Sermons

Living to Glorify God | The Pattern 2 | Rhema South Coast

May 12, 2025

Living to Glorify God | The Pattern 2

Watch the full service on YouTube 👉 Living to Glorify God – Rhema South Coast

As we gathered on Mother’s Day, Pastor Larry continued the powerful series, The Pattern, looking deeper into how we live lives that glorify God. The message, rooted in Scripture and bursting with practical wisdom, reminds us that true abundance begins with the heart. Not only that, but a surrendered life isn’t about gaining more for ourselves, but about reflecting Jesus to the world around us.

“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land.”
— Isaiah 1:19 NKJV

The Pattern of Glory | Living for God, Not Just for Gain

Pastor Larry reminded us of a critical truth: God’s abundance isn’t just about stuff—it’s about significance. We’re not called to chase success the world’s way. Instead, we live by a pattern, a spiritual blueprint for discipleship and kingdom living. This week’s pattern? Living to Glorify God.

We are, first and foremost, citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). That means we don’t live for “easy street,” comfort, or popularity. We live to bring glory to God—in our choices, our generosity, our families, and even our struggles.

“We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting for the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ…”
— Philippians 3:20 MSG

What Does It Mean to Glorify God?

Living to glorify God isn’t about perfection—it’s about direction. Pastor Larry laid out two key ingredients for experiencing God’s blessing:

Willingness: A heart eager and open to God’s will
Obedience: A life that listens and acts on God’s Word

These two together create a pipeline for heaven’s abundance to flow into our lives—not so we can hoard blessings, but so we can be a blessing.

Abundance Defined | More Than Money

Pastor Larry beautifully explained that Godly abundance is an inward reality, not just outward wealth. It starts at salvation, where Jesus—though rich—became poor so we might become rich in spirit (2 Corinthians 8:9). This doesn’t always translate into financial prosperity, but it does mean success in all areas of life:

Health
Relationships
Mental and emotional stability
Spiritual growth and peace

“I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
— 3 John 1:2 NKJV

This is biblical prosperity. It’s holistic, and it reflects God’s heart for His children.

The Danger of Self-Focused Success

In Luke 12:16–21, Jesus shares a parable of a rich man who built bigger barns to store his wealth. His fatal mistake? He stored treasure for himself, but wasn’t rich toward God.

God wasn’t upset with his wealth or his barns—He was grieved by the man’s heart. His self-reliance revealed his spiritual poverty.

This is a wake-up call: Are we building for ourselves or for God’s kingdom?

How to Walk in God’s Pattern

Pastor Larry gave us powerful takeaways to help us align our hearts with God’s pattern:

✅ Keep your heart soft and teachable
✅ Delight in God’s Word daily
✅ Meditate and act on Scripture
✅ Be generous—tithe, give, sow into others
✅ Pray for Israel and the church
✅ Live missionally: make disciples, serve others

And most importantly:

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
— Matthew 6:33 NKJV

You’re Already Wealthy in Christ

If you’ve given your life to Jesus, you already have access to God’s richest blessings. You are forgiven, redeemed, and empowered by grace. Your value isn’t tied to your bank balance—it’s sealed by Christ’s blood.

“When wealth is lost, nothing is lost. When health is lost, something is lost. But when character is lost, everything is lost.” — Billy Graham

Let’s Get Real | What Are You Living For?

The truth is, every single day we’re building something. The only question is—are we building for ourselves, or are we building for God’s glory?

Pastor Larry didn’t hold back, and neither should we. You can have a fat bank account and still be spiritually bankrupt. You can build barns for comfort and still miss the call of God. But when you choose to live for Jesus—truly live—you tap into a purpose that money can’t buy and hell can’t touch.

This is your wake-up call.

It’s not just about being a “better Christian” or showing up on Sundays. It’s about dying to self, surrendering control, and saying, “God, use my life for Your glory.”

If you’ve been chasing success on your own terms, it’s time to stop.
If you’ve been doubting your worth, it’s time to remember: you are already rich in Christ.
And if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, it’s time to rise. There’s work to be done, and you’re part of the plan.

“Conquer today, and you’ll see wonders tomorrow.” – Pastor Larry

A Prayer for You

Father God,
Thank You for showing us the pattern to live lives that glorify You. Help us to be both willing and obedient. Teach us to put Your kingdom first and to walk in true abundance—not just for ourselves but so we can be a blessing to others. Guard our hearts from greed and selfish ambition. Fill us with Your Spirit so we reflect Jesus in all we do.

Today I make a fresh decision to live for Your glory. I surrender my need to control, to be seen, to accumulate, and I choose instead to glorify You with every area of my life. Change my heart. Make me generous. Use me to build Your kingdom. Let my life reflect Jesus—in how I give, how I love, and how I serve.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.