Psalms 95:1-2 (MEV) O come, let us sing unto the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms!
What is praise?
The Hebrew word:
B1 The most common Hebrew word in the Old Testament is (H1984) הָלַל hālal. It is used 165 times. In the King James the translation of praise from this word is found 117 times.
B2 To praise someone is thankfulness, acknowledgement, announcement, and joy.
B3 The greatest praise we can give is to God, and the greatest praise God can give to those who have believed.
C1 John 12:26 (EHV) If anyone serves me, let him follow me. And where I am, there my servant will be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
C2 Matthew 25:21 (EHV) “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’
D1 God praises us for serving Him and being faithful whether the circumstances are pleasant or not.
D2 In Matthew, we read of God’s the 3 things that He gives the faithful servant: commendation, increased responsibilities, and sharing in God’s joy.
D3 Some verses with other blessings:
E1 Hebrews 6:10 — God does not forget faithful service done in His name.
E2 Revelation 22:12 — Jesus returns with rewards “according to what they have done.”
E3 1 Corinthians 15:58 — Labor in the Lord is never in vain, implying future recompense.
E4 Crowns of life, righteousness, and glory (James 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4) are promised to those who persevere faithfully.
B4 How do we praise God?
C1 Verbally: Psalms 108:3-4 “I will praise you, O LORD, among the peoples, and I will sing praises unto You among the nations. For Your mercy is great above the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.”
C2 Physically: Psalms 149:3 (MEV) Let them praise His name with dancing; let them sing praises unto Him with the tambourine and harp.
C3 Obeying Him: 1 Corinthians 6:20 (MEV) You were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
C4 Living by His rules (holy living): Philippians 1:11 (MEV) being filled with the fruit of righteousness, which comes through Jesus Christ, for the glory and praise of God.
C5 Using our gifts to glorify Him: 1 Peter 4:11 (MEV) If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone serves, let him serve with the strength that God supplies, so that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
C6 Prayer only to God:
D1 Psalms 50:15 (MEV) call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will glorify Me.”
D2 Psalms 62:1 (ESV) For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
C7 Trusting Him in circumstances: Psalms 112:7 (MEV) He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.
C8 Treating enemies, as far as possible, with kindness:
D1 Psalms 18:3 (MEV) I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I will be saved from my enemies.
D2 Matthew 5:44-48 (MEV) But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore be perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect.
C9 Evangelizing: Matthew 5:16 (MEV) Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
C10 Bearing spiritual fruit: John 15:8 (MEV) My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
C11 Giving to help others: 2 Corinthians 9:13 (MEV) Meanwhile, through the performance of this ministry, they glorify God for the profession of your faith in the gospel of Christ and for your liberal sharing with them and with all others.
C12 In the midst of difficult circumstances: Ephesians 5:20 (MEV) Give thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
B5 What are the of the ways we praise God?
C1 Inward methods—prayer and thanksgiving:
D1 Prayer: Psalms 134:2 (MEV) Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.
D2 Thanksgiving: Psalms 50:23 (MEV) Whoever sacrifices a thank offering glorifies Me and makes a way. I will show him the salvation of God.”
C2 Outward methods—singing, dancing, musical instruments, congregational singing, etc.
D1 Psalms 40:3 (MEV) He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God; many will see it, and fear, and will trust in the LORD.
D2 Ephesians 5:19 (MEV) Speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
D3 Psalms 149:3 (MEV) Let them praise His name with dancing; let them sing praises unto Him with the tambourine and harp.