Dying to the Glory of God

Introduction: Glorifying God in Life and Death

In John 21:18-19, Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished, but when you grow old…” This passage highlights that Peter was middle-aged—neither young nor old. Jesus continues, “When you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will gird you and bring you where you do not wish to go.” This prophecy underscores the theme of glorifying God in life and death, illustrating how Peter, now a Christian, would be led by the Lord to his destined end, one he wouldn’t naturally choose.

Understanding Peter’s Prophecy and Glorifying God

What was Jesus referring to? Verse 19 provides clarity: “Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God.” Jesus foretold that Peter would die a violent death, a departure that would glorify God. After delivering this prophecy, Jesus commanded Peter, “Follow Me.” This sermon explores the concept of dying to glorify God, broken down into five key points.

The Certainty of Death: Embracing God’s Glorification

Glorifying God in Life and Death begins with recognizing the inevitability of death. Jesus assured Peter of his impending death, a certainty that applies to all of us unless we are raptured before we die. Many believe that others will die, but the reality is personal: “I will die.” This awareness should make us mindful of our mortality, the weakness of our flesh, the brevity of our days, and the certainty of death and righteous judgment. Life on earth is merely a preparation for eternity, and our only true preparation is through union with Christ, enabling us to die gloriously.

Death entered humanity through sin, as Romans 5:12 states, “Sin entered the human race and with it death also.” Death spread like a disease to every person, establishing the reign of sin and death over the world. Reflecting on personal experiences, such as losing friends and hearing about remarkable individuals who still succumbed to death, reinforces the certainty of death. Peter, too, faced this reality: “Peter, you’re gonna die.”

The Timing of Our Death: God’s Plan for Glorification

Our second point emphasizes that the timing of our death is foreordained by God. Jesus told Peter he wouldn’t die young but would live to old age before passing. This reminds us that our lives are in God’s hands, as Psalm 31 assures us there are no accidents—our times are predetermined by Him. Peter’s own life exemplifies this; despite being imprisoned, he lived until old age rather than being killed in prison like James.

Sometimes, God informs individuals of their impending death, as He did with Peter and Paul. Prophecies, such as those concerning John Brown by Alexander Peden, also reveal the timing of death. These instances show that Christians remain invincible until their work for God is complete, ensuring that their deaths glorify Him.

The Kind of Death We Will Die: Glorifying God in Life and Death

Our third point explores that the nature of our death is also foreordained by God. Jesus prophesied the type of death Peter would face, which historians believe was crucifixion—violent and intentional. Contrastingly, John the Apostle faced a seemingly natural death on Patmos, but Peter’s end was marked by violence.

Reflecting on biblical figures like Samson, Elijah, and John Bunyan, we see varied circumstances surrounding their deaths. Some faced battle, others succumbed to illness or accidents, yet all died in ways that glorified God. These examples illustrate that the Lord determines not just when we die but how we die, ensuring our deaths serve His glory and glorify God in life and death.

The Goal of Our Death: Living to Glorify God

The fourth point focuses on the ultimate goal of our death: the glory of God. Jesus prophesied that Peter’s death would glorify God, a principle that applies to all believers. Our lives and deaths should shine before men to glorify God, as emphasized in 1 Peter 4:11. Living for self-glory is contrasted with living to glorify God, which defines true Christianity.

Humans without the knowledge of God perish insignificantly, akin to animals. However, Christians live and die for God’s glory. Philippians 1:21 reinforces this: “Whether by life or by death, Christ may be glorified.” Our actions, words, and attitudes should reflect this, aiming to die cheerfully and usefully before the Lord, embodying the essence of glorifying God in life and death.

Dying to the Glory of God: A Life Dedicated to Christ

The final point ties our death to a life of following Christ. Jesus’ command to Peter, “Follow Me,” emphasizes living each day in devotion to God without worrying about the future. True glorification of God in death requires a life dedicated to Him. Stories of martyrs and faithful believers who died praising God demonstrate this principle. Their unwavering faith and praise in the face of death exemplify dying to glorify God, showcasing glorifying God in life and death through their steadfast commitment.

Conclusion: Committing to Glorify God Every Step

In conclusion, Glorifying God in Life and Death requires understanding the certainty, timing, and nature of our deaths as foreordained by God. The ultimate goal is to glorify Him through our lives and deaths. Following Jesus daily ensures that we live in a way that honors God, preparing us to die gloriously. Let us heed Peter’s call to “Follow Me,” committing our lives to God’s glory every step of the way.