Exodus 34:29-35 | 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 | 1 Corinthians 10:31 | Scripture 2:22 | Scripture 3:33
Glory be!
‘Glory’ is not a word we use much these days outside of church. You might hear phrases like “No guts, no glory,” and that’s about it.
But have you ever thought about the Glory of the Lord? When Moses was exposed to God’s glory–even in a limited way–he fell down and worshiped. And it rubbed off on him, too.
When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord. So when Aaron and the people of Israel saw the radiance of Moses’ face, they were afraid to come near him.
Exodus 34:29-30 NLT
He glowed after the experience. No, literally…his face was so “radiant” it scared his friends and family.
Then he would give the people whatever instructions the Lord had given him, and the people of Israel would see the radiant glow of his face. So he would put the veil over his face until he returned to speak with the Lord.
Exodus 34:34-35 NLT
Can you imagine? It was so extreme, he put a veil over his face when he could, so the people wouldn’t have to squint around him.
God’s glory has not diminished at all since those days. In fact, it has increased!
The old way, with laws etched in stone, led to death, though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was already fading away. Shouldn’t we expect far greater glory under the new way, now that the Holy Spirit is giving life?
2 Corinthians 3:7-8 NLT
Wow! And these days…no more veil.
We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away. But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:13-14 NLT
Here we are, full of God’s glory through the Holy Spirit, and the word is: shine. God’s Spirit in us as believers is so great it cannot be contained.
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT
As we reflect His glory, we are transformed more and more, until we look glorious like Him, and people can see it in everything we do.
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT
Questions for Group Discussion
- What is glory, anyway? Can you explain it? Are there different types of glory or different meanings of the word?
- Why do you think we don’t use the word ‘glory’ much these days? Is it an antiquated word? Is there a more modern term for the same concept? Is it a reflection of how many people believe in God?
- What does it mean to “do it all for the glory of God,” as stated in 1 Corinthians 10:31?
Application: Put it in Writing
If you want it to stick, you have to put it in print.
You may have thought about this question or even discussed it, but now it’s time to write your thoughts down. If it makes it more fun, think of this as writing a manifesto.
Answer this question: What does it mean to “do it all for the glory of God,” as stated in 1 Corinthians 10:31?
Guidelines
- Watch the “For the Glory” episode of The Superbook Show.
- Read 1 Corinthians 10:10-33.
- Ask God what it means to “do it all for the glory of God.”
- Write down your answer in short essay form. Don’t worry too much about formality, but make it readable. As a note: readers should understand the question from reading your answer.
