“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.”
but let him glorify God
We glorify God when we claim his provisions for time. Suppose a rich relative leaves you millions of dollars. He puts the money in a bank account for you and hands you a checkbook. However, you have not bothered to look at the account. You go on your merry way in financial need but have no idea of your worth. A mature believer knows what is in his spiritual account book. He knows how to apply it to his life. When we utilize God’s provision, we glorify him for what he has given. We praise him by spending his vast resources (vv.11,14).
1 Co 10:31, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
in this matter
“In this matter” is literally “in the sphere of his name.” Note that the word “name” is not in the New King James Version. The New American Standard Bible translates the phrase this way, “but in that name let him glorify God.” God gives all his provisions through Jesus and what he represents.
PRINCIPLE:
We glorify God by utilizing his provisions for us in Christ.
APPLICATION:
We glorify God in connection with the name of Christ. The idea of “name” is a revelation or representation of who and what he is. As we reveal who Christ is and recognize the reality of who he is and what he did, we glorify God. We praise God the best when we recognize the person and work of Christ in our lives.
