GOD’S GLORY
Psalm 19:1–11
We serve a mighty God who has a plan and a purpose. God has revealed His nature in the Scriptures and in His creation.
Some have referred to God’s revelation of Himself in nature as “a silent book.” As a result, no individual can claim that he or she did not know there is a God.
Knowledge of the existence of God entails responsibility and service to God.
Creation (1–6)
Swiss theologian Karl Barth commented, “By God alone may God be known.” God’s revelation proclaims His glory.
The expansiveness of creation — specifically the celestial bodies we observe at night — proclaims the glory of God. Paul affirmed that humans could grasp some aspects of the nature of God in creation, and God’s power can be seen within nature.
His power and attributes have been seen by humans in the created order.
People, therefore, are without an excuse to not know He exists. Paul and the psalmist agree that the heavens continually declare the glory of God. God daily communicates without words. The expansiveness of the message about God proclaimed by creation without words reaches all people and all places.
William Graham Scroggie, a Baptist preacher in Scotland in the early part of the 20th century who is listed in the Christian Hall of Fame, described characteristics of God’s witness in the created order. God’s witness through nature is specific. The created order reveals God’s wisdom, power, glory and goodness. God reveals Himself in nature 24 hours a day.
What can we discover about God by looking at or spending time in nature?
God’s Word (7–11)
These verses describe the nature and purpose of God’s Word by means of descriptive titles and also by highlighting the positive results in a believer’s life. God’s Word is perfect and renews life. The testimony of God is trustworthy and helps us understand godly wisdom. When we are down emotionally, reading and meditating on God’s Word may help us.
The precepts of the Lord are right and make us glad. Rather than the commands of God being troubling, God’s commands bring light to our eyes. The fear of the Lord leads to purity in our lifestyle.
God’s Word is reliable and righteous. God’s Word is more desirable than a large amount of pure gold and sweeter than honey. Moreover, a servant of God is warned by the Scriptures. The Bible is the only book that rewards the reader.
Humans make excuses for sin because they do not perceive that certain acts are unintentional sins committed out of ignorance or mistake according to Leviticus 4, but people can be aware of these sins if they know God’s Word. Every believer should have a plan or strategy for reading and studying the Bible.
What has your recent personal Bible study taught you about God?
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Mark Rathel
Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida
