Lesson #1—Glorify and Enjoy God

Shorter Catechism Q & A #1

Q. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

Memorize Q & A—Exposition

The “end” or conclusion of our lives is illustrated (Rom. 6:21–22) in the fruit of righteousness [the “end everlasting life”], or unrighteousness [the “end of those things is death”]. “Glory” reveals a person or thing as it truly is; i.e. knowing God as he is revealed in his Scriptures. Sin refuses such knowledge (Rom. 3:23). Remember that God gives us “all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17).

What does it mean?

Define “Glorify God” [1 Corinthians 10:31; Romans 11:36].
Define “Enjoy God Forever” [Psalm 73:24–26; John 17:22, 24].

What is our practice?

In what ways can we glorify God and enjoy him?
How can we show by example to others, as God’s appointed officers, of what is the chief end of man?

Quotes for thought and discussion:

“We glorify God, when we are God-admirers; admire his attributes, which are the glistering beams by which the divine nature shines forth; his promises which are the charter of free grace, and the spiritual cabinet where the pearl of price is hid; the noble effects of his power and wisdom in making the world, which is called ‘the work of his fingers.’ Psa viii 3. To glorify God is to have God-admiring thoughts; to esteem him most excellent, and search for diamonds in this rock only.
“The Lord has sent us into the world, as a merchant sends his factor beyond the seas to trade for him. We live to God when we trade for his interest, and propagate his gospel. God has given every man a talent; and when a man does not hide it in a napkin, but improves it for God, he lives to God.” (Thomas Watson, A Body of Divinity)

“Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel and afterward receive me to glory.” —Psalm 73:24

“If David needed to have God for his guide, how much more need have we of being under the Divine guidance? To counsel there is added glory, which, I think, ought not to be limited to eternal life, as some are inclined to do. It comprehends the whole course of our happiness from the commencement, which is seen here upon earth, even to the consummation which we expect to realize in heaven. David then assures himself of eternal glory, through the free and unmerited favor of God, and yet he does not exclude the blessings which God bestows upon his people here below, with the view of affording them, even in this life, some foretaste of that felicity.” (John Calvin, Psalm Commentary)

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