Q2. What is the chief end of man? A. Man's chief end is to glory God and to enjoy Him forever.

Distinctions to be made concerning the glory of God:

1) Intrinsic glory. 2) Ascribed glory.

The Intrinsic glory of God is like the Grand Canyon; ascribing glory to God is like giving others a helicopter ride through it to simply behold its beauty. The glory is there. You cannot add to it. You are but meant to show it!

Or if you prefer, the glory of God is like the moon. It is huge and beautiful but it seems far away to we simple men. To glorify God is like helping others look through a telescope to see its bigness and beauty up close!

WHY MUST WE GLORIFY GOD?

I. Because it is the plain teaching of Scripture that this is why we exist. II. Because this is why all things exist. III. Because this is why Jesus purchased sinners on the cross.

I. We must glorify God because it is the plain teaching of Scripture that this is why we exist.
1 Corinthians 10:31 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

1 Peter 4:10-11 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
- Watson: “The glory of God is the silver thread which must run through all our actions.”
Philippians 1:20 “as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.”
- Watson: “The glory we give God is nothing else but our lifting up His name in the world, and magnifying Him in the eyes of others.”

II. We must glorify God because this is why all things exist.
Colossians 1:16-18 “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. ... that in everything he might be preeminent.”

III. We must glorify God because this is why He purchased sinners on the cross.
1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
1 Corinthians 6:20 “You were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
- Those who know they were bought on the cross with the precious blood of Christ make it their aim to glorify that precious One whose blood was spilled for their sake!

WHAT IS IT TO GLORIFY GOD?

Watson: “To glorify God consists in four things: I. Appreciation. II. Adoration. III. Affection. IV. Subjection. This is the yearly rent we pay to the crown of heaven.”

I. Appreciation (thought/prayer life).
- Watson: “To glorify God is to set Him highest in our thoughts.”
Psalm 97:9 “For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.”
- Watson: “To glorify God is to have God-admiring thoughts; to esteem Him most excellent, and search for diamonds in this rock only.”

II. Adoration (worship).
Psalm 29:1-2 “Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.”

III. Affection (love).
Deuteronomy 6:5 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”

IV. Subjection (joyful obedience).
1 Corinthians 6:20 “You were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO "ENJOY HIM FOREVER"?

Psalm 73:25-26 “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Philippians 3:7-8 “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ”
Philippians 1:21, 23 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ... I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.”

HOW MAY WE MOST ENJOY GOD HERE AND NOW?

I. Fellowship with Him through the scripture and prayer.
II. Trust His promises.
III. Fellowship with His saints.
IV. Take, by faith, His Supper.
V. Help others know Him and enjoy Him.
VI. Enjoy Him by glorifying Him and glorify Him by enjoying Him.