Awakening to Praise: Celebrating Spiritual Freedom and Victory

 

Summary

In the sermon, the call to awaken and praise God is emphasized, drawing from the biblical story of Deborah and Barak. The message begins by reminding believers that they are not captives in Babylon but have been liberated by God. This liberation is likened to the Israelites' journey into the Promised Land, led by Joshua, symbolizing Jesus leading believers into spiritual freedom. The sermon encourages believers to awaken all their faculties—body, mind, and spirit—to praise God, emphasizing that praise is not just a duty but a natural response to God's goodness and faithfulness.

The sermon challenges believers to reflect on their lives and recognize the many reasons they have to praise God. It highlights the importance of gratitude, urging believers to remember God's past mercies and anticipate future blessings. The act of praising God is portrayed as a source of strength and joy, transforming believers into more spiritual and God-like beings. The sermon also addresses the tendency of some Christians to dwell in sorrow, reminding them that God’s promises are steadfast and His love unwavering.

Furthermore, the sermon draws a parallel between the biblical victory of Barak over Sisera and the spiritual victories believers can experience. It encourages believers to lead their past sins and trials captive, celebrating the triumphs God has given them. The message concludes with a call to the church to rise and lead their captivity captive, just as Barak did, and to engage in the spiritual battle with confidence in God's ultimate victory.

### Key Takeaways

- Awakening to Praise: Believers are called to awaken all aspects of their being—body, mind, and spirit—to praise God. This awakening is not just a physical act but a spiritual revival, recognizing the freedom and blessings God has bestowed upon us. By engaging fully in praise, we align ourselves with the joy and strength that come from God. [05:03]

- Reflecting on God's Faithfulness: The sermon emphasizes the importance of remembering God's past mercies and anticipating future blessings. By reflecting on how God has delivered us from trials and provided for us, we cultivate a heart of gratitude and deepen our trust in His faithfulness. This reflection transforms our perspective, enabling us to see beyond our current struggles. [06:31]

- The Power of Joyful Praise: Joyful praise is portrayed as a source of strength and spiritual growth. When we delight in the Lord and express our joy through praise, we become more heavenly and God-like. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the assurance of God's promises and His unchanging nature. [17:14]

- Leading Captivity Captive: Believers are encouraged to celebrate their spiritual victories by leading their past sins and trials captive. This act of triumph is a reminder of the power of God's grace and the transformation He brings into our lives. By acknowledging these victories, we affirm our identity as overcomers in Christ. [34:08]

- Engaging in Spiritual Battle: The sermon concludes with a call to the church to rise and engage in the spiritual battle with confidence. Just as Barak led his people to victory, believers are urged to trust in God's strength and lead their captivity captive. This call to action is a reminder of the ultimate victory that awaits God's people. [41:50]

### YouTube Chapters

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Introduction and Context
- [00:48] - Liberation from Captivity
- [01:36] - Entering the Promised Land
- [02:46] - The Call to Praise
- [04:26] - Awakening to Sacred Song
- [05:22] - Engaging Body and Mind
- [06:31] - Reflecting on God's Mercies
- [08:46] - Love and Hope in Praise
- [10:39] - Faith and Patience in Song
- [12:37] - Reasons to Praise
- [14:19] - The Necessity of Praise
- [16:51] - Joy as Strength
- [18:18] - Gratitude for God's Works
- [23:38] - How to Praise God
- [30:39] - Leading Captivity Captive
- [34:08] - Celebrating Spiritual Victories
- [41:50] - Engaging in Spiritual Battle

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Judges 5:12
- Psalm 46:1-3
- Habakkuk 3:17-18

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the significance of the call to "awake" in Judges 5:12, and how does it relate to the theme of praise in the sermon? [00:15]

2. How does the sermon describe the liberation of believers, and what biblical story is used to illustrate this freedom? [01:00]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers can awaken their faculties to praise God? [05:03]

4. What parallels are drawn between Barak's victory over Sisera and the spiritual victories believers can experience? [32:35]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon interpret the act of leading "captivity captive" in a spiritual context, and what does this mean for believers today? [34:08]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of joyful praise. How does this concept challenge the tendency of some Christians to dwell in sorrow? [17:43]

3. Reflecting on God's faithfulness is a key takeaway from the sermon. How does this practice transform a believer's perspective on current struggles? [06:31]

4. The sermon calls believers to engage in spiritual battles with confidence. What does this look like in practical terms for the church today? [41:50]

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Application Questions:

1. The sermon encourages believers to awaken all aspects of their being to praise God. What specific steps can you take this week to engage your body, mind, and spirit in worship? [05:03]

2. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can remembering this event help you cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust in His promises? [06:31]

3. Joyful praise is described as a source of strength. Identify a situation in your life where you can choose joy over sorrow. How might this choice impact your spiritual growth? [17:14]

4. The sermon challenges believers to lead their past sins and trials captive. What past struggles do you need to acknowledge as victories through God's grace, and how can you celebrate these triumphs? [34:08]

5. Engaging in spiritual battles requires confidence in God's strength. What is one area of your life where you need to trust God more fully, and how can you take a step of faith this week? [41:50]

6. The sermon highlights the importance of praising God even in difficult times. How can you incorporate praise into your daily routine, especially during challenging moments? [22:15]

7. Consider the ways in which you might be dwelling in sorrow rather than embracing the joy of the Lord. What practical changes can you make to shift your focus towards God's promises and love? [17:43]

Devotional

Day 1: Awakening to Holistic Praise
Believers are called to awaken every part of their being—body, mind, and spirit—to engage in praise. This awakening is not merely a physical act but a profound spiritual revival, recognizing the freedom and blessings God has bestowed upon us. By fully engaging in praise, believers align themselves with the joy and strength that come from God. This holistic approach to praise encourages believers to be fully present and aware of God's goodness, allowing His presence to permeate every aspect of their lives. [05:03]

Psalm 57:8-9 (ESV): "Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations."

