Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  2 Cor. 4:1-6

A.  The Glory of God Defined

Jeffery Johnson:  “God’s glory is the sum of all that God is.  It is the radiance, majesty, beauty, and splendor that sine forth from His unchangeable and eternal essence.”

Jonathan Edwards:  “Glory is a shining forth, the excellency of God flowing forth, so that the glory of God is the shining forth of his perfections.”

TODAY

B.  The Glory of God: His Desire – Our Created Purpose

          1.  God desires us to behold His glorious Person: 2 Cor. 4:6, John 17:22-24, John 1:14, 2 Cor. 3:18, John 17:24

          –  Christ yearns for His bride’s literal presence in glory: John 17:24a, John 14:1-3, Zeph. 3:17

          –  Christ yearns to fully satisfy His bride by His glorious Person: John 17:24b

APPLICATION

–  His desire for us to see His glory becomes our desire to see His glory: Exodus 33:17-18, Psalm 63:1-4

–  We desire for the King of Glory to return to fully see His glory: Rev. 5:13