Apostle's Sermon notes 09/07/2025

I Will Glorify the Lord at All Times…

Written by Apostle Clinton Bethea III, D. Evan. (9/5-7/2025)

Psalm 86:12 AMPC

[12]  I will confess and praise You, O Lord my God, with my whole (united) heart; and I will glorify Your name forevermore.

1 Corinthians 10:30-31 AMPC

[30]  If I partake [of my food] with thankfulness, why am I accused and spoken evil of because of that for which I give thanks? [31]  So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God.

I Will Glorify the Lord at All Times…

Intro:

- Define Glory: 

The power, might, or splendor of an individual. In Christian theology, this often relates to God.

(All Biblical Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible)

The Theology of God:

Something of the significance of this biblical concept can be ascertained by noting the various terms with which it is combined. We have observed the pairing of glory with light and with holiness. Others deserve attention at this point.

Glory is frequently linked with honor. These terms can have both current application and future reference. To some extent they are synonyms, but dóxa, “glory,” has a wider range of meaning. It is possible to ascribe honor to God (1 Tim. 1:17), but honor is not used of something God has, and it cannot serve to express His being in terms of perfection. As a species of honor, reward is sometimes involved in the use of glory. For example, Paul asserts that “this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Cor. 4:17). Glory is pictured here as an expression of God’s appreciation for the faithful endurance of suffering by His servants.

Glory is correlated with life when life is presented from the eschatological perspective. 

• Biblical eschatology is the doctrine concerning the "last things" or the "end of history," encompassing events like Christ's second coming, the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the creation of a new heaven and a new earth. It focuses on the culmination of God's plan to redeem humanity and creation through Jesus Christ…

Eternal life is qualitative (Collins English Dictionary Meaning: relating to the nature or standard of something, rather than to its quantity) and is the present possession of the redeemed. 

But even in John’s Gospel, where this emphasis is so strong, life is nevertheless associated at times with the resurrection and the age to come (Jn. 5:28f.; 11:25f.). The same is true in the teaching of Jesus (Mk. 10:30). Paul likewise links life with glory as though they were part of one great experience (Rom. 2:7). In his Captivity Epistles he treats their relationship most precisely (e.g., Col. 3:3f.). Christ dwells in Christians as their life and as their hope of glory. At present their life is hidden with Christ in God. When the Savior comes again, He will still be their life, but then the relationship will no longer be a hidden one. Right at this point Paul introduces the word dóxa to express this manifested phase of the relationship.

(Harrison, E. F. 1979–1988. “Glory.” In The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised, edited by Geoffrey W Bromiley, 2:482. Wm. B. Eerdmans.)

• Glory is also defined as: The singular splendor of God and its consequences for mankind.

What is The Glory of God?

The glory of God can be described in two senses: (1) as a general category or attribute, and (2) as a specific category referring to particular historical manifestations of his presence.

As an Attribute:

God’s glory refers primarily to his majestic beauty and splendor and the recognition of it by mankind; however, it is also an ethical concept and embraces his holiness, for to sin is to fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23).

I Will Glorify the Lord at All Times…

Teaching on Glory of the Lord:

Biblical references of the Glory of the Lord:

The Scriptures record praise to his glorious name (Neh 9:5), describe him as the glorious Father (Eph 1:17) and the King of glory (Ps 24); he is exalted above the heavens and his glory is over all the earth (Pss 57:5, 11; 108:5; 113:4). 

He is the God of glory that appeared to the patriarchs (Acts 7:2). 

He is jealous to maintain his glory and unwilling that it be given to another (Is 42:8); he acts to bring glory to himself (Ps 79:9; Is 48:11).

The glory of God is proclaimed by the creation (Pss 19:1; 97:6; Rom 1:20). 

It is revealed by his mighty acts of salvation and deliverance (1 Chr 16:24; Pss 72:18, 19; 96:3; 145:10–12; Jn 11:4, 40). 

