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BRUSHFIRES | WEEK 20

A Discipleship Series from Brushwood Press | BrushwoodPress.com

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Core Doctrine:

The Glory of God as the Chief End

Verse:

Isaiah 43:7 (CSB)

“Everyone who bears my name and is created for my glory—I have formed them; indeed, I have made them.”

Book Context:

Isaiah 43 is a powerful declaration of God’s redeeming love for Israel. It’s a chapter soaked in divine initiative—God rescues, calls, protects, and restores. But verse 7 gives the purpose behind it all: glory. We were created not primarily for comfort, success, or even personal holiness, but for God's glory. This theme is not isolated—it’s woven throughout Scripture. From creation to redemption, God’s ultimate purpose is to display His glory in and through His people.

Core Doctrine Explanation:

The doctrine that the glory of God is the chief end teaches that the ultimate purpose of all creation—especially humanity—is to magnify, reflect, and enjoy the glory of God. This isn’t a side benefit of salvation—it’s the reason for it.

God’s glory is not egotism; it is the display of His infinite worth. For God to do anything less than glorify Himself would be unloving, because there is nothing better or more beautiful than God. To glorify anything else would be idolatry—even for Him.

Isaiah 43:7 shows us that we were made for this. Not just pastors. Not just missionaries. Every person who bears His name. The way we work, love, suffer, and serve—it all becomes worship when aimed at the glory of God.

Danger of Not Holding to the Core Doctrine – Week 20: The Glory of God as the Chief End

If we believe the Christian life is primarily about us, we will constantly be disappointed—and dangerously deceived. We will treat God like a means to an end: peace, success, healing, or even self-fulfillment. And when life doesn't deliver those things, our faith will unravel.

The danger isn’t always obvious. Sometimes we do good things—lead small groups, raise families, serve in the church—but the aim is unclear. We want to help others, build community, see lives changed. These are beautiful goals. But if God's glory isn’t the foundation beneath them, they become subtly self-centered. And self-centered spirituality always leads to burnout, pride, or bitterness.

We were not created to be the center. When we try to carry that weight, our joy fades and our worship dries up. We begin asking, “Am I making an impact?” when we should be asking, “Is God being glorified?”

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To deny this doctrine is to miss the point of existence itself. But to embrace it is to come alive. When God’s glory is our aim, everything else falls into place. Our gifts have purpose. Our pain has meaning. Our ordinary days become holy ground.

Conversational Evangelism:

People often ask, “What’s my purpose?” or “Why am I here?” That’s a wide-open door. Try asking:

“What if the deepest meaning of your life wasn’t something you had to create—but something you were made for?”

Then share Isaiah 43:7 and explain:

“You were created for the glory of God—and there’s no higher purpose than that.”

Call to Action:

This week, pause and ask yourself: “Why am I doing what I’m doing?” Whether it's work, parenting, ministry, or rest—invite God to realign your motives.

You weren’t made to impress the world. You were made to reflect His glory. So walk into every moment with that purpose in mind.

Fire Starter Question:

When did it first become clear to you that your life wasn’t about you—and how has living for God’s glory reshaped your decisions and desires?

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This week's doctrine—The Glory of God as the Chief End—doesn't just shape what we believe. It also strengthens how we endure.

The Glory of God as the Chief End directly speaks to the emotional weight of:

• - Sadness

• - Hopelessness

• - Insecurity

• - Unworthiness

• - Anxiety

Whether you're walking through one of these right now or know someone who is, this doctrine offers more than answers—it offers anchored hope.
Want to explore these emotional struggles through a biblical lens?
Click below to dive deeper on the Ember app, where doctrine meets the heart.

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