THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD ALONE

THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD ALONE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Isaiah 42:8

Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 1:29-31, Romans 11:36, Revelation 4:11, Psalm 115:1, Exodus 20:3

INTRODUCTION:
We live in a world where many strive for recognition, validation, and praise. Whether in ministry, career, or personal achievements, the human heart often craves acknowledgement. However, Scripture is clear that all glory, honour, and praise belong to God alone. He is the source of all that we are and all that we have. Any attempt to take glory to ourselves is not only spiritually dangerous, but it dishonours God.

God does not share His glory with anyone. In Isaiah 42:8, He boldly declares, “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another.” He is the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of all things, and to Him alone belongs the glory. When we attempt to take credit for what God has done, we risk falling into pride and drawing His displeasure upon ourselves.

As believers, we must live with a deep consciousness that every good thing in our lives is a result of God's grace. Our gifts, successes, and breakthroughs are not by our own power but by His mercy. This sermon reminds us to continually return all the glory to God and to guard our hearts against self-exaltation.

1. GOD IS THE SOURCE OF ALL THINGS
Every gift, talent, and opportunity we have comes from the Lord. We did not create ourselves, nor did we earn His favour. God is the Alpha and the Omega, and all that exists originates from Him.

a) God created all things
All things were made by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). We are not self-made; we are God-made.

b) God gives strength and wisdom
Without Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). Even our capacity to succeed is granted by Him.

c) God sustains our existence
It is in Him that we live, move, and have our being (Acts 17:28). Our very breath is a gift from God.

d) God enables success
Promotion comes from God, not from the east or west (Psalm 75:6-7). Every rise is divinely orchestrated.

Biblical Example: King Solomon became the wisest and wealthiest king not because of his skill but because God granted it in response to his humble request (1 Kings 3:5-13).

2. GOD DETESTS THE PRIDEFUL HEART
God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. When we take glory for ourselves, we enter the dangerous territory of pride.

a) Pride leads to downfall
Pride goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Taking credit for God’s work invites His judgement.

b) God opposes self-exaltation
He brings down the proud and lifts the humble (Luke 14:11).

c) Pride blinds us spiritually
When we think too highly of ourselves, we stop depending on God (Romans 12:3).

d) Pride provokes divine judgement
Nebuchadnezzar lost his throne and sanity because he ascribed glory to himself (Daniel 4:30-33).

Biblical Example: Herod was struck by an angel and died because he did not give glory to God (Acts 12:21-23).

3. ALL GLORY MUST RETURN TO GOD
When we achieve success or experience blessings, it is imperative that we consciously return the glory to God.

a) God alone deserves the praise
To Him be all glory forever (Romans 11:36). He alone is worthy.

b) Acknowledging God honours Him
We must continually testify that it is God who helped us (Psalm 115:1).

c) Giving glory to God brings increase
As we exalt Him, He entrusts us with more (John 12:32).

d) Thanksgiving glorifies God
A grateful heart honours the Lord (Luke 17:17-18).

Biblical Example: Jesus always glorified the Father in all His miracles and teachings, giving us an example to follow (John 11:41-42).

4. GOD’S GLORY IS HIS SIGNATURE
The glory of God is the essence of His being. Everything He does is to reveal His glory.

a) Creation reflects His glory
The heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1). The universe showcases His majesty.

b) Redemption reveals His glory
Our salvation is for the praise of His glorious grace (Ephesians 1:6).

c) Miracles point to His glory
Every healing and wonder glorifies God (John 2:11).

d) The church exists for His glory
The church is to be a display of His wisdom and glory (Ephesians 3:21).

Biblical Example: At the resurrection of Lazarus, Jesus declared that it was for the glory of God (John 11:4).

5. MAN’S PURPOSE IS TO GLORIFY GOD
The ultimate reason for our existence is to bring glory to God in all things.

a) We are created for His glory
God formed us to show forth His praise (Isaiah 43:7, 21).

b) Our lives must reflect His light
We must let our light shine so others glorify God (Matthew 5:16).

c) Our works must honour Him
Whatever we do should glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

d) Our testimonies must exalt Him
Sharing our victories should magnify God, not ourselves (Psalm 34:2).

Biblical Example: Paul lived with the sole aim of glorifying Christ whether by life or death (Philippians 1:20-21).

CONCLUSION:
To live a life that pleases God, we must always return the glory to Him. No matter the heights we attain, it is a dangerous thing to boast in our own strength. God does not share His glory with any man. A life that glorifies God is a life that will be lifted, preserved, and honoured by Him.

Let us be quick to deflect praise, point to God, and live as true stewards of His grace. When God sees that He can trust you to give Him glory, He will continue to pour His blessings upon you.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, I acknowledge that all I am and all I have comes from You.
2. Lord, deliver me from every spirit of pride and self-glorification.
3. Father, help me to always return all glory to You in every situation.
4. Lord, may my life be a reflection of Your greatness and not my own.
5. Father, teach me to walk humbly before You at all times.
6. Lord, let Your glory be evident in every area of my life.
7. Father, let no achievement of mine ever become an idol.
8. Lord, may I never touch Your glory or take credit for Your works.
9. Father, fill me with the spirit of true worship and gratitude.
10. Lord, let my testimony always magnify You and draw others to Christ.

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. You will not fall into the trap of self-glory.
2. The glory of God will shine through your life like never before.
3. God is lifting you because you choose to glorify Him.
4. You will rise, and God alone will be exalted through you.
5. No man will share in the glory God is revealing in your life.
6. Your life will be a living testimony of God’s power and mercy.
7. Every gift in you will be used to glorify the name of the Lord.
8. God will continue to promote you because your heart honours Him.
9. You are becoming a vessel of divine glory.
10. All eyes will see the glory of God upon your life.