Praise of God

It’s in the praise of God that who He is and of what He is capable is elevated above any circumstance, and victory is enabled by faith. The sickness, the lack, and the bondage are all rendered ineffective and powerless as He is magnified as the Healer, the Provider, and the Deliverer. By praise, there is entrance to the realm of the Spirit, where all things are possible. Praise of our Almighty God and exalting what He has already done with thanks is critical to living triumphantly in the Spirit. With this revelation will come a praise that is ever on the lips, continually acknowledging Him and knowing life in Him.

While our praise of God is essential to living new life in Christ, there is another praise that will become dear to the heart of the one who isn’t just praising Him but drawing near to Him in worship. There is nothing we can do to acquire what is only ours by grace as a free gift. The purpose of this gift, though, is to purify and prepare us for doing things that will please the Father and actually gain His praise. Where passion for Him transforms life with the purpose of pleasing Him, there is a way made to the reception of His praises and the rewards that come with His honor. Becoming His expressions of love in giving, serving, diligence, and faithfulness causes His heart to respond with praise for Christ’s fulfilled purpose in us. It’s not our own efforts or goodness that produce this praise, but it’s the activation of God’s enabling grace that is displayed for His glory. How wonderful it is to know acceptance apart from our merit, but how pleasing it is for Him when that same grace produces works that bring Him glory and honor. In that atmosphere of favor, an opportunity is great for empowered faith by enhanced confidence in His presence.

Notes

Praise from God

Romans 2:28(NLT) For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. 29 No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.

Bring Praise

1 Peter 1: (NLT) 6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

Praises from God:

Praised the widow

Mark 12:41-44 (NLT) 41 Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. 43 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. 44 For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

Gentile woman – great faith

Matthew 15:22-28 (NLT) 22 A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.” 23 But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.” 24 Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.” 25 But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!” 26 Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.” 28 “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.

Poured out perfume

Mark 14:8-9 (NLT) 8 She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.”

Roman officer – no greater faith

Matthew 8:5-11 (NLT) 5 When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, 6 “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.” 7 Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. 9 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! 11 And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Can’t please without faith – produces rewards of honor/praise

Hebrews 11:6 (NLT) 6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Purpose of redemption – good works

Titus 2:11-14 (NIV) 11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Can’t please if controlled by sinful nature

Romans 8:8-9 (NLT) 8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. 9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)

Not religion, but heart service pleases God

Romans 14:17-18 (NLT) 17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.

Judge or reward what you do

1 Peter 1:17 (NLT) And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.” 18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20 God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake.