2025년 10월 24일 금요일
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삶으로 드리는 찬양 (238) - 함께 계셨네
1. 가사 살펴보기
성실하신 하나님
찬양합니다
매일 새롭게 일하심을
나 찬양합니다
나의 생각과 필요
모두 아시고
매 순간 일하시는
나의 하나님
때로는 침묵하심으로
주 신실하심 느껴지지
않아도
가장 완전한 그분의
방법과
시간으로 일하심
믿습니다
잠잠히 내 삶을
보면
하나하나 이뤄가신
놀랍고
신비한 그분의 섭리
발견할 수 있네
내가 흔들릴 때도
언제나 나와 동행하시며
이미 그 자리에
항상 함께 계셨네
2. 곡 소개
이 곡은, 웨이홈 팀의 ‘우리가 드리는 이야기’ 앨범에 수록된 곡이다. 이 곡은,
나의 모든 것을 아시는 성실하신 하나님께서, 가장 완전한 방법으로 나의 인생에 일하고 계심을
고백하는 곡이다. 그래서 결국에는 나의 삶의 모든 순간에 하나님이 동행하셨음을 발견하게 되었다는 신앙의
간증을 담고 있는 곡이다.
3. 말씀으로 바라보기
시편 147:5 우리
주는 위대하시며 능력이 많으시며 그의 지혜가 무궁하시도다
“무궁하시도다”라는 히브리어 단어는, 4절에서 수효로 번역된 단어와 동일합니다. 주님께서는 별들의 숫자와 그 한계를 결정하시지만, 그분의 지혜는 측량할 수
없습니다.
D. A. Carson, ed., NIV Biblical
Theology Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2018), 1050.
시편 100:5 여호와는
선하시니 그의 인자하심이 영원하고 그의 성실하심이 대대에 이르리로다
하나님은 선의 근원이시며 선의 완벽한 모범이십니다. 그의 성실하심은, 그분이 약속을 지키신다는 의미에서 그렇습니다.
John F. MacArthur Jr., The MacArthur Study
Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Nashville, TN: Thomas
Nelson Publishers, 2006), Ps 100:5.
시편 16:8 내가
여호와를 항상 내 앞에 모심이여 그가 나의 오른쪽에 계시므로 내가 흔들리지 아니하리로다
다윗은 힘과 기쁨을 얻기 위해서
주님을 깊이 의지하고 있으며, 하나님께서 바로 자신의 곁에 계심을 느끼고 있습니다. 베드로는 오순절 날 설교에서 이 말씀을 인용하였습니다.
New Living
Translation Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House
Publishers, Inc., 2008), Ps 16:7–8.
욥기 23:8 그런데
내가 앞으로 가도 그가 아니 계시고 뒤로 가도 보이지 아니하며 23:9 그가 왼쪽에서 일하시나 내가
만날 수 없고 그가 오른쪽으로 돌이키시나 뵈올 수 없구나 23:10 그러나 내가 가는 길을 그가 아시나니
그가 나를 단련하신 후에는 내가 순금 같이 되어 나오리라
하나님께서는 고난을 통해 신자의
믿음을 시험하십니다. 이는 그 믿음의 진정성과 그 귀한 가치를 드러내기 위함입니다
Joel R. Beeke, Michael P. V. Barrett, and
Gerald M. Bilkes, eds., The Reformation
Heritage KJV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage
Books, 2014), 736.
빌립보서 4:19 나의
하나님이 그리스도 예수 안에서 영광 가운데 그 풍성한 대로 너희 모든 쓸 것을 채우시리라
4. 찬양에 대한
묵상
이 찬양은. 인자하시고 영원하시고 성실하신
여호와 하나님에 대한 고백을 담고 있는 찬양이다. 그분은 모든 것을 다 알고 계시고 우리의 필요를 이미
아시기 때문에 그분의 약속에 따라서 성실하게 일하고 계신다는 것이다. 다시 말해서, 성도는 여호와 하나님이 어떤 분이신가에 대한 성경적인 믿음을 가지고 있기에,
그분이 지금 이 순간에도 나를 위하여 일하고 계시다는 것을 고백할 수 있는 것이다.
그러므로 성경은, 전능하신 하나님께서
언제나 그분의 백성들과 함께 하신다고 끊임없이 반복하여 말씀하신다. 성도의 영적인 힘과 능력과 기쁨은
바로 이러한 말씀을 통해서 얻는 것이며, 말씀 가운데 하나님의 일하심을 확신함으로써 인생의 길을 걸어갈
수 있는 것이다.
때로는 주님께서는 침묵하시는 것처럼 보인다. 그분은
분명히 함께 하시지만, 많은 경우에 자신을 감추시고 오히려 우리에게 고난을 허락하신다. 왜 그러한가? 고난을 통해서 그분은 우리의 믿음을 견고하게 하시고, 그 믿음의 가치를 우리가 더 깨닫도록 인도하시는 것이다. 우리는
고난을 통하여 더 깊은 믿음과 순수한 신앙을 소유하게 되며, 고난 이후에 주님의 일하심에 대해서 다시
한번 놀라게 되고 그분을 향하여 진심 어린 찬양을 올려드리게 되는 것이다.
그러므로 이 찬양을 통해서, 전능하시며
성실하신 아버지 하나님에 대한 믿음이 다시 한번 새로워지기를 원한다. 가장 완전한 길로 인도하시며 침묵
속에서도 사랑 가운데 그분의 뜻을 온전히 이루어 가시는 여호와 하나님을 믿고 신뢰하는 모든 성도님들 되시기를 기대한다.
https://jungjinbu.blogspot.com/2022/06/1_30.html
2025년 10월 22일 수요일
가을이 다시 돌아오다
2025년 10월 15일 수요일
'솔라시리즈'를 준비하면서 참고한 여섯권의 책들
* 설교를 준비하며
부흥회를 준비한다는 것이 쉽지는 않았습니다. 한달 정도 전부터 미리 구상을 하면서 책을 읽고 준비하기 시작했습니다. 특별히 교리를 다루고 역사를 다루는 부분에 있어서는 내용의 정확성을 요구하기 때문에 그 부분에 마음을 많이 썼습니다.
보통 가장 중요한 주일 설교를 위해서 12시간 정도를 사용합니다. 그런데 이번에는 더 쉽지 않았던 것이 주일 설교를 포함해서 세번의 설교가 메인으로 들어갔기 때문입니다. 한번의 짧은 새벽 설교도 오직 은혜를 다루었기 때문에 정말 쉽지 않았습니다.
특별히 가장 쉽지 않은 부분은, 네편의 모든 설교가 유기적으로 연결되어야 한다는 점이었습니다. 다섯가지의 솔라는 결코 따로 떨어진 것이 아니라, 신학적인 흐름을 가집니다. 그리고 더 어려운 점은, 만약에 마지막 설교까지 감정적인 그리고 신학적인 유기성을 가지기 위해서는, 이미 부흥회가 오기 전에 설교에 대한 원고가 거의 완성이 되고 흐름이 준비가 되어야 한다는 점이었습니다.
그런 면에서 이번 부흥회는 저의 능력을 아득히 넘어선다고 느꼈습니다. 매번 주일 설교도 참 쉽지 않지만, 가장 위대한 주제를 가지고 부흥회를 하겠다고 결심한 것부터 저의 한계를 넘어선 도전이라고 생각했습니다. 더 짬을 내어서 미리 책을 살피고 생각을 정리하고 원고를 준비해나가면서, 하나님의 은혜 가운데 마칠 수 있었습니다.
* 루터의 로마서 주석 / 루터
* 또 다른 설교를 꿈꾸며
요즘에 깊이 깨닫는 것은, 제가 할 수 없는 일들이 대부분이라는 것입니다. 철저한 무능력, 그것을 많이 느낍니다. 그래서 또 한편으로는 하나님께서 도우시는 것이 전부라는 것을 깨닫습니다. 하나님께서 하시지 않으면 그 어떤 것도 할 수가 없습니다.
설교를 준비할 때 마다 느끼는 것은, 두려움입니다. 단순히 이번에 좋은 설교를 못할 것 같다는 두려움이 아니라, 설교 자체가 주는 중압감이 너무나 크다는 의미입니다. 그래서 언제나 주저하는 마음을 가지게 됩니다.
또 한편으로는 감사할 따름입니다. 이번에 솔라시리즈를 통해서 하나님께서 저를 많이 깨우쳐 주셨습니다. 교회사 속으로 완전히 들어갈 수 있다는 것이 축복이라고 느꼈습니다. 고전의 중요성에 대해서 다시 한번 깨닫게 되었고, 루터를 포함해서 또 다른 고전들을 평생 읽어나가야겠다고 결심했습니다.
그저 한걸음에 만족할 수 밖에 없는 인생이지만, 그래도 감사합니다. 하나님께서 이뤄주신다면 조금 더 전진했으면 합니다. 그렇다면 위대하신 하나님으로 인하여, 제 마음에 더 기쁨이 넘칠 것입니다.
2025년 10월 14일 화요일
삶으로 드리는 찬양 (237) - 나의 약함은 나의 자랑이요
1. 가사 살펴보기
참 고마운 친구
나의 예수님
나는 깨지기 쉬운
질그릇과 같으나
때론 낙심해도 포기치
않음은
예수의 생명이 내
안에 있기에
내 삶의 동행자
나의 예수님
나는 기대가 없는
어린 나귀 같으나
늘 쓰러지나 다시
일어남도
예수의 생명이 내
안에 있기에
나의 약함은 나의
자랑이요
나의 실패는 나의
간증이요
나의 아픔은 나의
영광이니
그 부르심 따라
내가 걸어갑니다
나 가난함은 나의
상급이요
나 미련함은 나의
자랑이요
나 쓰러짐이 나의
고백이니
그 부르심 따라
내가 걸어갑니다
2. 곡 소개
이 곡은, 2017년에 발매된 브라운 워십팀의 The Feast (잔치) 앨범에 수록된 곡이다. 이 곡은 성도는 본질적으로 연약하고 넘어지는
존재이지만, 그러나 예수님이 내 안에 있기 때문에 오히려 주님을 더 의지하고 살아가겠다는 성도의 아름다운
결단을 담고 있는 곡이다.
3. 말씀으로 바라보기
고린도후서 4:7 우리가
이 보배를 질그릇에 가졌으니 이는 심히 큰 능력은 하나님께 있고 우리에게 있지 아니함을 알게 하려 함이라
고린도후서 12:9 나에게
이르시기를 내 은혜가 네게 족하도다 이는 내 능력이 약한 데서 온전하여짐이라 하신지라 그러므로 도리어 크게 기뻐함으로 나의 여러 약한 것들에 대하여
자랑하리니 이는 그리스도의 능력이 내게 머물게 하려 함이라
고린도후서 4:8 우리가
사방으로 우겨쌈을 당하여도 싸이지 아니하며 답답한 일을 당하여도 낙심하지 아니하며 4:9 박해를 받아도
버린 바 되지 아니하며 거꾸러뜨림을 당하여도 망하지 아니하고 4:10 우리가 항상 예수의 죽음을 몸에
짊어짐은 예수의 생명이 또한 우리 몸에 나타나게 하려 함이라
고린도후서 8:9 우리
주 예수 그리스도의 은혜를 너희가 알거니와 부요하신 이로서 너희를 위하여 가난하게 되심은 그의 가난함으로 말미암아 너희를 부요하게 하려 하심이라
너희로 부요하게 하려 함이라는
것은 예수님을 신뢰하는 모든 이에게 그분이 주시는 영적인 풍요를 의미합니다. 그분은 용서, 의롭다 하심(칭의), 거듭남, 영생, 그리고 영화롭게 하심을 제공하십니다. 예수님은 우리를 죄의 노예 상태에서 사서 하나님의 자녀로 만드십니다. 그분은
우리에게 요청과 찬양으로 하나님께 나아갈 권리와 특권을 주십니다.
Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and
H. Wayne House, The Nelson Study Bible: New King James Version
(Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1997), 2 Co 8:9.
고린도전서 1:27 그러나
하나님께서 세상의 미련한 것들을 택하사 지혜 있는 자들을 부끄럽게 하려 하시고 세상의 약한 것들을 택하사 강한 것들을 부끄럽게 하려 하시며 1:28 하나님께서 세상의 천한 것들과 멸시 받는 것들과 없는 것들을 택하사 있는 것들을 폐하려 하시나니
고린도의 대부분의 신자들은 당대의 교육받은 엘리트들이
보기에 다음과 같이 여겨지는 계층에 속했습니다. 미련한 (배우지
못하고 지적으로 무능한) 약한 (권력과 영향력이 없는) 천한 (고귀한 출신이 아니어서 중요하지 않은) 멸시 받는 (가치나 존중을 받을 자격이 없는 것처럼 취급되는) 없는 것들 (보잘것없는 존재들) 하나님께서는 바로 이러한 종류의 사람들을 택하여 예수 그리스도를 믿는 믿음으로 나오게 하시고 그분의 은혜의 풍성함을
받게 하셨습니다
Douglas J. Moo, “The Letters and Revelation,” in NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible, ed.
D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2018), 2055.
4. 찬양에 대한
묵상
이 찬양은, 그리스도인의 삶에서 겪는
연약함, 고난, 부족함을 인간적인 좌절의 이유가 아니라, 하나님의 크신 능력과 은혜를 경험하고 드러내는 통로이자 기회로 보는 역설적인 신앙 고백을 담고 있다. 우리는 깨지기 쉬운 질그릇 같고 세상의 기대를 받지 못하는 어린 나귀와 같지만, 그러나 성도에게는 예수 그리스도의 생명이 있으며, 주님의 능력 때문에
모든 연약함을 이겨낼 수 있다는 것이다.
그러므로 이 찬양은 우리의 약함 자체가 자랑이 된다고 고백한다. 하나님은 우리의 강함이 아니라 부족함과 미련함 속에서 그분의 능력을 가장 온전하게 나타내시며, 세상이 천하다고 멸시하는 우리의 모습도 그리스도의 능력과 은혜가 머무는 통로가 될 수 있기에, 우리는 기쁨으로 자랑할 수 있는 것이다.
결국 이 찬양은, 그리스도인으로서 겪는
모든 고난과 연약함을 좌절의 이유가 아닌, 하나님의 역설적인 은혜를 경험하는 기회로 보는 신앙 고백이다. 그러므로 이 찬양을 부르며 우리의 연약함에도 불구하고 주님을 의지하며 살아가기를 원한다. 우리의 가난함과 미련함, 그리고 심지어 넘어짐이라도 그리스도의 구원과
능력에 대한 간증이 되며, 오직 주님만을 높이는 인생 살아가시는 성도님들 되시기를 기대한다.
https://jungjinbu.blogspot.com/2022/06/1_30.html
2025년 10월 13일 월요일
* 목회의 은혜를 나누며 (25) - 언제나 본질로 돌아가는 교회를 꿈꾸며 / 솔라시리즈
/ 오직 성경 (Sola Scriptura) / 왕상 22장 3-13절
/ 오직 은혜 (Sola Gratia) / 엡 2장 1-5절
/ 오직 믿음 & 오직 그리스도 (Sola Fide & Sola Christus) / 롬 1장 16-17
https://jungjinbu.blogspot.com/2025/10/2-sola-fide-sola-christus-1-16-17.html
/ 오직 하나님께 영광 (Soli Deo Gloria) / 시 115장 1-8절
https://jungjinbu.blogspot.com/2025/10/4-soli-deo-gloria-115-1-8.html
신앙의 본질로 돌아가자 부흥회 설교 (4) / 오직 하나님께 영광 (Soli Deo Gloria) / 시 115장 1-8절
* Soli Deo Gloria: Psalm 115:1–8
* I Only Brought a Spoon
Under the title “Soli Deo Gloria,” I would like to preach the Word of God. Some of you may know the Korean actor Hwang Jung-min, one of the greatest actors in Korea. He starred as the leading role in three separate films that each drew more than ten million viewers.