Reflection: In what ways can you awaken your body, mind, and spirit to praise God today? Consider a specific action you can take to engage each part of your being in worship.


Day 2: Reflecting on God's Faithfulness
Reflecting on God's past mercies and anticipating future blessings is crucial for cultivating a heart of gratitude. By remembering how God has delivered us from trials and provided for us, we deepen our trust in His faithfulness. This reflection transforms our perspective, enabling us to see beyond our current struggles and recognize the steadfastness of God's promises. It is through this lens of gratitude that believers can navigate life's challenges with hope and assurance. [06:31]

Lamentations 3:21-23 (ESV): "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Reflection: Take a moment to recall a specific instance where God showed His faithfulness in your life. How can this memory encourage you to trust Him with a current challenge you are facing?


Day 3: The Power of Joyful Praise
Joyful praise is a source of strength and spiritual growth. When believers delight in the Lord and express their joy through praise, they become more heavenly and God-like. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the assurance of God's promises and His unchanging nature. By embracing joyful praise, believers tap into a divine strength that sustains them through life's ups and downs, transforming their outlook and deepening their relationship with God. [17:14]

Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV): "Then he said to them, 'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"

Reflection: How can you incorporate joyful praise into your daily routine, regardless of your current circumstances? Identify one way to express your joy in the Lord today.


Day 4: Leading Captivity Captive
Believers are encouraged to celebrate their spiritual victories by leading their past sins and trials captive. This act of triumph is a reminder of the power of God's grace and the transformation He brings into our lives. By acknowledging these victories, believers affirm their identity as overcomers in Christ, embracing the freedom and new life He offers. This perspective empowers believers to live boldly and confidently, knowing that their past no longer defines them. [34:08]

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (ESV): "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."

Reflection: What past sin or trial do you need to lead captive today? How can you celebrate the victory God has given you over this area of your life?


Day 5: Engaging in Spiritual Battle
The call to engage in spiritual battle with confidence is a reminder of the ultimate victory that awaits God's people. Just as Barak led his people to victory, believers are urged to trust in God's strength and lead their captivity captive. This call to action encourages believers to rise and participate actively in the spiritual battle, knowing that God's power and promises ensure their triumph. By engaging in this battle, believers grow in faith and courage, becoming more effective in their spiritual journey. [41:50]

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV): "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel called to engage in spiritual battle? How can you rely on God's strength to face this challenge with confidence today?

Quotes


But my brethren we are not captives in Babylon We Do not sit down to weep by Babel's streams the Lord has broken our captivity he has brought us up out of the house of our bondage we are free men we are not slaves we are not sold into the hand of cruel task Masters but we which have believed do enter into rest. [00:48:00]

Awake awake repeated yet again awake awake what is there that we need to awaken if we would praise God I reply we ought to arouse all bodily Powers our flesh is sluggish we have been busy with the world our limbs have grown fatigued but there is power in Divine joy to arouse even the body itself to make the heavy eyelids light. [04:57:28]

Wake up my memory and find matter for the song tell what God has done for me in days gone by fly back you thoughts to my childhood sing of cradle mercies review my youth and its early favors sing of longsuffering Grace which followed my wandering and bore with my rebellions revive before my eyes that gladsome hour when first I knew the Lord. [06:21:52]

Awake up my judgment and give measure to the music come forth my understanding and weigh his loving kindness in scales and his goodness in the balances see if you can count the small dust of his mercies see if you can understand the riches unsearchable which he has given to you in that unspeakable gift of Christ Jesus my Lord. [07:04:28]

You grow in Grace when you grow in holy Joy you are more Heavenly more spiritual more Godlike as you get more full of joy and peace in Believing on the Lord Jesus Christ I know some Christians are afraid of gladness but I read let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. [17:20:43]

Arise celebrate your Triumph oh ye people of God your sins are many but they are all forgiven your iniquities are great but they are all put away arise and Lead captive those who led you captive your blasphemies your forgetfulness of God your drunkenness Your Lust all the vast Legion that once oppressed you they are all clean destroyed. [33:52:36]

Come now look back and think of all the trials you have always encountered death in your family losses in your business afflictions in your body despair in your soul and yet here you are more than conquerors over them all come bid them all walk now in procession to the god of our deliverances who has delivered us out of deep Waters. [35:19:15]

Come Ye children of God kept and preserved where so many have fallen lead now this day your Temptations captive I think that you as a church and I as your minister can indeed lead captivity captive this day there's been no single Church of God existing in England for these 50 years which has had to pass through more trials than we have done. [36:38:02]

God has brought us out into a wealthy place and set our feet in a large room and all the devices of the enemy have been of none effect scar a day rolls over my head in which the most villainous abuse the most fearful slander is not uttered against me both privately and by the public press every engine is employed to put down God's Minister. [37:15:38]

God has helped us as a church everything has contributed to help us the great terrible catastrophe invented by Satan to overturn us was only blessed of God to swell the stream and now I would not stay a liar's mouth if I could nor would I stop a slanderer if it were in my power except it were that he might not sin for all these things tend to our profit. [39:02:39]

Church of God come forth with songs come forth with shouting to your last battle ATT behold the battle of Armageddon draweth nigh blow ye the silver trumpets for the fight ye soldiers of the Cross come on come on ye leered hosts of Hell strong in the strength of God most high we shall Dash back your ranks as The Rock. [41:50:14]

Would to God that the joy of heart which we feel this morning may tempt some soul to seek the like it is to be found in Christ at the foot of his dear cross believe on him Sinners and thou art saved amen. [42:31:19]

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Transcript
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