TOPIC: SACRIFICE OF PRAISE 2 – Heb. 13:12-16

 

  1. THE CALL TO PRAISE verse 15
  2. Is a call to all New Testament Priest of God i.e. all sons of God and citizen of His Kingdom redeemed by the Blood of Jesus.Revelation 1:5-6; 5:9-10
  3. This call is not affected by time, age, status or circumstances, it is a continual till ages. Psalm 119:164, Hebrews 13:15.
  4. It is a call to express heartfelt approval and commendation to God and adore Him for who He is and for what He does.

*It also means serving Him with everything He has blessed us with.  1 Chronicles 29:10-14.

  1. It require the costly giving up of our bodies, time, talents and treasures to serve the purpose of God.    Acts 13:36; Romans 12:1

 

  1. THE OBJECT OF OUR PRAISE – Verse 15
  2. The Living God

This is our creator, redeemer is the object of our faith and the focus of our praise.

1 Corinthians 8:3-6.

*The focus of our praise is to Him only

  1. His revelation concerning His nature, character and works is the source and materials of our praise. Psalm 19:1; Psalm 46:8-9.

*He reveal Himself to us, what He is – that is the source and material of our praise

**The more you know Him in His Word, and His deeds, the more you praise Him.

  1. His goodness express to us in creation, in history and ultimately in the coming, death and resurrection of Christ, is the focus of our praise.
  2. In creation Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 100
  3. A life in Him – Genesis 2:7; Psalm 150:6
  4. Our new position, identity, state, status, and privilege in Christ Jesus – calls us to praise Him. Hebrews 10:1 (our right birth)
  • The key word used in the Hebrew is the word better or superior. Hebrews 1:1-4
  • Unlike the prophets of the old, Jesus never says – thus said the Lord, but He says I say unto you….
  • The superiority of Jesus to Moses, Aaron. Hebrews 8:6
  • The OT saints lived in shadow, but now we are living in reality. Hebrews 4:16
  1. The promise of blessed here and glorious hereafter call us to sacrificial praise. 1 Peter 1:3-5; Ephesians 1:3.
  2. The ministry and works of the Holy Spirit, transforming our lives and empowering us for fruitfulness – calls for praise. Luke 7:37-39; Luke 15:7

 

  1. THE MEANS OF OUR PRAISE. Verse 15
  • Therefore by Him – is the means of our praise
  • All our praises to God must be through Jesus Christ
  • God is the object of our praise through Christ. Colossians 3:17
  1. All praise to God through Jesus, there is no other means. Colossians 3:17
  2. Any offering to God outside of Christ is corrupt, unclean and it will be rejected by God. Hebrews 13:12-15
  • It is not our gifts that come first, but ourselves heeds His cleansing first, e.g. the pipe and water that flowsthrough it. Hebrews 9:13-14
  • We are the pipe to be washed and cleanse for the use of the Master. Revelation 1:5-6; 2 Timothy 2:20-21
  • God accept our sacrifice on the merit of Jesus Christ and Him alone. Hebrews 10:19-21; Colossians 3:17
  • That is why we pray, worship and praise in the name of Jesus. 1 Corinthians 10:3; John 5:22-23
  • Through Christ’s name we receive salvation. Hebrews 13:15; Acts 4:12
  • The importance of Christ in God. John 4:24.

 

  1. MODE OF OUR PRAISE. Leviticus 7:11-14

*(Mode means a particular form of dressing).  That is dress to be addressed.eg Moses Exo. 2:19  Acts 11:26

*In OT sacrifice of thanksgiving is not by the mouth only, but bring to God parts of your land yields.

*In NT with the fruits of your lips – Hebrews 13:15

  1. The Mode of Praise

Complete submission to God through Christ, you must be accepted first before your gifts can be accepted.  Cain and Abel Genesis 4:3-7; 2 Corinthians 8:3-5; Hebrews 13:12-15

*Submission to God through Christ Jesus first

  1. Give your heart and body fully to the worship and service of God. Proverbs 23:26; Romans 12:1; Matthew 15:7-8; Matthew 23:18-20; 1 Samuel 16:7-9

*Give your heart and body to the service of God.  Matthew 12:34

  1. It is express privately and publicly, personally and corporately through our mouth Hebrews 13:15; Matthew 12:34

*Praise is an expression of commendation, appreciation, but it is also expression of faith.  Psalm 106:12 – Faith sing from heart,

  1. It is also offering our time, talents and treasures to serve God and do good. Acts 10:38

*It cost sacrifice of our gifts, treasures, time to serve God.  2 Samuel 24:24

  1. It is patiently enduring, trial, trying and tough time, but joyfully and continually serving God, through it. Hebrew 10:32-34; Acts 5:40-42; Daniel 6; Philippians 1:29; Job 1:20-22; Romans4:18-20; Proverbs 13:12

 

  1. THE RESULT OF OUR PRAISE
  2. It is well pleasing to God. Verse 15-16

*Our praise making Him well pleased by responding rightly to His revelation.

  1. It provokes His favour and blessings. 2 Chronicles 1:6-12
  2. It brings God’s presence and power Psalm 22:3; 2 Chronicles 5:13

*Do you want the presence and glory of God?  Praise Him continually.  2 Chronicles 7:1-2

  1. It moves God to action to fight our battles. 2 Chronicles 20:22-27

*Praise bring God from His throne to fight our battles.

  1. It opens the doors of wonders. Isaiah 42:10-13
  2. It strengthens our brethren and fortify their faith, edifying them. James 5:7-12; Revelations 12:11
  3. Supplies of our blessings – Psalm 67:6

*Praise makes land yield her increase

  1. It expresses and exhibit our faith before unbelievers, speaking highly of our God and pointing them to Him.
  2. It makes Satan mad and make all our enemies to look stupid. Isaiah 54:15,17
  • Our sacrifice of praise has effect on heaven, earth and hell.
  • Our praise says Satan is a failure
  • Make praise your habit and you will see what the Lord will do in your life henceforth.

 

Shalom