Living to Bring Glory to God
1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
Introduction:
Good morning friends. I am so honored to be with you today — and grateful for the opportunity to open God’s Word together with you.
If you have your Bible, would you pull it out and turn with me to the New Testament book of 1 Corinthian? We’ll spend most of our time in the 10th chapter today, so I’ll give you a moment to find it.
As you do, let me ask you a question:
Have you ever found yourself asking, “Is this all there is?” Maybe you’re going through the motions at work, dealing with the day-to-day grind at home, or even attending church regularly, yet something still feels like it’s missing. If you’ve ever thought, “There must be more to life than this,” you’re not alone. We all want our lives to count for something meaningful, something greater than ourselves. The incredible news is that we were created for exactly that purpose. God didn’t design us merely to survive each day; He created us to thrive by reflecting His goodness, greatness, and love in everything we do.
Scripture, speaks to this issue — as it tells us: We are created to glorify God.
John Piper famously said, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” IIn other words, when we make God the center of our lives, even the most ordinary moments become extraordinary opportunities to honor Him. This isn’t just good theology—it’s an invitation to live the fulfilling, purposeful life you’ve always longed for.
In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul provides a powerful principle:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
This is not a suggestion for Sunday mornings but a lifestyle call for every believer.
Context:
In 1 Corinthians 10:23, Paul writes these words:
23 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
25 Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, 26 for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
27 If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. 29 I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience? 30 If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
The context for this passages hinges on the Corinthian church’s struggle with issues of freedom, morality, and living distinctly in the pagan culture of their day. They grappled with how their faith should impact their daily lives, especially in mundane matters like dietary practices. Paul’s powerful instruction to “do all for the glory of God” reframed their perspective: every choice, large or small, was a statement about their devotion and obedience to God. Paul calls them—and us—to evaluate all our actions through the lens of God’s glory.
1. Glorifying God Is the Purpose of Your Life
“So whether you eat or drink…”
Paul starts with something as simple as eating and drinking to remind us that even the ordinary parts of life can and should be done for God’s glory.
From the very beginning, humanity’s purpose was clear: reflect God’s glory. Isaiah declares,
Isaiah 43:7 – “Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
Our lives aren’t accidental—they are intentional creations, designed specifically to point others back to the Creator. So, just as all of creation points to the greatness of God, so also your life and mine are meant to join in that declaration.
The universe itself proclaims God’s glory:
Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Creation exists to reveal God’s greatness, and we, as His image-bearers, exist to reflect His glory on earth.
Similarly, our lives should echo this heavenly chorus. We are the image-bearers of God, uniquely positioned to reflect His character, love, grace, and holiness.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism begins with:
“The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”
Think of Eric Liddell, the Olympic championship runner and missionary, who was portrayed in the acclaimed movie Chariots of Fire. He once famously described his stated, “God made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.” His running wasn’t merely athletic pursuit; it became worship and testimony, pointing people to God’s magnificent creation and divine gifting.
His running became worship because it reflected God’s design and gave testimony to God’s gifts.
In the same way, your talents, your work, your hobbies, your personality—these are not accidents. They are gifts God has given you to reflect His creativity, compassion, and character to the world.
Romans 11:36 – “For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.”
1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen people…that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Personal Reflection:
Are you living with the understanding that your life’s purpose is not to build your own kingdom but to bring glory to God in every sphere?
2. Glorifying God Involves Every Part of Life
“…or whatever you do…”
Paul expands this call to include everything we do, reminding us there is no divide between “spiritual” and “ordinary” life for the believer. Every part of your life is a platform to glorify God.
Paul emphasizes here, that there is no division between the sacred and secular for believers. Everything we do can and should glorify God.
In Colossians 3:17 he reinforces this when he writes:
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Every seemingly insignificant action becomes sacred when done with a heart of worship. So, whether you are:
- Washing dishes,
- Teaching a class,
- Working in your office,
- Parenting your children,
- Helping a neighbor…
Each moment is an opportunity to bring glory and honor to God.
Brother Lawrence, the 17th-century monk, embodied this beautifully. In his writings, The Practice of the Presence of God, he shared how he felt God’s closeness profoundly during mundane tasks, like kitchen chores, because he consciously did them as acts of worship. His ordinary duties became extraordinary reflections of God’s glory.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
God’s glory is magnified when our everyday lives consistently and authentically demonstrate His presence.
Years ago, when I was pastoring in the Upstate of SC, one of the ladies in my congregation shared how she valued the precious moments God gave her to influence and care for the children of our church who attended her bible class. She explained how she would pray over her classroom each week before students arrive, asking God to let her words and actions reflect Jesus. She would also lay her hands on the chairs around her table, and call out the names of the children who might show up — asking God to bless them, and care for them. In doing so, her job became her mission field, and her classroom became a sanctuary.
In Colossians 3:17 — the apostle Paul said:
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
John 15:8 – “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
Personal Reflection:
Do you see your daily routines—your meetings, chores, and conversations—as opportunities to bring God glory? What would change if you saw every task as worship?
3. Glorifying God Requires Right Motives and Actions
“…do it all for the glory of God.”
It’s possible to do the right things for the wrong reasons. We can serve, give, and even lead in ministry for the praise of people rather than for the glory of God. Scripture reminds us that God sees beyond our actions and examines the motives of our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). Jesus warns in Matthew 6 that we should not practice righteousness just to be seen by others, but to honor God.
I once read about a businessman in the church who shared that he loved giving to missions, but he realized he often did so with the hope of gaining business connections or praise from others. One day, while praying, he felt the Lord say, “Would you give if no one knew and you received nothing in return?” That moment transformed his giving into a pure act of worship, unseen by many but seen by God.
God delights when our actions flow from a heart that desires to honor Him, not ourselves.
1 Samuel 16:7 warns us, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
In Matthew 6, Jesus warns about performing acts of righteousness merely for human praise. Such motives rob God of His glory and leave us spiritually empty.
Philippians 2:3-4 challenges us further, stating,
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
God’s glory shines brightest when our motives are pure and selfless. Our acts of service, generosity, kindness, and obedience should be driven solely by our love for God and desire to honor Him.
Living for God’s glory means asking ourselves daily: “Why am I doing what I am doing?”
It means examining our hearts before leading, before serving, before giving, before speaking.
It means refusing to use ministry or acts of kindness as a stage for our own ego, and instead making every act a stage for God’s greatness.
When our motives align with God’s glory, our service becomes an act of worship, our giving becomes joyful, and our leadership becomes humble. We become people who point others to Jesus, not ourselves, through the purity of our motives and the authenticity of our lives.
1 Peter 4:11 beautifully summarizes this principle, urging us to live in such a way that “in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”
Personal Reflection:
Ask yourself:
- Are my actions rooted in a desire to honor God or to be noticed by people?
- Am I willing to serve, give, or lead even if no one else sees except God?
Call to Action: This week, take time to pray: “Lord, purify my motives. Let all I do be for Your glory, not mine.” As you do, you will find deeper joy, freedom, and purpose in every act of service and obedience.
Conclusion:
You were made for a purpose far greater than personal success, comfort, or significance—you were created to glorify God. This purpose isn’t reserved for Sundays or extraordinary moments alone but should shape every aspect of your daily routine. Imagine the transformation in your family, workplace, and community if each of us embraced this truth wholeheartedly.
Reflection Questions:
- In what areas of your life are you intentionally seeking to bring God glory?
- Are there parts of your life you have kept “off-limits” from this purpose?
- How can you practically glorify God in your workplace, family, and community this week?
Closing Prayer:
“Father, thank You for creating us for Your glory. Forgive us for the moments we have lived for our own recognition rather than for Your honor. Help us to see every moment as an opportunity to reflect Your goodness, love, and truth to the world. Fill us with Your Spirit so that in all we do, You would be glorified. May our words, actions, and attitudes point others to Jesus. In His powerful name, Amen.”