A Doxology For One

1 Timothy 1:17~To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Near the end of chapter one of 1 Timothy, Paul  breaks out in a doxology. A doxology is a hymn, or a form of words containing an ascription of praise to God. You have probably heard the doxology, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise Him all creatures here below, praise Him above, ye heavenly host, praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, amen. 


The doxology in 1 Timothy that Paul writes can only be written, or spoken from a servant to the God of Scripture. If this were written to a king (say our president) of this age, it would read something like this: To the king of this age, mortal, visible, one of the many gods in the world, be honor and glory in this time, until death. Amen.


Now lets assume that if there is a doxology written about a King, then there are servants who would sing or speak the doxology. Lets say the doxology for the servants: To the servants of this age, mortal, visible, one of many servants in this world, be honoring and glorifying in this time, until death. Amen.


What is the difference in nature between the king and the servant? They are both in a particular age, they are both mortal, the are both visible, they are both one of many. But one is suppose to receive glory and honor, and one is suppose to ascribe glory and honor. But what quality differentiates the servant from the king? It must be some quality of material possessions, like money; or some quality of power, like strength; or some quality of beauty; or some quality of knowledge. Is there an intrinsic difference between the two? By intrinsic, I mean a fundamental difference, an essential difference; a difference in essence. Is there a difference is essence between the two that would make one a worshipper, and one worshipped? No. They both come forth from the womb, naked and helpless. One may possess material things because they are given to them at birth. Or one may be set apart to be a king because they are of a certain blood line, and may be the first born son. But these are things given to them by another. Who deems one blood line better than another? Does God? If not, then we all stand on level ground. 


God alone is to be the recipient of this doxological ascription. Because He alone can be the King of every age, because He is immortal. He alone can be worshipped in all places at the same time, because He does not possess a material body, for He is invisible. He alone can be worshipped forever, because He alone is eternal. He is not one of many, but He alone possesses the essential qualities to be worshipped and adored. In fact, we only get our value because we are created by this One God, and are made in this One Gods image.