Sermon Title: Glory of God Alone

5 Solas of the Reformation:
- Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone
- Sola Fide – Faith Alone
- Solus Christus – Christ Alone
- Sola Gratia – Grace Alone
- Soli Deo Gloria – Glory of God Alone

Dr. Jason Allen - "The five solas are theological declarations—but they come with massive personal and congregational implications. If the solas are true, they provide the doctrinal infrastructure for our spiritual lives. They frame our Christian identities and ministries and are perennial touchpoints of theological and spiritual formation. The solas are not peripheral matters, positioned to entangle us in needless, tertiary doctrinal squabbles. The solas are the essence of the gospel. When we embrace them, we embrace the gospel. When we articulate them, we speak the gospel. When we live consciously of them, we live in the power of the gospel. Thus, the solas establish our Christian life, and they chart it forward."

One scholar - "It has been said that Soli Deo Gloria 'the glue that holds the solas together'; the way we view God influences everything about us. It influences how we parent our children. It influences our work ethic. Our view of God influences the way we relate to our spouse. It influences the way we worship. Indeed, the way we view God influences the way we live our daily lives."


I. Understanding the Glory of God

A. Defining God's Glory

Wayne Grudem , “The glory of God is not exactly an attribute of his being but rather describes the unmatched honor that should be given to God by everything else in the universe…In another sense, God’s glory means the bright light that surrounds God’s presence.”

Summarize for a short definition: God’s Glory is the weight of the majestic revelation of God.

B. Significance/Importance of God's Glory

The reason all things exist and the purpose for existence resounds in God's glory.

Westminster Shorter Catechism:
What is the chief end of man?
Answer: Man's Chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.

C. God's Glory in Scripture

3 Examples:
1. Exodus 33:18-23
2. Isaiah 6:1-5
3. Hebrews 1:1-4

D. Summary of Understanding God's Glory

This prevailing theme of God's glory is to show us God, allow for us to recognize the greatness of God, and to respond to God properly.


II. The Relationship between God's Glory and our Faithfulness

Jonathan Edwards - "From time to time (in Scripture), embracing and practicing true religion, and repenting of sin, and turning to holiness, is expressed by glorifying God, as though that were the sum and end of the whole matter."

Bible command - Ps. 29 - "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name"

God desires that His creation acknowledge Him as Creator & worship Him for who He is and what He does!

A. Faith

Schreiner - "The essence of faith...is that is grants glory to God. God is glorified in faith b/c he is honored as the all-sufficient one who can meet every need."

B. Worship

At the heart of worship, is the ascribing of glory to God.
- it is the claim that He is who He is
- it is the act that He is worthy of our devotion, time, energy, and submission

C. In All We Do

In all we do includes everything:
- Every step we take
- Every word we say
- Every action
- Every decision
- Everything

Glory of God impacts the way we spend our money.
Glory of God impacts our joy and happiness.
Glory of God motivates us to make the Gospel priority.