In 2005, he played the lead in the movie You Are My Sunshine, which became one of the most successful melodramas in Korean film history. Through this film, he gained immense popularity and received the Blue Dragon Best Actor Award.
Yet what left a deep impression on many was his acceptance speech. He said, “To be honest, I always tell people that I’m just a mere actor. Around sixty staff members and actors set such a splendid table; all I have to do is enjoy the meal. Yet all the spotlight comes to me, and I feel so sorry about that.”
This statement deeply moved people because, at the peak of his career, he did not glorify himself but gave the glory to others. In a moment when he could have lifted himself up, he instead humbled himself and honored those around him, leaving an unforgettable impression of true humility.
* The Five Solas of the Reformation
Through this fall revival, we have been reflecting deeply on the five Solas of the Reformation. These five declarations are: Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Gratia (Grace alone), Sola Fide (Faith alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), and finally, Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God alone).
Our Presbyterian faith, if traced back to its roots, leads us to a time when the church had become corrupted and darkened. It was an era when the pope held political power, and many clergy neither preached the gospel nor cared for the souls of believers. Filled with greed for money, they began to sell indulgences, claiming that even the sins of the dead could be forgiven through payment. Reformers such as Martin Luther rose to oppose this system because it was utterly contrary to the teaching of Scripture.
The most amazing thing is that through this process, the gospel that had been hidden for centuries in the medieval church began to shine forth again. People’s hearts started to change. Instead of relying on papal decrees or church traditions, they began to think based solely on the Word of God.
In the Middle Ages, it was taught that God’s grace alone was not enough—that humans had to add their good works in order to be saved. But the reformers rediscovered the biblical truth that salvation comes only by the grace of God. This gospel truth began to stir and awaken souls. And they came to understand clearly, according to Scripture, how salvation truly happens: that Jesus Christ alone is the righteousness of sinners, and that salvation comes only by faith in Him alone.
Therefore, the natural direction of those who are saved by faith in Christ is summarized in this final declaration: “Soli Deo Gloria” — Glory to God alone.
* What Is Glory?
When you hear the word “glory,” what comes to your mind? The Korean word for “glory” (영광, 榮光) is made up of two Chinese characters: “young” (榮) meaning honor or dignity worthy of respect, and “gwang” (光) meaning light or brilliance. So, simply put, “glory” refers to a beautiful and shining honor or dignity.
However, in the Bible, the word “glory” usually translates the Hebrew word “kabod,” which literally means “weight” or “heaviness.” Therefore, when Scripture says, “The glory of God,” it signifies that God Himself is weighty, important, and of infinite worth. In Greek, the New Testament uses the word “doxa,” which originally comes from a verb meaning “to think.” Over time, it developed into the sense of a favorable opinion, then reputation, praise, and honor.
In conclusion, the glory of God in the New Testament refers to God’s reputation, His praise, and His exalted honor. It means that His name is lifted high, His character is made known, and His majesty is recognized among all creation.
* Only God Is Glorious
Let us think for a moment. Sometimes we describe a person as “glorious”—a truly great or admirable person. But what do we realize as we live longer? The glory and reputation of human beings always change. Someone we once considered honorable and admirable may later disappoint us, and the person we thought was great turns out not to be so.
However, the glory of God is completely different. His greatness, majesty, and exaltation never change. As the Lord declares in Isaiah 42:8 (ESV):
“I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.”
Here, notice that before speaking of His glory, God first declares His name: “I am the Lord.” The name “Yahweh” means “I AM WHO I AM,” the One who exists by Himself.
