A lesson by Pastor John Skaggs

P.O. Box 1447, Claypool, Az. 85532

520-425-8345 or 520-402-9134

Luke 140

Date: 5-9-99

Text: Romans 11:33-36

Judas Iscariot, for the Glory of God

In spite of his recent lapse of good judgement J. I. Packer, a Christian theologian and author, has made some lasting and worthwhile contributions to the Christian community. One of the best is his book, "Concise Theology." The section on providence begins with these words from the Westminster Shorter Catechism. "God’s works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful, preserving, and governing ALL his creatures, and ALL their actions," (Westminster Shorter Catechism Q.11). Mr. Packer then writes, "If Creation was a unique exercise of divine energy causing the world to be, providence is a continued exercise of that same energy whereby the Creator, according to His own will, (a) keeps all creatures in being, (b) involves Himself in all events, and (c) directs all things to their appointed end. The model is of purposive personal management with total, "hands-on," control. God is completely in charge of His world. His hand may be hidden, but his rule is absolute."

In the last paragraph of the article Packer says this; "The doctrine of providence teaches Christians that they are never in the grip of blind forces (fortune, chance, luck, fate) all that happens to them is divinely planned, and each event comes as a new summons to trust, obey, and rejoice, knowing that all is for one’s spiritual and eternal good (Romans 8:28)." (End Quote)

Although it is true that God’s ordering of all things is designed to do US spiritual and eternal good we must not conclude that God exists FOR us. We are not at the center of His concerns. Rather, doing us good is only part of the means He has chosen to reach His real end or goal. That goal is the glorification of Himself. God seeks His own glory and He guards that glory carefully. Consider the words of Isaiah 42:8 NASB. "I am the LORD, that is My name; I WILL NOT GIVE MY GLORY TO ANOTHER, Nor My praise to graven images." God will not allow another to take credit for His work!

(Isaiah 48:11 NASB) "For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; (This statement describes the motivation behind everything that God does. God acts for His own sake, His own glorification.) For how can My name be profaned? And My glory I will not give to (or even share with) another."

God does all things and He does them in a way that brings glory to Himself.

Many professing Christians will have trouble with both parts of this last statement. First they will object to the declaration that, "God does all things." Most Christians do not really believe this. They do not believe that God is sovereign although they give lip service to the idea. Then secondly many Christians would be uncomfortable with the Idea that God is self centered rather than man centered. The idea that we exist for God instead of He for us is foreign to millions who name the name of Christ. But the fact remains, "God does all things and He does them in a way that will bring glory to Himself."

We Sovereign Grace folk say we believe that God is sovereign but do we really? Have we thought about the implications of statements like Mr. Packer made in his article? "God is completely in charge of His world. His hand may be hidden, but HIS RULE IS ABSOLUTE." If we believe this statement we will believe that all things, good and evil, are in God’s control. We will see His hand in virtually everything, not as a factor, but as the controlling factor. We will understand that He is not an observer. He is the great God and governor of all that is visible and invisible.

I contend that the Christian cannot enjoy the peace that passes all understanding if he does not understand and believe in God’s Sovereignty. The believer will not be able to cope with or make sense of things he sees with his eyes and experiences in his life if he does not understand that all things, without exception, are by divine design WITH A PURPOSE. That purpose is to bring glory to God.

But what is God’s glory and what does it mean to glorify Him? When God tells us to glorify Him it means we are to praise, exalt, and recognize Him for His greatness, goodness, power, and all the rest of His attributes.

The word, "Glory," in the Old Testament has to do with weight, worth, wealth, splendor, dignity, and power. To some degree the word means the same thing to us. For instance it is often true that heavy things are of greater value than things that don’t weigh much. For instance, the heavier a diamond the more worth it has. We might say, "A diamond that weighs one pound is immeasurably more glorious than one that weighs a fraction of an ounce. So much so we could say there is no comparison between the two. That’s part of the idea behind the word glory. When compared to all the glorious things in creation God is the heaviest, or most glorious. He is so heavy that, by comparison, everything else is as light as air. There is nothing really glorious but God. Today we must understand that God’s goal in doing everything He has done or will do is to reveal His matchless glory to all. The revelation of such a great and glorious God requires a great and glorious plan. This is where creation comes in.

When I was a boy there was a popular song which asked the question, "What’s it all about, Alphie?" If I recall correctly the song was popular in the sixties and seventies, a time when all the youngsters on the planet were trying to discover the answer to the same question, What’s it all about? Why are we here? Why are there wars, and murders, and rapes? Why does one people oppress another? Why does one group of people enjoy peace and prosperity while another only hardship and misery? On and on the questions go. What is it all about? I don’t know if Alphie ever figured it out but, by the grace of God, I have. Brothers and sisters, "IT IS ALL ABOUT GOD." It has always been about God and will always be. IT IS NOT ABOUT US! We are simply part of the plan He has put together by which He has and will continue to display His Glory. It is all about God. He has so ordained whatsoever comes to pass that when it is all said and done His goal will have been reached. His glory will have been revealed. His person and character will have been exposed for all to see. What right have I to say such things? The Bible gives me that right. Let’s look at the word of God.

Consider 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 NASB. "So David blessed the LORD in the sight of all the assembly; and David said, "Blessed art Thou, O LORD God of Israel our father, forever and ever. {11} "Thine, O LORD, is the GREATNESS and the POWER and the GLORY and the VICTORY and the MAJESTY, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the DOMINION, O LORD, and THOU DOST EXALT THYSELF as head over all. {12} "Both riches and honor COME FROM THEE, and THOU DOST RULE OVER ALL, and in Thy hand is POWER AND MIGHT; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone. {13} "Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name." By these words David glorifies God. By that I mean He declares the truth about Him. That He is the God who exalts Himself, rules over all without exception and, possess all power and might. David’s God has dominion over all, He is sovereign, He does what pleases Him. When you and I have opportunity to tell others about God we need to make certain that what we say about Him reveals something of His greatness.

Consider the awe inspiring words of Proverbs 16:4 NASB. "The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil." Nothing is left out, ladies and gentlemen. Even evil has its place in God’s plan. Yes, the wicked hate God and rail against Him yet it all falls out to His glory. The wicked were created by God to bring Him glory. We will see how this works its self out in just a little while.

Look with me at Daniel 2:21 NASB. "And IT IS HE who changes the times and the epochs; HE removes kings and establishes kings; HE gives wisdom to wise men, And knowledge to men of understanding." God is sovereign over governments. He is the cause or source of all wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. God is managing His creatures in a way that pleases Him. He is sovereign and He acts with purpose. He seeks His own glory.

Next we see that God will do whatever is necessary to have the glory due His name. An example of this is found in what He did with King Nebuchadnezzar. This man was once a proud, God opposing, rebel who regularly took credit for doing what God had actually done. God finally humbled him by making him insane for about seven years. When God finally gave him back his mind this is what he had to say. (Daniel 4:34-35 NASB) "But at the end of that period I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever; For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom endures from generation to generation. {35} "And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But HE DOES ACCORDING TO HIS WILL IN THE HOST OF HEAVEN AND AMONG THE INHABITANTS OF EARTH; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, 'What hast Thou done?' There is no clearer statement in the Bible concerning God’s sovereignty. God has done, is doing, and will always do what pleases Him in heaven and with the inhabitants of the earth. And what pleases Him is that all things reflect or reveal something of His glory. That is why we were created.

(1 Corinthians 8:5-6 NASB) "For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, {6} yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and WE EXIST FOR HIM; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him." Here is the reason you were born. Here is the answer to all who have dwelt long and hard on the question, "Why am I here and what is my purpose?" We created for God! This is not true of believers only. For, "The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil." Proverbs 16:4 NASB. The last part of this text tells us that the wicked will glorify God in the day of judgement. So, whether believer or unbeliever we exist FOR God. Every man serves God’s purpose which is the glorification of Himself.

