WHAT IS THE RICHES OF GOD'S GLORY?

   

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THE RICHES OF GOD'S GLORY

THE MANIFESTED WITNESS OF HIS GOODNESS

“…riches of his glory in Christ Jesus…”  (Philippians 4:19 & Colossians 1:27 KJV).

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You are RICHLY blessed, NOT simply for the mere temporary earthly possessions, how limiting, but for the awesome, eternal blessings, which are embodied in the “…riches of his glory…” (Philippians 4:19 KJV). First of all, God has“… [made] known… [to you]...the riches of the glory … which is Christ in you…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV).

When compared to all the temporary riches of this world NOTHING will EVER surpass the “…riches of his glory…” (Philippians 4:19 KJV). The “…riches of his glory…” is the Good News, a truth ABOUNDING with God’s Glory in Jesus Christ.  God’s Glory, is Jesus, the Living Word made flesh and “….is the [miraculous]… power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth…” (Romans 1:16 KJV). 
THEREFORE, GOD'S GLORY IS THE DISPLAY, THE EXPERIENCE, AND WITNESS OF GOD'S GOODNESS

“….the riches of the glory … which is Christ in you…” (Colo!ssians 1:27 KJV). “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). Jesus Christ is the hope of his Glory, because God was revealed to the World through Him.

The hope of God’s Glory is Jesus, who actually represents the hope of a better inner and outer life both present and future. How? Through “….the [miraculous]… power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth…” (Romans 1:16 KJV).

This truth should so arrest the heart that it fires up a passion within that penetrates the entire mind, body, and soul. “….the riches of the glory … which is Christ in you…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV).

When the apostles learned of the “...riches of the glory…” which was also for them “…Christ in [them].....” they couldn’t wait to share it with everybody! Peter gave up everything to follow Jesus, the hope of Glory. “Then Peter began to speak up ‘We’ve given up everything to follow you…’ (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

 Paul said, “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ…” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

The apostles knew they were rich with the Good News of the Gospel. What was the point of knowing anything if you didn’t know the ONE who was everything? “…I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ…” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

Apostle Paul, especially, suffered through many trials, difficulties, and tribulations with his people, the religious community, the Jews, and others regarding the hope of Glory he found in Jesus Christ. He suffered captivity, danger, lack, and potential death.  “…For his sake I have discarded everything else…that I could gain Christ…” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

“….the riches of the glory … which is Christ in you [and in Paul]…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). This was such a Glorious Truth that Paul thought it was worth all the pain, heartache, and sacrifices he endured to get the message to the World.

Paul had been mistreated in the places and by the people, in which, he was sent to minister the good news too. He was treated with disrespect and dishonor as if he was the scum of the earth. Yet, he still believed in the “VALUE” of the GLORIOUS message he was given to live and preach.

The VALUE of the GLORIOUS message, “…the hope of glory...” (Colossians 1:27 KJV), held a priceless conviction within his heart. He had personally experienced the miraculous benefits of its comfort, guidance, love, and worth and was sold-out to the power and effectiveness of its salvation message. “….the [miraculous]… power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth…” (Romans 1:16 KJV).

Paul was absolutely convinced, that the VALUE of the GLORIOUS message of salvation was “…the RICHES of his glory…” and “...the riches of the glory ... is Christ in you, the hope of glory…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…Christ in you…” is “…the Word [that] was made flesh, and dwelt among us...” (John 1:14 KJV). The WORD, the Worthy message, the “….hope of glory.,.” or THE "GOODNESS" OF GOD, or the “…riches of his glory….” is Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:27).

Again, Paul said, “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ…” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

“...the riches of the GLORY ... is Christ in you,…the hope of GLORY…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). What is God’s glory in this verse? I think God’s glory, in Colossians 1:27 is Jesus. Jesus embodies his abundant love, the reality of that love, the proof of that love, the SOURCE of that love, the SOURCE of his unending goodness, and is the quintessence of ALL that HE is, especially in HOLINESS.

We know, without a doubt, “The Son (Jesus) is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the EXACT representation of his being….” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). . ^“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and SENT His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “… The Word (Jesus, his Son)… became flesh. We have seen his GLORY, the GLORY of the one and only Son, who came from the Father....” (John 1:14 KJV).

In the book of Exodus, Moses asked about God’s glory too. Do you remember being told not to look directly at the sun?  If you do happen to look at the sun with the naked, human eye, the damage to the retina is irreversible.

God’s glory is more brilliance than that of the sun. “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof…” (Revelation 21:23 KJV). God’s glory is ALL his holy attributes; which are pure, like transparent light, sinless, untainted, and beautiful.

In Exodus, “…Moses said, “…show me your glory.” …The Lord said, “I will cause all my GOODNESS to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. …But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my GLORY passes by, I will …cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen…” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

Looking directly at the sun damages the eyes, looking at God’s Glory will kill you. LOL. “…You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my GLORY passes by, I will …cover you with my hand until I have passed by….” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

God’s Glory (GOODNESS) passed by Moses and it was the abundant love, the reality of that love, the proof of that love, the SOURCE of that love, the SOURCE of his unending GOODNESS, and the quintessence of ALL that HE is, does, and will do especially in HOLINESS. God’s Glory is so RADIANT, “…no one [can] see [Him]… and live…” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).  