We must remember how important that name is. We all depend on something—our parents, the air we breathe, water, and food to survive. Without these, we cannot live. We are also bound by time and space; we exist within limits. But the Lord is not like us. He depends on nothing. He is perfect in Himself, the Creator of the universe and of humankind, and the Lord of all. Therefore, His weight, importance, and exaltation far exceed our comprehension. The glory of God never fades and never changes.
Thus the Lord proclaims, “I am glorious, and My glory belongs to Me alone. I will not share it with anyone else.”
* Not to Us, O Lord
With this background in mind, we can now understand today’s passage in a deeper way. Psalm 115:1 (ESV) says,
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!”
Here we notice that the psalmist repeats the same phrase twice: “Not to us, not to us.” In Scripture, repetition always emphasizes importance. The psalmist is pleading with God, “Do not let glory be given to us.” Why? Because human beings are unworthy of glory. He is praying that people would not exalt themselves or take the place that belongs to God alone.
The psalmist then explains the reason: “For the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness.” This is a sharp contrast between human frailty and God’s perfection. Human love and truthfulness are weak and unstable, but the Lord is abounding in steadfast love and utterly faithful in all His ways. Thus, the psalmist confesses that only God deserves glory, because only He is truly gracious, true, and trustworthy.
* Look at the Reformation
How do you feel when you read this verse? As I prepared for this revival and for today’s message, the phrase “for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness” touched my heart deeply. Especially when viewed in connection with the Reformation, it becomes even more meaningful.
Think about it—though the early church once flourished and Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, humanity gradually became corrupted, and the church began to collapse. It seemed as if the church had lost the ability to correct itself. Yet the faithful and gracious God did not abandon His church. Out of His mercy, He revived and restored it again.
There is a book called Table Talk, which is not written by Luther himself but by his students and colleagues who recorded the conversations he had during his lifetime. This collection reveals Luther’s candid thoughts and helps us understand his inner world. In one passage, Luther said:
“High church officials, idolized saints, rich moneylenders, and greedy cattle traders—these are not the servants of God, nor is it desirable that they should be. Moreover, it brings no honor to God that such people are called His servants, for they ascribe glory and honor to themselves.”
When I read this, one sentence struck my heart the most: “They ascribe glory and honor to themselves.” Through this statement, we can understand how Luther saw his times—it was an age when human beings stole the glory of God.
In other words, it was a time when people exalted themselves, claiming greatness, even saying that salvation rested in their own hands. They elevated human authority above God’s Word. That was the spiritual darkness Luther faced in his generation.
* Sinners Who Steal God’s Glory
What we must clearly understand is that the attempt to steal God’s glory and to exalt oneself is not merely a problem of the Middle Ages. It is the fundamental evil that lies at the very heart of fallen humanity. In Genesis 3:4–5 (ESV), the serpent tempts Eve, saying,
“You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
This temptation is not simply about disobeying God’s command—it is far deeper. The serpent deceives humanity with a lie that strikes at the core of worship: “You can be like God.” In other words, instead of exalting God and giving Him glory, the serpent whispers, “Take His place. Seize His glory. You can become the center.”
And what was the result? Genesis 3:6 (ESV) says,
“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.”
Thus, the fall of humanity was the tragic attempt to rise to the place of the most glorious God. Not only did that effort fail, but it resulted in complete spiritual separation from God, bringing about the most miserable consequence in human history.
* The Living God and the Powerless Idols
Then how does God respond to this human rebellion and fall? His work is truly marvelous. God did not abandon fallen humanity. Out of His mercy and steadfast love, He made a promise to save them. In Genesis 3:15 (ESV), God proclaims His redemptive plan:
“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
In other words, God did not give up on those who turned away from Him. Instead, He promised to send One who would crush the serpent’s head, redeem sinners, and lead them back to Himself. Therefore, the Lord our God is alive, working on behalf of sinners, full of compassion and grace, and never giving up on His people.
