PRAISE MUST HAVE CONTENT – Pastor Chris
Saturday, January 16, 2021
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Hebrews 13:15).
When we talk about praise in the New Testament, there’re many who don’t understand what it is. Praise is our profuse expression of appreciation of the goodness, blessings, kindness and righteousness of God. It’s the appreciation or confession of His character. When you say, “Lord, you’re gracious and kind; you’ve blessed me; you’re righteous, etc.,” you’re defining and appreciating His character; that’s praise.
When you worship the Lord in that light, it shows who He is in your life; it separates Him from everyone else and from everything else. When you thank Him for His goodness, provisions, blessings and all the wonderful things He’s given you, and done for you, you’re attributing those beautiful works to Him. The necessary result is that He’ll do more in your life.
You might have heard some people say, “Well, anybody can worship any way he chooses; I can decide to keep quiet and worship God in my mind”; that’s wrong. Yes, God knows what’s in your heart, yet Jesus said, “…When you pray, say…” (Luke 11:2 NKJV). He didn’t say, “…think.” Worship must have content.
In the Old Testament, when the prophets or priests prayed, the contents of their prayers were written for us, showing that they vocalised it. Likewise, when Jesus prayed, He spoke out, such that others heard Him. He didn’t merely think in His mind.
It’s the same with worship; we worship God through the Spirit, and by the Word (in spirit and in truth)! We lift our hands to Him, making confessions to His Name: “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15). We eulogise and bless Him for His greatness, kindness, love, mercies and grace. Hallelujah!
PRAYER:
Blessed Jesus, you’re greater than all; you rule the heavens and the earth; everything from galaxies to governments; no name or power is outside the reign and dominion of your majesty! How great thou art, O Lord! You alone are God, worthy of all honour, majesty and praise, now and forever. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.
Psalm 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
Revelation 4:10-11 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 12:1-21 & Genesis 38-39
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 6:25-34 & Genesis 16