Look with me at Ephesians 1:11-12 NASB. ". . also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose WHO WORKS ALL THINGS AFTER THE COUNSEL OF HIS WILL, {12} to the end (for the reason or with the goal in mind) that we who were the first to hope in Christ should be TO THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY." When God saves a sinner He does so FOR THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY. He saves them FOR HIS SAKE. His glory is His first concern, our salvation is a means to that end. The saving of sinners reveals a side of God that could not be seen otherwise. In saving sinners God shows Himself to be gracious, forgiving, just, righteous, merciful, compassionate, and loving. Thus our salvation brings Him glory by revealing part of the truth about Him.

Consider also the words of Colossians 1:16 NASB. "For by Him all things were created, (We must include all things even the devil, his angles, along with all other things we are normally reluctant to attribute to God. Viruses, diseases, germs, deformities, death, hell, etc. We must include both the physical and spiritual worlds as the following words indicate.) both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--(This includes human and spirit beings.) ALL THINGS have been created by Him and, FOR HIM." That is, they serve His purpose, the revelation of His glorious person.

Look with me at Romans 11:33-36 NASB. "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! {34} For who has known the mind of the lord, or who became his counselor? {35} Or who has first given to him that it might be paid back to him again? {36} for from him and through him and to him are all things. TO HIM BE THE GLORY FOREVER. AMEN."

John Bunyan, author of "Pilgrim’s Progress," produced a poster or map that has been of great service to me in keeping these truths within easy grasp. I hope it will serve you as well. Bunyan titled his work, "A map shewing the order and causes of salvation and damnation." I hope you picked up a copy of it when you came in this morning. As you can see the map begins with God and, at the bottom, ends with eternity, heaven and hell.

It all begins with God. What a stabilizing truth this is. It all begins with God, it all has to do with God not us! In the beginning there was God and then He created all that is. At that time all options were open to God. He could remain as He had always been, alone, self existent, and glorious, or He could do one of a billion other things. What He chose to do was to reveal His glory. The revelation of such divine glory required a glorious plan. This plan was to unfold on the stage of human history. Therefore, God created a universe, a world, a people, and all things that are or ever will be. He created them with a purpose. They would all be, for Him, to reveal the truth abut Him to all creation. This is what I want you to see as you look at Bunyan’s map.

At the very top or, in the beginning, we find God. At the bottom of the illustration there is an inscription which says this, "Whether to heaven or hell you bend God will have glory in the end." It all begins with God and moves with unfailing precision to its intended end, His glory. That is what its all about. Between God and eternity, the top and the bottom of the illustration, we find the "all things that were created FOR Him." Between God and eternity we find that which is from Him, through Him, and to Him. Between God and eternity we find everything falling out according to the good pleasure of His will.

Consider what is represented on the side titled, "The line of Grace." Here is the whole of redemptive history from the first man of faith to the last. Here are the details of every life, of every soul, that God, in grace, has chosen to save. Here, somewhere, is you. Your ancestors, your parents, your birth, your schooling, your courtship, your marriage, the day of your rebirth and the day of your death. And all of it, in some way, reveals the glory of God. Here are the days of happiness you have enjoyed. Here are the days of sorrow you have and shall endure. Here is the disease God has determined will take you from this life into the next. Here you will find the hairs that have fallen from your head. Here is the sparrow you found lying dead just outside your door. Here, brother, sister is your life, orchestrated, designed, and governed to bring glory and honor to the God who saved you. Every word, every dumb thing you have done or said, indeed every sin you have ever sinned has been by design and with purpose. "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever." Amen. Your presence here today in on this map. Your trip home, your return to work on Monday. Can you see it, brothers and sisters? That child born long ago who has broken your heart of late, God formed him in your womb and he is as he must be, at least for time being. The child that you held for just a moment before he died, that too, was by design, it was part of God’s self glorifying plan. Can you see it, beloved? You must see, you must understand this truth if you ever hope to have peace in the midst of your journey. You must see your Heavenly Father riding on the swollen waves of life’s sea commanding them to rise or fall as it pleases Him. It is God, ladies and gentlemen, working in His creation to will and to do of His good pleasure. God glorifies Himself by saving sinners, by seeing them through all kinds of difficulties, and then by taking them to Heaven. There we will sing His praises for ever to the praise of the glory of His Grace.

