Synergy Resources

At the core of our Christian faith is the glory of God. It profoundly shapes our understanding of missions, worship, and our purpose in life. How then can we live for God’s purposes and engage in His mission through the lens of His glory? How does that affect the way we live our lives?

The Story of Creation and Redemption

God created the world as a perfect reflection of His goodness. However, Adam and Eve chose to rebel against God’s command, which brought sin and death into the world. Despite their fall, God’s redemptive plan unfolded through Jesus Christ, the God-man, who came to restore humanity. The Church, established in Christ, reflects and magnifies God’s glory as it awaits His return to reign with His people forever.

God’s Glory in Scripture

The Bible is rich with references to the glory of God, providing a clear focus for us as Christians.

Isaiah 48:9–11 emphasizes that God’s glory is His alone and will not be shared.

“For my name's sake I defer my anger; 
for the sake of my praise I restrain it for you, 
that I may not cut you off. 
Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; 
I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. 
For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, 
for how should my name be profaned? 
My glory I will not give to another.

1 Corinthians 10:31 instructs believers to do everything for the glory of God. 

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 

Revelation 4:1 and 5:11–14 declare the worthiness of God and the Lamb to receive glory. 

After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” — Revelation 4:1 

Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, 

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, 
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!” 

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb 
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped. — Revelation 5:11-14

The Relationship Between Mission and Worship

John Piper asserts that “missions exist because worship does not. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man.” This quote highlights the distinction between the temporary nature of missions and the eternal significance of worship. Therefore, our mission work should be driven by a passion for God’s glory, as He is passionate about His own glory. This mindset shifts mission work from mere duty to an act of worship, pointing others to God.

Practical Implications of Living for God’s Glory

Recognizing that God is ultimate and not ourselves brings us to a place of humility and fulfillment. As we find satisfaction in God, we align ourselves with His glory. This mindset leads to action, fueling our passion for missions. We engage in missions not only to spread the message, but to glorify God, who is the ultimate purpose for our existence.

To embody this understanding, we are called to:

• Pray, Live, Give, Go: These actions reflect our commitment to glorifying God in all aspects of our lives
• Take Risks and Serve Others: Actively participate in missions work with courage and a servant’s heart.
• Make Christ Known: Focus on sharing the message of Christ and encouraging others to do the same. 

As we deepen our understanding of God’s glory and align our lives with it, we fulfill our ultimate purpose and contribute to the broader mission of making disciples and multiplying churches. In every action, our goal remains clear: to bring God glory and reflect Him in our lives and through our work.

Further your knowledge of God's glory and its impact on our lives by watching the second Foundations video:

Dr. Jeremy Kimble, Professor of Theology and Director of the Synergy Initiative at Cedarville University, is passionate about teaching college and graduate students the truth of God’s Word. He is committed to teaching in the classroom, mentoring students, and speaking in church, camp, and conference settings. He served in pastoral ministry for eight years and is currently an active member and minister at University Baptist Church. Dr. Kimble's academic interests include biblical and systematic theology, ecclesiology, preaching and teaching, and the mission of the Church.

Synergy is the combined power of a group working together that is greater than the power of individuals working separately. The Synergy Initiative aims to help students plan strategically to graduate from Cedarville, go together with others from this place, and invest their energies, talents, and efforts in planting, revitalizing, and multiplying churches. As Cedarville graduates join up with other church members who are equipped to do the work of ministry, the combined effect of their efforts will accomplish, by God’s grace, abundantly more than only a couple of pastors in a church doing all of the work on their own. Thus, the goal is to equip students to leave Cedarville University ready to help establish and strengthen local churches throughout the nation and around the world.