either way you lose? I suppose it’s all focused on this life…
verse 26 says if you follow Him, you will be honored by the Father. I get that part!
Laura, I think the real focus of this particular passage is idolatry versus faith. If I love my life so much, I will focus on me and therefore I will become my own idol. Rather, if I focus on God and His will, then, even if I die following Him I will still be alive because I will have eternal life.
It’s the word “it” that is throwing me off….”if you hate your life, you will keep it…” Keep the life I hate? Maybe I should go read other versions, duh (!). I get what He is trying to say, just I don’t see it being said!
I think what this is saying is that if you give your life away. your time, your talents ect. that what you give away you will in the end keep and what you hold onto, what you insist on controling you will in the end lose all control as well as all joy. It not saying if you hate the way your life is going….its saying if you “hate” having control of your life….very similar as “unless you “hate” your mother and father you can not follow me” Hate is a bad word for it. unless you are willing to forsake would be better I think.
Laura, I have found the following http://www.biblehub.com/commentaries site helpful in deciphering what various texts(or words there in) mean…the specific URL for John 12:26 is: http://biblehub.com/commentaries/john/12-26.htm
Hope you find the site helpful too…:)
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The example of Esau is very powerful; it really gives me a picture in my head of what choosing sin looks like. I didn’t know that little verse was tucked into Hebrews 12, and the verse just before it, verse 16, begins with a warning against sexual immorality, and in the same sentence, brings in Esau, “who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.” Wow. I have been struggling recently with an “old sin” that has reared it’s ugly head again. To think of choosing to sin in a particular moment being like forfeiting my wonderful inheritance, or all the blessings and good things God has for me, for a “single meal”, is powerful. And that single meal, while seeming to taste really good at the moment, is really something that will leave me with an “upset stomach” afterward.
I am also intrigued by the C.S. Lewis quote, “It would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak…we are far too easily pleased.” Isn’t that my argument when I sin, that the desire to sin was too strong for me to overcome? When actually, my desire for something sinful is in reality a weak, pale desire for something that will, in my mind, gratify my need at that moment. I am pleased with a “Happy Meal” when I shouldn’t be. My taste should be for something far better; my desire for the better thing is too weak and I have trained my tastes to things that are inferior to the banquet that He has for me. This shows how deceptive sin is! And what a complete fool I can be.
2. Whatever you have chosen for your Lenten discipline, how could this concept of the weight of glory transform your thinking and behavior?
I had chosen to go through the book, Whiter Than Snow, which focuses on examining my heart and repentance, and to meet with God early in the morning. Yes, I’ve missed several mornings. I have made my own comfort (sleeping in a little, a nice, warm bed) as weightier than giving God His glory. And as I continue through this book, I can now begin to see my sin in the light of wanting my own glory more than God’s glory. It’s a different way to repent. Like Dee said above, I often feel I’m just too busy; it takes too much time. Something Jennifer Rothchild said in the video from last week, was that we are so busy thinking about what we deserve, that we don’t stop to consider what God deserves. I think that’s another way to say that the scale is tipped heavier on our side than God’s. I know I’m guilty of that.
1. SIN is more then a moral issue. Im struck by how it is really a relational issue. when we are in right relationship with our LORD we do not flee to sin but to HM. AND the more we give up of our own will, our own pride, our own control the more we are able to rest in the arms of the one one who has control.
do you want us to mem. 11:25 or 12:25?
I am the resurection and the life he who believes im me will live even though he dies
the man who loves his life will lose it but the one who hates this life will keep his life for eternity.
I seek my own glory in so many ways. I tend to over commit and neglect my first most important job as a mom and wife. I struggle to know what GOD wants me to do, what is the important and what is the urgent. So often i have people asking me for help and they REALLY need help. a ride to work, a ride to the dr. counseling, comfort, speak at a retreat, lead a parenting Bible study, make a meal ect…..its so hard to figure out what GOD has planned for ME to do and what HE wants me to leave for others. giving myself time with Jesus seems like such a luxury. just during this time that was supposed to be ALL HIS I have cleaned the kitchen, put a load of laundry in, answered an email, shopped for a couch and started dinner. HIS 2 hours has become HIS hour…..*sigh*
I realize this is not a definitive answer from Dee, but I thought I would share my interpretation. I think she wants us to memorize 12:25, but I think the error may be in question 4, as I think she means for us to read 12: 27-29. This is just my best guess, Cyndi!