God’s Glory (GOODNESS) distinguishes HIM from all others “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). His Glory (GOODNESS) marks him with privileged magnificence shared with NO other.  “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

God’s glory (GOODNESS) establishes him in a category of GREATEST and MAJESTY all by himself, “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV). “Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very GREAT; You are clothed in SPLENDER and MAJESTY, Covering Yourself with LIGHT as with a cloak…”(Psalm 104:1-2 NASB). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

His Glory (GOODNESS) places Him HIGH above all other unique, valuable, priceless, or rare riches; and the radiance of his GLORY is deadly to the human eye. “…no one [can] see [Him]… and live …” (Exodus 33:16-23 NIV). “…His radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays flashing from His hand…” (Habakkuk 3:4.NASB).

God’s Glory is flawless and “…there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art GREAT, and THY NAME is GREAT in might…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…. the whole earth is full of [your]…glory…” (Isaiah 6:3).

I can’t give God’s glory its due diligent, but I will make a finite attempt to write about three aspects of God’s glory I’ve studied: the visible manifestation of his glory, the power of his glory, and Jesus Christ, the radiant witness of his glory.

The visual manifestation or symbols of his glory is His “known” presence. “…The heavens declare the GLORY of God…” (Psalms 19:1 KJV).  ^“..And ye said, Behold, the Lord our God hath SHEWED us his GLORY and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have SEEN this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth…” (Dueteronomy 5:24 KJV).

“It came even to pass, as … [they] praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the GLORY of the Lord had filled the house of God…” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14 KJV).

“…..Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest SEE the GLORY of God?” (John 11:40 KJV).

“….The God of GLORY APPEARED unto our father Abraham…” (Acts 7:2 KJV).

“…Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and SAW the GLORY of God…” (Acts 7:55 NIV).

“And the temple was filled with smoke from the GLORY of God and from his power … ”(Revelation 15:8 KJV).

“It shone with the GLORY of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal…” (Revelation 21:11 NIV).

“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the GLORY of God did lighten it, and the Lamb (JESUS) is the light thereof…” (Revelation 21:23 KJV).

“And [For 40 years] [God’s glory] went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light (His glory); to go by day and night…Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the GLORY of the Lord filled the tabernacle.  So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the SIGHT of all the Israelites during all their travels…” (Exodus 13:21 KJV; Exodus 40: 35-38 NIV).

“The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people “SEE” HIS GLORY…” (Psalm 97:6 KJV).

In the Old Testament, the pillar of cloud, pillar of fire, and the smoke represented God’s glory and were visual manifestations of his glory. These symbols of God’s glory were visible to the Israelites. These symbols also represented his presence as He also spoke to them through the cloud, or thunder, or lightening. ^“…Behold, the Lord our God hath SHEWED us his GLORY and his GREATNESS, and we have HEARD his voice out of the midst of the fire: …” (Deuteronomy 5:24-25 KJV).

The POWER of his Glory is witnessed through the manifestation of His power in the different situations and circumstances of life. “…..This sickness is not unto death, but for the GLORY of God…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will SEE THE GLORY OF GOD?…”(John 10:40 NASB). “…Jesus said…I AM the resurrection and I AM the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “And HE THAT WAS DEAD CAME FORTH, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go...” (John 11:43-44 KJV).

“….HE THAT WAS DEAD CAME FORTH...” was the manifestation of the POWER of his Glory. “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…all GLORY to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. GLORY to him … in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen…” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT).

Finally, Jesus Christ is a witness to His Glory. “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the GLORY of God in the face of Jesus Christ…” (2 Corinthians 4:6 KJV).

“And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the GLORY of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11 KJV).

“The Son is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the GLORY and the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11 NIV).

“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the GLORY of God did lighten it, and the Lamb (Jesus) is the light thereof…” (Revelation 21:23 KJV).

When you know what his glory is, like the angels, you can personally recognize God’s glory, acknowledge it, praise it, and reverence it.  “…“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his GLORY…” (Isaiah 6:3). “…the earth is filled with the LORD's GLORY…” (Number 14:21 NLT).

Remember, Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ…” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

 “…Jesus Christ is Lord, to the GLORY of God the Father…” (Philippians 2:11 KJV). “The Son (Jesus) is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the exact representation of his being….” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. …” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

In other words, Jesus, the word, the message, the “good news” possessed more riches and value than anything else in this world. Paul said, in comparison, it was ALL worthless. “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus [our]… Lord. …” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

God wants you to see his glory, experience the power of his glory, and know the riches of his glory, like he did Israel. “He said to [them].., "You are My Servant, Israel, In Whom I will show My GLORY…” (Isaiah 49:3 NASB).