In this sense, today’s Psalm 115 has an incredibly powerful structure. The psalmist compares the living and glorious God with lifeless idols. He draws a vivid contrast between the majestic Lord and powerless images of silver and gold. The description is so detailed that it almost sounds ironic:
“Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.” (Psalm 115:4–7, ESV)
Why did people in ancient times—and even today—make idols out of gold and silver? Because they wanted them to look glorious. They wanted to display something impressive and majestic. Yet, in reality, those idols are utterly powerless. Scripture declares that they can do nothing. But the Lord, the living God, is completely different—He alone is the One who works, shows mercy, and reveals His glory. He alone is the glorious, living God.
* The Work of the Holy Spirit
Then how can humanity—who from the very beginning sought to exalt themselves and steal God’s glory—be changed? God has a clear plan for this. He sends the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts. In Ezekiel 36:26–27 (ESV), the Lord declares,
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.”
This means that when God saves a sinner, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within them, giving them a new heart—a tender, living heart instead of a hardened one. In other words, salvation is not simply a change in behavior, but the miraculous work of God’s Spirit who renews our hearts so that we come to believe and confess Jesus Christ as Lord.
Before, people lived exalting themselves, thinking they were great and self-sufficient. But now, through the Spirit’s renewal, they live to honor God, to recognize His glory, and to magnify Him in every moment. Titus 3:5 (ESV) says,
“He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”
Notice the phrase “renewal of the Holy Spirit.” The Greek word for “renewal” also appears in Romans 12:2 (ESV):
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Thus, the renewal of the Spirit is directly connected to the renewal of the mind. Believing in Jesus and being transformed by the Spirit means a complete change of heart and attitude. We begin to long for God’s will, to honor His greatness, and to live for His pleasure. This is the true meaning of salvation.
* Open Your Eyes to the Glory of God
In this context, I have often realized in my ministry that many believers think of salvation in a very self-centered way. They tend to believe that salvation is merely about entering heaven. Of course, that is true—God has saved us to make us His children and to lead us into His eternal kingdom.
However, salvation means far more than simply going to heaven. The Bible shows that salvation is actually a transfer of glory. Humanity, who once tried to steal God’s glory, is now restored to give all glory back to God alone. In this way, salvation can be perfectly understood as the return of glory to its rightful place.
Therefore, the ultimate purpose of our salvation is not just personal blessing or comfort, but to recognize God’s greatness in everything He does and to live as people who exalt His name. True believers are those whose eyes have been opened to see the majesty of God and who respond with worship, praise, and thanksgiving.
* Worthy of Glory
In this light, when we look at Ephesians chapter 1, we find a repeated theme that runs throughout the passage—the glory of God. This chapter magnificently reveals God’s power and love in choosing and saving us. Ephesians 1:6 (ESV) says,
“To the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.”
This means that our salvation by grace is not the end of our story. Rather, the right response to such grace is to praise the greatness and glory of God who saved us. We cannot help but lift up His name in worship.
In Ephesians 1:12 (ESV), Paul continues,
“So that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.”
And in Ephesians 1:14 (ESV), he writes,
“Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
Here, the “guarantee” refers to the Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s indwelling presence assures us that God has paid the price for our sins and will surely bring us to final redemption.
Therefore, as the psalm declares, because our triune God is full of steadfast love and faithfulness, because He has completely saved us, we cannot help but praise the glory of His grace. A true believer is someone who, by spiritual sight, recognizes the greatness and majesty of God—and lives to exalt Him alone.
* Give Glory to the Lord
So then, how can we practically give glory to God in our daily lives? 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) says,
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
What stands out here are the words “whatever you do.” This phrase means exactly what it says—everything we do in life. And the words “whether you eat or drink” include even the smallest, most ordinary things in our daily routine.
This teaching was revolutionary for people in the Middle Ages. Back then, many believed that the best way to please God was to enter a monastery or live a religious life within the church. They thought that only those who devoted themselves to prayer or worship were truly pleasing to God, while the tasks of everyday life—working, farming, raising families—were merely secular necessities.
But Scripture teaches something very different. From the beginning, the Bible shows that every part of life is connected to God. Worship inside the church is important, but so is how we live outside the church. Every action, big or small, can reveal God’s glory when done in faith.
