Scripture Reading: Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing….Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
—Psalm 100:1-2, 4
Definition: Giving praise is the act of expressing approval, admiration, or commendation. It is worship though word or song that glorifies and honors.
Summary: God is worthy of praise and adoration. It is not only the duty but also the privilege of His people to exalt Him at all times with praise in word and in song. True praise is not of the flesh but flows from the spirit and from a life of holiness. There is power in praise and it opens the gates to the presence and blessings of God.
I. Praise Commanded
A. Revelation 19:4-7 All ye servants.
B. Romans 15:9-11 A call to rejoice and praise.
C. Psalms 117:1-2 All people and nations.
D. 1 Chronicles 16:23-36 Greatly to be praised.
E. Hebrews 13:15 The sacrifice of praise.
II. Sing and Give Thanks
A. Psalm 9:11 Sing praises.
B. Psalms 107:1-2 Let the redeemed say so.
C. Ephesians 5:19-20 Sing and give thanks.
III. Reasons to Praise
A. Luke 10:19-20 Names written in Heaven.
B. 1 Samuel 4:5-6 Presence of God.
C. Psalm 29:2 Glory due His name.
D. Joel 2:26 God’s provision.
E. Psalms 147:1 Pleasant and comely.
IV. When and Where
A. Philippians 4:4 Rejoice always.
B. Psalm 35:28 All the day long.
C. 1 Peter 4:12-13 In trials, suffering, and persecution. (Luke 6:22-23).
D. Psalm 149:1 In the congregation of saints.
E. Psalm 150:1-2 Throughout the earth.
V. Examples of Praise
A. Luke 18:42-43 Blind man healed.
B. Acts 3:8-9 Lame man healed.
D. Luke 19:35-40 Disciples rejoiced.
E. Luke 23:44-49 Roman centurion.
VI. Praise of Zion
A. Isaiah 60:18 Gates called praise.
B. Psalm 137:1-4 Captivity hinders praise.
C. Isaiah 35:8-10 Highway of holiness.
D. Isaiah 61:3 Garment of praise.
E. 1 Peter 2:9 Show forth praises.
F. Isaiah 12:3-6 Cry out and shout.
VII. How to Praise & Worship
A. John 4:21-24 In spirit and in truth.
B. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 Quench not.
C. Hebrews 12:28 Reverence and godly fear.
D. 1 Peter 4:10-11 Jesus is to be praised.
E. Joel 2:26-27 Praise and be not ashamed.
F. 1 Corinthians 14:40 Decently and in order.
VIII. True Praise vs False Praise
A. Isaiah 29:13 Heart is far from God.
B. Isaiah 42:8-10 God’s glory not given to another.
C. Psalm 138:1 With whole heart.
D. Philippians 3:3 Not of the flesh.
IX. Power of Praise
A. 2 Chronicles 20:20-22 Jehoshaphat.
B. Joshua 6:16 Battle of Jericho.
C. Acts 16:25 Paul and Silas.
Conclusion
Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. —Psalm 150:6