You are God’s servants and he WANTS to show you His Glory “in” Christ. “….The Word (Jesus) became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we [can see] His GLORY, …” (John 1:14 NASB). You can see God’s Glory because, “The Son (Jesus) is the radiance of God’s GLORY and the EXACT representation of his being….” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

God’s glory is God himself and ALL his HOLY being. So then, what is the “riches” of His glory? “…The mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make KNOWN what is the RICHES of the GLORY…..; which is CHRIST IN YOU, the hope of glory:…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV). “…I pray that out of the riches of His GLORY, He may strengthen you with POWER through His Spirit in your inner being…” (Ephesians 3:16 NIV).

Are you getting it? The “riches” of His Glory is “Christ in YOU.” The question is for you is NOT “What is God’s Glory,” but “Where is His Glory today?” This truly boggles the mind, but it is nonetheless true, His Glory is IN YOU!  “…To whom God would make KNOWN [where]… the riches of the glory [is]….. which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:…” (Colossians 1:25-28 KJV).

“ …We (YOU) have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the POWER may be of God, and not of us...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). God’s Glory or ALL that God’s is - is IN YOU through Christ Jesus. “…Know ye not your own selves, …that Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians KJV). “….everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus …” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

Paul knew he had received something priceless and valuable. The “…riches of God’s glory….” highly contributed to the welfare, overall health, and healing of ALL mankind. God’s truth, the “good news” is more valuable than anything else in this world. Paul knew if he could get the message out there, no matter what it costs; it would pardon sin and save souls.

When you are praying for a love one: spouse, friend, sibling, parent, child, or acquaintance you want to save their soul from death. For instance, if a wife was praying for a backsliding husband, who didn’t readily repent from his sins; she may have to pray for days, weeks, months, or years. In the meantime loving him may be painful, cost her untold heartache, she may become weary, and have little or no earthly rewards from loving him. But she endures it or stays the course because she believes if her husband can get the “good news” in that sinful place it will pardon his sin and ultimate save his soul. The wife is convinced that the priceless and valuable word of God will ultimately heal and restore both her husband and their marriage.

When you are convinced or know “…the riches of his glory…” “…..which is Christ in you…” you will follow him into the war zones of human life.  “Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he does his … own life—otherwise he cannot be my disciple…” (Luke 14:26 NLT). “.. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever…” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT).

The SOURCE of your RICHES are not outward aspirations, possessions, or material things, but “…Christ in you…” As long as you don’t have a clue what you have been given “in” Christ you will continue to chase after and sell your soul for what is WORTHLESS.

What you sell your soul for is not always obvious. Sometimes it is those secret sins you think are more valuable than God’s instructions in those areas. For instance, a person who holds grudges will sell out God’s way to hold onto their own grudge.  When you hold a grudge you are actually holding a complaint against another person, which also bears the traits of bitterness and resentment. The bible says, “…Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord…” (Leviticus 19:18 KJV). “…But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too…” (Mark 11:25 NLT). “…Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door…” (James 5:9 KJV).

When you are holding your grudge you are saying “my grudge” is more valuable to me and worth keeping than God’s message of love in regard to letting it go. “…But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too…” (Mark 11:25 NLT).

Paul thought God’s message of love was worth dying for and knew it would benefit others. When you hold onto your grudges you are saying God’s message of love, in this area, is NOT worth dying for or letting go. “…Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord…” (Leviitus 19:18 KJV).

I talked about how significant people, I loved, showed me little or no grace or mercy during a certain period of time. It was obvious they were holding a grudge or complaint against me. When you hold a grudge against someone your behavior WILL NOT be Christ-like and you WILL harm your neighbor (those living right next to you). “…Love does no harm to a neighbor…” (Romans 13:10 NIV).

When you value your “grudge” over God’s “good news” in specific areas of your life; you WILL harm others that God loves too. In my experience, the “grudge” against me hurt my feelings, made me feel abandoned, blamed me, rejected me, shut me out, and cut me off from their love. They behaved as if their actions were justified, and left me unprotected, and broken hearted. Anywhere you place more value on your way than God’s way you are most likely hurting another person or persons… that God loves too. This can include pride, selfishness, gossip, blame, grumbling, complaining, dishonor, disrespect, and other secret sins you accept in yourself, but not others.

Paul said, “….EVERYTHING ELSE is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus …” (Philippians 3:8 NLT). “Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he does his … OWN LIFE—otherwise he cannot be my disciple…” (Luke 14:26 NLT). “...The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever…” (1 John 2:16-17 NLT).

The only way to be truly sold-out to God is to know you possess “…the RICHES of his glory…which is Christ in you…”  (Colossians 1:27). Nothing you have or someone else has compares to the “…riches of his glory…” (Colossians 1:27). Like Peter you will say, “…‘We’ve given up everything to follow you…’ (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). Why? “….everything else is worthless …so that I could gain Christ…” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

 “….everything else is worthless …” (Philippians 3:8 NLT). This includes your “OWN LIFE” with all its attitudes, and ways, and behaviors that, in those secret places, DON’T line up with God’s message of love.

When you know the SOURCE of true RICHES, you will give up EVERYTHING to FOLLOW after it!!! “…it is God who worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “[God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).