Living for His Glory: Our Ultimate Purpose

 October 12, 2025

#DevotionalMessage #GodsGlory #EternalPurpose #ChristInUs #LiveForHim #BiblicalReflection #CallToAction

1 Corinthians 10:31; Romans 11:36; Psalm 73:24-26; and John 17:22, 24—weave together a powerful and beautiful truth about the ultimate purpose of our lives and the glorious destiny that awaits us in Christ. They refocus our gaze from the temporary to the eternal, from self to God's glory.

---

Devotional Message

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). This command is an all-encompassing mandate. It means that even the most mundane parts of our day—the conversations, the work, the rest, the simple act of eating—are arenas where we can display God’s excellence and worth. Our lives are not our own; they are a stage for God’s glory because, as Romans 11:36 declares, "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen." God is the Source, the Sustainer, and the Goal of all creation.

This truth provides an anchor of deep satisfaction. The Psalmist captures this perfectly, finding his highest joy and deepest security in God: "You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (Psalm 73:24-26). When we live for His glory, we are pursuing the very thing that satisfies the soul completely—God Himself. Earthly desires fade when measured against this eternal portion.

The deepest joy of all is revealed in Jesus' High Priestly prayer. He prays for us to share in the unity and glory He shares with the Father: "The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one" (John 17:22). And the ultimate destination? "Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world" (John 17:24). Our life's trajectory, if lived "to the glory of God," ends with being with Christ and seeing His glory. This is the magnificent, shared inheritance of every believer: unity, glory, and eternal communion with the Father and the Son.

---

Reflection

Pause for a moment and consider: Am I living as if "from Him and through Him and to Him are all things?"

It's easy to live for self-glory, chasing temporary achievements, approval, and comfort. Yet, these pursuits leave us feeling empty because they are not our ultimate portion. The Bible consistently calls us back to the reality that our value, security, and eternal satisfaction are found only in God. Our daily mission isn't simply to survive, but to showcase His glory in every action, thought, and word. When we align our purpose with His (1 Cor 10:31), we step into the destiny Jesus prayed for us (John 17:22, 24)—a destiny of shared glory and unending intimacy that nothing on earth can rival (Ps 73:25-26). Let the knowledge that your life is for Him be the motivation that purifies your intentions today.

---

Call to Action

1. Re-evaluate One Routine: Pick a common, repetitive part of your day—it could be checking social media, making dinner, or commuting. Before you engage in it, offer a one-sentence prayer: "Lord, help me do this to your glory." Then, consciously seek to perform that action with excellence, gratitude, or love as an offering to God.

2. Pray Psalm 73:25: When you feel restless or dissatisfied, use the words of the Psalmist as your prayer: "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you." This simple practice retrains your heart to find its greatest delight and portion in God alone.

3. Encourage Unity: Because Jesus prayed that we would have the glory of unity (John 17:22), intentionally reach out to one fellow believer today (or this week) with a word of encouragement, a prayer, or an act of service. See this as an effort to practically demonstrate the unity and shared glory of the body of Christ.

1 Kings 8:32

The passage from 1 Kings 8:32 highlights that Jehovah, as the Supreme Judge, will handle the judgment of individuals, declaring the wicked guilty and the righteous innocent. This gives us relief as humans, knowing we are not responsible for this burden. Jehovah will always judge according to his perfect standards, never acting unrighteously. We look forward to a time when He will completely reverse the effects of human imperfection, healing all physical and emotional wounds. In the meantime, we are empowered to imitate Jehovah by being forgiving, reflecting his qualities as we await this future.