His glory is the theme of the praise of men (1 Chr 16:24–29; Pss 29:1, 2, 9; 66:1, 2; …

I Will Glorify the Lord at All Times…

Define Glorify(ing):

Glorify: 

(1.) To make glorious, or cause so to appear (John 12:28; 13:31, 32; 17:4, 5).

(2.) Spoken of God to “shew forth his praise” (1 Cor. 6:20; 10:31).

Easton’s Bible Dictionary, p 291

1 Corinthians 6:12–20 NKJV

12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 

13 Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 

14 And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.

15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.

18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 

19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 

20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

I Will Glorify the Lord at All Times…

Teaching on how to Glorify the Lord using my 5 senses

Hearing: 

- Revelation 2:29 AMPC

[29]  He who is able to hear, let him listen to and heed what the [Holy] Spirit says to the assemblies (churches).

- Romans 10:17 AMPC

[17]  So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).

- Hebrews 11:6 AMPC

[6]  But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].

Sight:

- 2 Corinthians 5:7, NKJV:

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Paul’s statements in 5:1–10 must be read in the context of his continuing defense of his ministry and frank speech. Paul is less concerned about describing the hows and wherefores of our future heavenly existence than in describing how his confidence in this future existence affects his current existence.627 

His purpose is not to answer speculative questions about the life to come and when we receive the spiritual body but to show how the assurance of the life to come changes everything for the Christian in the present. It gives meaning to his suffering in this mortal life and galvanizes his conduct and ministry. The declaration at the end of this unit (5:9–10) that he aims to please God because we all will be judged before Christ’s tribunal according to what we have done in the body reveals what keeps him doing what he is doing.

If Paul is arguing against anyone it would be those who have misread how life in the Spirit affects human experience in this world. Paul’s commentary on the life to come clarifies that “following Jesus on this side of the divide provides no immediate escape from death’s burden in all of its multiform expressions—human frailty, physical handicaps, declining strength in age, or lack of prowess or success—and living death in this world as an epiphany of the resurrected one is no way synonymous with absolute alienation.”628

Against those in Corinth who may claim that they have already bridged the gap between the human and the divine—something Paul’s frailty and suffering betray that he has not done—he argues that the gap still remains. The harsh realities of life still press against us. Against those who may offer assurances that we can be above it all in the here and now, Paul offers only the promise of a future resurrection. 

Meanwhile, one must suffer with Christ. Against those who saw themselves as having risen above human limits, Paul argues that those limits still exist until we receive an eternal building from God.

Against those who judged him already and gave him failing grades as an apostle because of his shameful condition, Paul argues that the ultimate judgment is yet to come and all will have to stand before the judgment seat. 

He is fully confident of his vindication, but he does not take that acquittal for granted and serves the Lord as if everything were in doubt. 

Against those who may claim to possess God’s glory here and now, Paul claims that any allotment of glory in this life pales beside the glory which is to come in the future. 

Against those who think that they can have glory apart from the cross, Paul argues that glory comes only to those who faithfully bear the cross (Phil 3:10).

Therefore this section continues his case that his affliction does not discredit the gospel or its proclaimer but is a means of renewing the inner man. Not only is the inner man renewed, but the all-surpassing power of God will clothe him with an eternal, heavenly dwelling when his frail, mortal body of clay finally succumbs.

(Garland, David E. 1999. 2 Corinthians. Vol. 29. The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)

- Matthew 5:16 NKJV 

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Smell:

• 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 AMPC

[14]  But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere, 

[15]  For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing: [16]  To the latter it is an aroma [wafted] from death to death [a fatal odor, the smell of doom]; to the former it is an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]. And who is qualified (fit and sufficient) for these things? [Who is able for such a ministry? We?]

• Ephesians 5:2 AMPC

[2]  And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. [Ezek. 20:41.]

Taste:

• Psalm 34:8-9 AMPC

[8]  O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him. [I Pet. 2:2, 3.] [9]  O fear the Lord, you His saints [revere and worship Him]! For there is no want to those who truly revere and worship Him with godly fear.