* How Are We Living?
When we look around today, we can see that the same misunderstanding that existed in the Middle Ages still remains in people’s hearts. Many believers unconsciously divide life into two categories—the sacred and the secular. They think that the work of the church is holy, but ordinary work in the world is not.
This dualistic mindset leads to a serious problem. Even among those who pray fervently and worship faithfully, there are sometimes people who are not respected at work, not trusted in their families, or even criticized in society. They fail to see that their everyday life is meant to reflect God’s greatness. They think, “I just work to make a living,” without realizing that their labor can glorify God.
Martin Luther strongly opposed this kind of thinking. Speaking to those who despised the everyday vocations of believers, he said:
“He fiercely criticizes those who think that a believing farmer or worker faithfully doing his job is less precious before God than monks, friars, or nuns.”
And again, addressing those who envy others instead of being faithful in their own calling, he said:
“It is truly sad that so few people are satisfied with the vocation and calling God has given them. Most of us think that other people’s situations are better than our own. Yet to serve God rightly is to stand firmly in the place where He has called us, no matter how humble or simple it may be.”
The Bible and the Reformation both teach us this truth: the most important thing for believers today is to glorify God wherever they are. People focus on how good their job is or how much they earn, but God focuses on whether His glory is revealed through their lives. Even if one’s job seems lowly in human eyes, if that person works diligently and faithfully to reveal God’s greatness, that life is truly Reformed and genuinely biblical.
* The Resolution of the Trainees
As we come to the close of today’s message, let me share one final story. Earlier, I mentioned the actor Hwang Jung-min’s acceptance speech—but there’s another part that many people don’t know. When he stepped onto the stage after being announced as Best Actor, he said, with a shy but sincere voice,
“First of all, I want to thank God. I’ve always been thankful in my heart but haven’t expressed it publicly—so today, I give thanks to God first.”
That confession deeply moved me. At the very pinnacle of his career, he wanted God to be glorified first. It revealed a man of pure faith standing in the spotlight yet humbly giving credit to the Lord.
Recently, while serving in the two-month training for newly elected deacon and deaconess candidates, I had many meaningful conversations with them. What impressed me most was their humility and deep faith. During our second session, we reflected on Romans 14:8 (ESV):
“For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.”
After meditating on this verse, the trainees shared their hearts with me. They said things like:
“I love the confession that I belong to the Lord.”
“I accept it as a fact that I am His.”
“I want to please God and love my neighbors.”
“I repent for not always living as a child of God.”
“I want to resemble the service and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.”
“I will always remember why I live—to honor Him.”
“I will trust the Lord in every situation.”
“I will lay myself down, give thanks for His grace, and grow to resemble the Father.”
“I will strive to treat every church member with love.”
Through these confessions, I became convinced that these are truly precious servants of God—people who desire to dedicate their whole lives to Him. And through them, I believe our church will be built up with even greater strength and grace.
* Conclusion
As we conclude, let us ask ourselves an important question: Whose glory are we living for? Whom do we truly exalt through our lives?
My earnest prayer is that in every moment of our lives we would lift up and glorify our Father God, who has saved us and guides us by His grace. In our homes, our workplaces, our businesses, our schools, and in every relationship, may we reveal the love, mercy, wisdom, faithfulness, and excellence of God.
May all of us live to exalt His glory alone, giving Him the highest praise with our hearts and lives. I bless you, beloved brothers and sisters, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ— that you may live every day Soli Deo Gloria, to the glory of God alone.
Let us pray.
추천 글
로고스 프로그램으로, 평신도 성경 공부하기 with 스터디 바이블 노트 Study Bible Notes (2023년 9월 업데이트)
주의 말씀의 맛이 내게 어찌 그리 단지요 내 입에 꿀보다 더 다니이다 (시 119:103) 누구나 성경을 열심히 읽으라는 말은 듣습니다. 그리고 성경이 꿀보다 달다는 이야기를 듣습니다. 그러나 실제로 많은 ...