So sorry Cyndi! Both good verses but Deanna is right: 12:25. And I went back and fixed it.
good to know…I thought I was going crazy!
B. Do you have this hunger in your heart? Yes, it’s so strong that it feels somewhat like physical hunger — most of the time lately. The hunger is almost painful. I LONG to be with Jesus & I can’t get enough. Maybe it’s similar to physical hunger in that if I fast too long, the hunger sensation goes away? Anyhow, This hunger has increased as we have been doing this Lenten Bible Study, and I’ve been spending much longer times with Him.
I also listened to/prayed “Show Us Christ” many times last week http://youtu.be/uLIi5SAVMRwI’m also wondering if some other “stuff” is now more automatically causing me to hunger more for Him– which, I guess, is good — doesn’t always feel good though.
E. Think about ways you have tried to seek your own glory. How could seeing this as a glory issue instead of a moral issue help you overcome?
This is a small thing, but I think it illustrates the point. I was in church board meeting, and I made a statement, trying to sway the board in a particular direction. It was a statement I of which I was proud. No one seemed to jump right on it at the time and take action. However, a little later the pastor reiterated my point, giving her support, but she accidentally attributed the statement to another board member. I confess I momentarily felt deflated that I wasn’t given credit due me. I resisted the urge to say, “I was the one who said that,” as it occurred to me that the content was what mattered and not that I be given credit. Truthfully, I believe God was the author, and no matter whether it was me or another board member, either would only be “the mouthpiece.” So the key to giving God the glory is to remember that apart from Him I can do absolutely nothing!
F. Write out John 12:25 without looking at it.
“Those who love their lives will lose them, and those who hate their lives in this world will keep them forever.”
Speaking of giving God the glory: I have been thrilled looking out my office window into my backyard to see exactly one dozen beautiful, red, male cardinals!!
Wow Deanna! A dozen??? Very cool! I’m still buried and getting tired of “putting on the gear” just to take my dog out….more snow last night.
Love those cardinals, Deanna! Have never seen that many males in one spot! We have a regular little flock of 10 or 11 coming and going all day. Usually more females than males. This winter it’s been 5 males.
E. Think about ways you have tried to seek your own glory. How could seeing this as a glory issue instead of a moral issue help you overcome?
Oh my! This could shift my perspective. Two examples that I didn’t think of as moral issues or glory issues at first glance:
1) I get SO frustrated & helpless-feeling when sin/wrong/evil continues around me (neither my frustration nor the overt wrong doing glorify God); desiring His glory and knowing He is in control could give me contentment in the midst of wrong-doing. Not only has fix-it mentality not helped the situation, it has become a moral issue. When I stuff my anger or hurt, I become a fake/live a lie. If I don’t stuff it, I become impatient.
2) Yesterday, I attended a meeting related to promoting businesses online. I couldn’t think of anything much worse than having 10,000 followers online (can’t even conceive of getting that many). I SO MUCH would rather remain hidden (just public enough to get stuff done). Superficially, that doesn’t sound too much like seeking my own glory. OH, but I am seeking my own glory; I’m even defining my own glory. Further, I am blocking God’s glory by being fearful of or too unmotivated to be “public.” Seeking God’s glory will free me from the fear and provide a ‘legitimate’ motivation (I sorta have a “this is pointless” attitude about many things, especially money — just need enough to survive in a cheap, tiny place — and health insurance:) ). Praying for God’s glory is so much more than a few words stuck in prayers. It’s the power of prayer. Seeing God’s glory, on earth as it is in heaven, could be the “fuel” for my life!