Outline:

1. **Introduction: The Role of Jehovah as Judge**

   - 1 Kings 8:32: Jehovah as the Supreme Judge

   - The relief of knowing Jehovah handles judgment

   - Reference to Romans 14:10-12: Accountability to Jehovah

2. **Jehovah’s Perfect Judgment**

   - Confidence in Jehovah’s perfect standards of right and wrong (Genesis 18:25)

   - Jehovah will never act unrighteously

   - Longing for the time when Jehovah will undo the effects of human imperfection and sin

3. **The Future Hope: Healing of Wounds**

   - Jehovah will heal all physical and emotional wounds (Psalm 72:12-14, Revelation 21:3, 4)

   - These painful memories will no longer come to mind

4. **Our Role in the Present: Imitating Jehovah’s Forgiveness**

   - While waiting for Jehovah's final judgment, we are thankful for the ability to imitate His forgiving nature

   - The importance of being forgiving in our daily lives

Expansion:

In 1 Kings 8:32, we are reminded of Jehovah’s role as the ultimate judge of all humanity. Solomon, in his prayer at the dedication of the temple, appeals to Jehovah to judge between his servants, declaring the wicked guilty and the righteous innocent. This is a source of comfort for us because it underscores that the burden of deciding people’s ultimate fate does not rest on our shoulders. As humans, we often lack the wisdom and insight to see the full picture of a person’s heart and actions, but Jehovah, as the Supreme Judge, sees all things clearly. 

Romans 14:10-12 reinforces the idea that all will stand before Jehovah’s judgment seat. We are accountable to him, and he alone has the authority to judge. His judgments are rooted in perfect standards of right and wrong, as highlighted in Genesis 18:25, where Abraham expresses his confidence that Jehovah will always do what is right. Jehovah’s justice is flawless, and unlike human judgment, it is never swayed by partiality or limited understanding.

As we look to the future, we yearn for the time when Jehovah will completely reverse the effects of sin and imperfection. Psalm 72:12-14 and Revelation 21:3, 4 give us a glimpse of this future, where Jehovah will bring relief from all suffering. Physical and emotional wounds, caused by sin and human imperfection, will be permanently healed, and these pains will no longer even come to mind. This hope encourages us as we navigate the challenges of life in this imperfect world.

While we await this wonderful future, we are empowered with the ability to reflect Jehovah’s qualities in our own lives. Jehovah has shown us the ultimate example of forgiveness, and he encourages us to imitate that forgiving spirit in our dealings with others. This is not always easy, but as we rely on Jehovah’s guidance and example, we can strive to show mercy, just as he does. By being forgiving, we not only benefit others but also experience a sense of peace as we align ourselves more closely with Jehovah’s standards.

Significant Opposition in Thessalonica

 Acts 17:7 is a pivotal scripture that addresses the theme of opposition, particularly in the context of early Christian preaching and the challenges faced by the apostles. This verse is situated within a narrative where Paul and Silas, along with other early Christians, face significant opposition in Thessalonica. The verse reads: "and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus." This accusation against Jason and the missionaries highlights a fundamental conflict between the proclamation of Jesus as King and the political and religious status quo represented by Caesar's decrees[1][5][6].

Context and Significance

The context of Acts 17:7 is Paul's second missionary journey, where he and his companions encounter both receptivity and hostility in various cities. In Thessalonica, some Jews become jealous of Paul's influence and success in converting Gentiles and some Jews to Christianity. They form a mob and attack the house of Jason, accusing him and the missionaries of opposing Caesar's decrees by proclaiming Jesus as another king[2][5][6]. This accusation is politically charged, as proclaiming someone other than Caesar as king could be seen as an act of sedition or rebellion against the Roman Empire.

The significance of this passage lies in its illustration of the inherent conflict between the Christian message and the prevailing political and religious systems. Early Christians were not merely spreading a new religious belief but were also challenging the existing power structures and loyalties, which inevitably led to opposition [3][4].

Practical Understanding and Implementation

Understanding Acts 17:7 in today's context involves recognizing that proclaiming and living out Christian beliefs can still lead to opposition, whether from societal norms, cultural values, or governmental policies that conflict with Christian teachings. The passage encourages believers to stand firm in their faith even when faced with opposition, understanding that the message of Jesus as Lord can be countercultural and at times controversial.

Practically, this can mean several things for believers today:

1. Commitment to Truth: Like Paul and Silas, Christians are called to boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel, even when it is unpopular or leads to opposition [3].