Touch:

• Psalm 105:15 AMPC

[15]  Saying, Touch not My anointed, and do My prophets no harm. [I Chron. 16:8-22.]

• 2 Corinthians 13:12 AMPC

[12]  Greet one another with a consecrated kiss.

I Will Glorify the Lord at All Times…

The believers “why” to glorifying God at all times…

The believer has the Spirit of Christ as the earnest of full redemption (Rom. 8:10f, 23). His operations are presently confined largely to the inner man, shaping the desires of the heart and molding the life in accordance with the divine will. 

But eventually His operations will reach the stage of external manifestation, for the “clothing” of the Christian in the eternal state is described as a “spiritual” body (1 Cor. 15:44). Whereas Christ as pneúma (Greek word pneuma (πνεῦμα) which refers to an invisible, powerful, and immaterial force, commonly translated as spirit, breath, or wind; is biblically described as the Holy Spirit) effects a present glory in His people (2 Cor. 3:18), He will accomplish a corresponding communication of external, bodily glory in terms of resurrection. Throughout these operations He is a life-giving pneúma (Spirit) (1 Cor. 15:45).

(Harrison, E. F. 1979–1988. “Glory.” In The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised, edited by Geoffrey W Bromiley, 2:482. Wm. B. Eerdmans.)

1 Corinthians 15:45-58 AMPC

[45]  Thus it is written, The first man Adam became a living being (an individual personality); the last Adam (Christ) became a life-giving Spirit [restoring the dead to life]. [Gen. 2:7.] 

[46]  But it is not the spiritual life which came first, but the physical and then the spiritual. 

[47]  The first man [was] from out of earth, made of dust (earthly-minded); the second Man [is] the Lord from out of heaven. [Gen. 2:7.] 

[48]  Now those who are made of the dust are like him who was first made of the dust (earthly-minded); and as is [the Man] from heaven, so also [are those] who are of heaven (heavenly-minded). 

[49]  And just as we have borne the image [of the man] of dust, so shall we and so  let us also bear the image [of the Man] of heaven. 

[50]  But I tell you this, brethren, flesh and blood cannot [become partakers of eternal salvation and] inherit or share in the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable (that which is decaying) inherit or share in the imperishable (the immortal). 

[51]  Take notice! I tell you a mystery (a secret truth, an event decreed by the hidden purpose or counsel of God). We shall not all fall asleep [in death], but we shall all be changed (transformed) 

[52]  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the [sound of the] last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead [in Christ] will be raised imperishable (free and immune from decay), and we shall be changed (transformed). 

[53]  For this perishable [part of us] must put on the imperishable [nature], and this mortal [part of us, this nature that is capable of dying] must put on immortality (freedom from death). 

[54]  And when this perishable puts on the imperishable and this that was capable of dying puts on freedom from death, then shall be fulfilled the Scripture that says, Death is swallowed up (utterly vanquished forever) in and unto victory. [Isa. 25:8.] 

[55]  O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? [Hos. 13:14.] 

[56]  Now sin is the sting of death, and sin exercises its power [upon the soul] through [the abuse of] the Law. 

[57]  But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

[58]  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].

• Keep Living in Holiness at all times…

Luke 6:35-36 AMPC

[35]  But love your enemies and be kind and do good [doing favors so that someone derives benefit from them] and lend, expecting and hoping for nothing in return but considering nothing as lost and despairing of no one; and then your recompense (your reward) will be great (rich, strong, intense, and abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind and charitable and good to the ungrateful and the selfish and wicked. 

[36]  So be merciful (sympathetic, tender, responsive, and compassionate) even as your Father is [all these].

• Keep the standard of righteousness in all things…

• Keep aligning your life with the word daily as the Apostle has displayed for us in:

  
  

• 1 Corinthians 15:27-34 AMPC

[27]  For He [the Father] has put all things in subjection under His [Christ's] feet. But when it says, All things are put in subjection [under Him], it is evident that He [Himself] is excepted Who does the subjecting of all things to Him. [Ps. 8:6.] 