F. Write out John 12:25 without looking at it. Ha! I first read 11:25ff and saw that I knew the verses. I needed those verses at the time, though 🙂 Vs. 12:25 soaks in deeper after answering E.
4. Read John 11:27-29
A. What struggle do you see Jesus experiencing and what victory in this passage?
He was at the point where He had to choose whether to go forward, knowing that it meant his death on the cross, or whether He begged the Father to deliver Him from it. He knows that he must go forward in order to accomplish what he came to do – redeem mankind.
B. Where is your struggle today in dying to self? What is the secret to victory?
Compared to Jesus’ struggle, my struggles are absolutely nothing! I seem to frequently find myself put upon (my perspective). Yesterday I arrived home after running a number of errands my husband wanted us to do. My gimpy knee was throbbing. I still had to gaher the trash and put out the trash tote, feed the birds, prepare dinner, and prep the food for this morning’s breakfast at church. When I arrived at the church this morning, all those who arrived ahead of us were sitting at their table – waiting. No one had made coffee, no one had gotten out plates or plastic ware, or serving spoons for the food. So I turned in and did all of that. It was not my assignment! So at times like this, I find myself selfishly saying “Why me?!!” I need to die to self and shoulder up to being the servant I am called to be–the kind of servant Jesus demonstrated so wondrously. The secret to victory is to develop a mental “screensaver” that flashes me the scene of Jesus on the cross. So I think my knee hurts – how much did Jesus hurt on the cross? So I find I am having to do it all for everyone else – Jesus didn’t turn back, he went forward to fulfill God’s plan and redeem everyone else from our sins.
C. What did God the Father do when Jesus prayed in verse 28?
God the Father spoke and said “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
What did people think had happened?
They thought it was either thunder or an angel speaking to them.
Deanna, your answer to B is “spot on!” Love it!
Deanna, is this also supposed to be chapter 12, not 11? I’m so confused now…..chapter 11 isn’t about Him, but about Mary and Martha….
Deanna – “mental screensaver” !! Yes, that is what we need! =)
Hunger in my Heart? Yes, that is one of the ways I knew it was time to retire. Now I am seeking God’s new direction.
In my own words: In order to experience eternal life and to serve and bring glory to God, I must die to my own wants and needs. I must become so enmeshed with Christ that I am no longer seen, but Christ who is in me is the only one seen.
Glory Issue: It is not about me, rather it is all about Him. Praise God!
I like this Sherryl ” I must become so enmeshed with Christ that I am no longer seen, but Christ who is in me is the only one seen.”
Ditto!
D. Then, in verses 25-26 He tells what we must do to experience glory. Put this in your own words.
The more I try to fasten my tight grip on the life I think I want—the more I crush, suffocate, that very life. Life cannot survive in my clenched fist. I was thinking about the Leper (Luke 5:12), “when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him.” The man’s hand had been shriveled up from leprosy, but in the “stretching out”—showing release, and trust, faith…He heals. I have witnessed my own hands growing tired from holding such a tight rein—a grip fueled by fear, wanting to control, and weary from trying to hold back what may come. The only way to find life, is to entrust it to the Giver, and Sustainer, of Life.
E. Think about ways you have tried to seek your own glory. How could seeing this as a glory issue instead of a moral issue help you overcome?
Thinking in these terms, of trying to take God’s glory, of considering my own glory before His, is heart-altering! I need to keep this ever before me. It has the power to stop me from trying to make sure I get acknowledged, or heard. It stops me from wanting to defend myself, or inject my manipulating techniques. It takes my focus away from feeling sorry for myself. I can begin to see from a different perspective, I am no longer at the center. I become more the participant in Him being glorified instead of one who robs life by my preoccupation with myself and my wants.
He led me to an old favorite verse today: “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ”Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” Rom. 8:15-17–and it struck me anew as we are studying this week. I was thinking how when I seek my own glory, I inevitably suffer, but for nothing. Yet when I am willing to lay down my wants, even knowing it too may bring momentary suffering, because it is in submission to Him, He is glorified, and as His heir, I share in that glory with Him! Reminds me of Jim Elliot “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”