Sermon Central
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The Glory Of Man
Contributed by Chris Mccall on Feb 5, 2007 (message contributor)
Summary: Ladies we have been entrusted with an honorable position & responsibility in the earth! But do we really understand it??? Let’s look at it together.
Ladies Net Meeting
Pastor Patti McCall
The Glory of Man
1 Corinthians 11:7b NIV
…but the woman is the glory of man.
Ladies we have been entrusted with an honorable position & responsibility in the earth! But do we really understand it??? Let’s look at it together.
1. THE WOMAN IS THE GLORY OF MAN
To be referenced as “the glory” is the ultimate of compliments. Just as the man reflects physical strength, the woman reflects beauty in its many forms.
Before there is even a chance of anyone getting a bit of an attitude, let’s review this in the light of two truths:
1. Women are answers, not problems (Gen 2:18) Then the Lord said it is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.
2. This description of woman as the man’s glory was never meant to demean or belittle her role or feminine contribution. It was meant to uplift by assigning value and honor.
What is Glory?
Glory denotes magnificence, splendor, beauty, and wonder.
Glory is further described as beauty that inspires feelings of wonder and joy. Doesn’t this perfectly describe Adam’s initial reaction to Eve?
He was awestruck by all she awoke in him. She was the reflection and image of all he had longed for but had yet to behold in his surroundings or himself.
• So why have we used God’s word to reduce women and label them inferior to men?
The devil does not want men and women functioning in healthy complimentary roles. He knows that if we realize the truth, he can’t divide us any longer.
He wants the conflict between men and women to remain so we will continue to wrestle each other for power and position. If men and women learn how to complement and complete each other, then everyone and everything under their dominion will be benefited.
1 Corinthians 11:8-9 For man was not created from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created on account of or for the benefit of woman, but woman on account of and for the benefit of man” (amplified.)
This reiterates the need men have for women. We add value and meaning to every aspect of their lives. Women are created in the image of God, but bear a glory different from that reflected by men.
Men and women are equal, but not interchangeable. We do not hold the position of first created but we hold the honor of the crowning finale.
The bible never said it was wrong for woman to be alone, only that is was not good for the man to be left in charge by himself.
Eve was his helpmeet, the one who made up for all he lacked.
We should never doubt the value and importance of this role.
Do we get bent out of shape when we hear man referred to as the glory of God in 1 Corinthians 11:7, which says, He (man) is the image and glory of God?
Does God use the dynamics of this relationship to dominate men?
No., it is simply a constant point of rejoicing for God. He looks at His magnificent creation, man and smiles!
And yes, when he glances at you, daughter, he is captivated.
Like wise, when man beholds the magnificence of the woman, he is enraptured. Does love dominate its beloved?
No… only the foolish man forgets she is likened to a crown about his head.
When referring to the Glory, there are two dynamics found in scriptures.
1. there is the glory of mankind and how we relate to God
2. there is the relational glory between the man and the woman.
The psalmist David wondered at this relationship between God and His glory, mankind, when he asked this question:
“What is man that you are mindful of him? (PSALM 8:4)
In the next verse David answered his own question and established both order and honor:
“You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with Glory and honor” (PSALMS 8:5)
David was overwhelmed and awed by God’s response to us.
Mankind collectively reflects God’s glory and honor, Likewise woman is crowned as the reflection of the man.
I believe the woman has the power to reflect all the man would hope or aspire to be.
A woman’s presence often adds meaning and purpose to a man’s life and labor.
The scripture also spells out both the danger and folly of men and women dishonoring what God has set apart for honor.
James describes this conflict in the body:
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. (JAMES 3:9)
We are to bless God as well as bless what he blesses.