[28]  However, when everything is subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will also subject Himself to [the Father] Who put all things under Him, so that God may be all in all [be everything to everyone, supreme, the indwelling and controlling factor of life]. 

[29]  Otherwise, what do people mean by being [themselves] baptized in behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? 

[30]  [For that matter], why do I live [dangerously as I do, running such risks that I am] in peril every hour? 

[31]  [I assure you] by the pride which I have in you in [your fellowship and union with] Christ Jesus our Lord, that I die daily [I face death every day and die to self]. 

Here is Apostle Paul’s why:

[32]  What do I gain if, merely from the human point of view, I fought with [wild] beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised [at all], let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we will be dead. [Isa. 22:13.] [33]  Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character. 

Apostle Paul admonishes us…

[34]  Awake [from your drunken stupor and return] to sober sense and your right minds, and sin no more. For some of you have not the knowledge of God [you are utterly and willfully and disgracefully ignorant, and continue to be so, lacking the sense of God's presence and all true knowledge of Him]. I say this to your shame.

I Will Glorify the Lord at All Times…

Closing of Hope

2 Chronicles 7:14-16 AMPC

[14]  If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. [15]  Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer offered in this place. 

[16]  For I have chosen and sanctified (set apart for holy use) this house, that My Name may be here forever, and My eyes and My heart will be here perpetually.

• Though the Lord was talking to Solomon, as a believer, this applies to your heart and body. It is the house that he is chosen to sit apart for holy use.

1 John 1:9 AMPC

[9]  If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].

I Will Glorify the Lord at All Times…

• Final Instructions:

1 Thessalonians 5:12-23, 27 AMPC

[12]  Now also we beseech you, brethren, get to know those who labor among you [recognize them for what they are, acknowledge and appreciate and respect them all]–your leaders who are over you in the Lord and those who warn and kindly reprove and exhort you. 

[13]  And hold them in very high and most affectionate esteem in [intelligent and sympathetic] appreciation of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 

Apostle Paul specifically declares the warranted behavior of the believers in Jesus Christ:

[14]  And we earnestly beseech you, brethren, 

1) admonish (warn and seriously advise) those who are out of line [the loafers, the disorderly, and the unruly]; 

• We as believers are chosen to advise, correct, others through the word in love…

2) encourage the timid and fainthearted, 

• For the Bible says that we're (the believers) supposed to be an encourager to the brethren…

3) help and give your support to the weak souls, 

• The poor will always be amongst us; as a believer we're supposed to give to the poor…

4) [and] be very patient with everybody [always keeping your temper]. [Isa. 35:4.] 

• Hot-Headedness is an improper characteristic for a believer; it shows a lack of self-control; and self-control is a part of the fruit of the spirit that every believer is supposed to dwell in and possess.

[15]  5) See that none of you repays another with evil for evil, 

• Unjust and evil behavior is never the answer for a believer in Jesus Christ…

6) but always aim to show kindness and seek to do good to one another and to everybody. 

• Show the God kind of love in all things …

[16]  7) Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); 

• Don't let nothing or no one steal your joy; for the joy of the Lord is your strength through all things…

[17]  9)Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; 

• Pray about everything…

[18]  10) Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. 

• Glorify the Lord in all things…

[19]  11) Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; 

• Refuse to let denominational doctrine stop from believing and having what the word God says you can have…

[20]  12) Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning]. 

• Keep a growth mindset…

[21]  13) But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast. 

• Be the fruit inspector…

[22] 14)  Abstain from evil [shrink from it and keep aloof from it] in whatever form or whatever kind it may be. 

• Stand against EVIL no matter what…

[23]  And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

[27]  I solemnly charge you [in the name of] the Lord to have this letter read before all the brethren.

I Will Glorify the Lord at All Times…