On the other side of Bunyan’s picture we have the line of justice, the rest of the story. Here is the history of every person who will live and die in unbelief. In them and by them God will display His wrath, His anger, and His hatred for sin. In the judgement of the wicked the integrity of His warnings and promises of punishment will be proven. He will bring to pass every threat and every promise of woe and damnation ever recorded in His Holy Book. Here, ladies and gentlemen, are the vessels of wrath designed for destruction, (See Romans 9). Here are the wicked whom God made for the day of evil, (Proverbs 16:4). This is their purpose and this their end.

On this side of the illustration is every rape, murder, lie, theft, indiscretion, every sin that has been or ever will be committed. Here is the devil and his angels. Here is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ the Lord along with all the contributions evil men made to that redemptive act. And here is the reason I have brought you on this journey this morning.

In our study of Luke’s Gospel we have come to the close of Christ’s redemptive work on earth. He is about to be put to death by the hands of wicked men. But you and I must keep our eyes focused on the larger picture. Even Christ’s death on the cross was not ultimately about us. It was about God continuing to work out His plan for the glorification of Himself. It was about God using both the righteous and the wicked to bring praise to the glory of His grace. Look with me now at our text in Luke chapter twenty-two.

(Luke 22:1-13 NASB) Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was approaching. {2} And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how they might put Him to death; for they were afraid of the people. {3} And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve. {4} And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them. {5} And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. {6} And he consented, and began seeking a good opportunity to betray Him to them apart from the multitude. {7} Then came the first day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. {8} And He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it." {9} And they said to Him, "Where do You want us to prepare it?" {10} And He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house that he enters. {11} "And you shall say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?"' {12} "And he will show you a large, furnished, upper room; prepare it there." {13} And they departed and found everything just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.

The chief priests, the scribes, and Judas Iscariot, were all wicked men whom God had made for the day of evil. Judas and the rest were both on their way to the judgement to reveal God’s justice and wrath but on their way to that day they would bring glory to Him in another way. These haters of God and of His Christ would unknowingly help bring about the redemption of God’s elect people. These characters were all necessary players in the unfolding of God’s plan. On the other side of Bunyan’s map we have two of His once lost but now redeemed sheep. Peter and John are sent by Christ to prepare another necessary ingredient in the unfolding drama of redemption, the Passover meal. All players, righteous and wicked, are moving toward the great crescendo of redemptive history, the crucifixion of Jesus. Both sides are involved by the will and intent of God. In just a few days Peter, speaking to a predominantly Jewish audience, would say, (Acts 2:23 NASB) " this Man, DELIVERED UP BY THE PREDETERMINED PLAN AND FOREKNOWLEDGE OF GOD, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. {24} "And God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power."

This is the way it is. In the beginning God had a plan for the glorification of Himself. Some of humanity would be redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ the Lord and that for the Glory of the Father. Some of humanity would not be redeemed by the blood of Jesus, rather they would unknowingly, and unwillingly, serve God in this life and then they would glorify Him in Hell forever to the praise of His justice and wrath. The unfolding of history is the working out of God’s plan. But in the midst of it all men remain responsible. All who reject Jesus as the only begotten of God, the Savior of sinners, will be damned to an eternal hell. While all who believe in Jesus as Savior will not perish but will have everlasting life. It all began with God and it is moving to the intended end and goal. Everyone is involved for, as Bunyan said, "Whether to Heaven or Hell you bend, God will have Glory in the end." "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever." Amen.