Glory
We do not use the word "glory" very much any more. When we do, it is usually in a Christian context. We talk about giving God glory, which means we are praising Him for His perfect character and power. Sometimes, we talk about glory as in the brightness of a star or an angel. At other times, we refer to glory as a verb to say that we recognize the greatness of someone or something.
However, in II Corinthians 3:18 the word glory is used to denote the perfection of Jesus, "the glory of the Lord." It is also used to denote a stage of growth in our lives, as believers. We are transformed "from glory to glory." The Spirit is conforming us to the image of Christ, so that we become more and more like Him. This is God's goal for all believers.
The word picture of this verse is that we are looking into a mirror. When we look into the mirror, we see the glory of Jesus, His presence and His perfection. Then, the Spirit changes us into that image, one level of glory at a time. Our lives are to be a constant process of growth in becoming like our Lord Jesus.
The question to all of us is this, "How much are we beholding the glory of the Lord Jesus?" If we are not seeing Him by meditating on Him and the Word of God, we do not have a picture of what we are to ask the Spirit to do in us. Therefore, we must spend time each day abiding in Christ, and then, ask the Spirit to do His work in us to transform us into His likeness. The Spirit is happy to do this, but He won't force us. We must allow Him to have His way in us. Then, we will see continual progress in our lives.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Corinthians 4-7
However, in II Corinthians 3:18 the word glory is used to denote the perfection of Jesus, "the glory of the Lord." It is also used to denote a stage of growth in our lives, as believers. We are transformed "from glory to glory." The Spirit is conforming us to the image of Christ, so that we become more and more like Him. This is God's goal for all believers.
The word picture of this verse is that we are looking into a mirror. When we look into the mirror, we see the glory of Jesus, His presence and His perfection. Then, the Spirit changes us into that image, one level of glory at a time. Our lives are to be a constant process of growth in becoming like our Lord Jesus.
The question to all of us is this, "How much are we beholding the glory of the Lord Jesus?" If we are not seeing Him by meditating on Him and the Word of God, we do not have a picture of what we are to ask the Spirit to do in us. Therefore, we must spend time each day abiding in Christ, and then, ask the Spirit to do His work in us to transform us into His likeness. The Spirit is happy to do this, but He won't force us. We must allow Him to have His way in us. Then, we will see continual progress in our lives.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Corinthians 4-7