2. Peaceful Living: Despite facing opposition, Christians are encouraged to live peaceful and respectful lives, engaging with society in a manner that reflects the love and grace of Jesus [3].

3. Wisdom and Discernment: Believers must navigate the tension between being faithful to God's kingdom and respecting earthly authorities, using wisdom to discern when to obey God rather than men, especially in matters of faith and conscience [3][6].

4. Supporting Each Other: Just as Jason provided a safe haven for Paul and Silas, Christians today are called to support each other, especially those who face persecution or opposition for their faith[1][5].

In summary, Acts 17:7 highlights the challenges of proclaiming Jesus as Lord in the face of opposition. It serves as a reminder that the Christian message can disrupt societal norms and power structures, calling believers to a faithful witness that is both bold and respectful.

Citations:

[1] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A7&version=NIV

[2] https://www.bibleref.com/Acts/17/Acts-chapter-17.html

[3] https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-43-upsetting-world-christ-acts-171-15

[4] https://beautifulbible.org/acts-17/

[5] https://biblehub.com/acts/17-7.htm

[6] https://www.bibleref.com/Acts/17/Acts-17-7.html

[7] https://learn.gcs.edu/mod/book/view.php?chapterid=105&id=4475

[8] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17&version=NIV

[9] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/acts-17/

[10] https://biblicalmissiology.org/blog/2011/04/04/analysis-of-pauls-acts-17/

[11] https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/17-7.html

[12] https://biblehub.com/commentaries/acts/17-7.htm

[13] https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/church-at-thessalonica/commentary-on-acts-171-9-1-thessalonians-11-10

[14] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17&version=KJV

[15] https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Act/Act_017.cfm

[16] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A7&version=KJV

[17] https://www.bibleversestudy.com/acts/acts17.htm

[18] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+17&version=NKJV

[19] https://www.studylight.org/commentary/acts/17-7.html

[20] https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/acts-17-7.html

Finding Joy In Serving Jehovah

 John 5:17 doesn't directly focus on finding joy in serving Jehovah, but provides an insight into Jesus' relationship with his Father that can inform a broader understanding of how service to God can be joyful. Here's a breakdown of concepts related to finding joy in serving Jehovah:

Understanding John 5:17

• The Context: In this passage, Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, prompting criticism from the Jewish authorities. His response is the verse in question: "But Jesus answered them, 'My Father is working until now, and I am working.'" (John 5:17, ESV).
• Jesus' Defense: Jesus defends his actions by asserting that he works in perfect harmony with God the Father. He's suggesting that healing, even on the Sabbath, is an extension of the Father's ongoing work.

How This Relates to Finding Joy in Serving Jehovah

1. Imitating God: A key source of joy can be found in mirroring the actions of God. Just as God is always working for the good of creation, we find meaning and fulfillment in participating in acts of compassion, justice, and care. This connects to the idea of being made in God's image (Genesis 1:27).
2. Experiencing God's Love: As we serve with hearts open to God, we often experience His love and presence more deeply. It's in acts of service that we sense God's guidance and care, leading to a sense of joy and gratitude.
3. Finding Purpose: Feeling aligned with a greater purpose provides a sense of meaning. Serving God gives us a role in a wider plan of restoration and love for the world. This sense of belonging to a higher purpose brings its own inherent joy.
4. Community and Connection: Serving Jehovah often means serving others and being part of a like-minded community. This fellowship, shared values, and mutual support contribute to a profound sense of joy.

Additional Scriptural References to Support Finding Joy in Serving Jehovah

• Psalm 100:2 "Serve the Lord with gladness! Come before him with joyful songs!"
• Nehemiah 8:10 "...for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
• Matthew 25:21 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'"
• Romans 12:11 "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."

Remember: Joy in serving Jehovah isn't a constant, euphoric emotion. It's a deep, abiding sense of satisfaction and contentment found in aligning ourselves with God's loving purposes. We may face challenges and difficult seasons, but ultimately, joy in serving Jehovah becomes a guiding star.