Embracing the Power and Purpose of Praise
Summary
### Summary
Today's message focused on the importance of praise in our lives, drawing from Psalm 150:6 and 1 Chronicles 16:23-36. The essence of praise is not just in the act of thanking God for what He has done but in glorifying Him for who He is. Praise is a universal command, extending to all creation, from the crowing rooster to the singing songbird. If nature itself praises God, how much more should we, who are made in His image, lift our voices in praise?
The context of 1 Chronicles 16 is the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, symbolizing God's presence among His people. This event was a cause for great celebration and praise, as it represented God's faithfulness and His mighty acts. The passage encourages us to publish God's glory among all nations and to recognize that no other gods compare to Him.
Praise goes beyond mere thanksgiving. While thanksgiving acknowledges the good things we have received, praise exalts God's inherent qualities and His greatness. It is about recognizing His splendor, majesty, strength, and joy. Praise is an act of faith, especially when we are in the valley or facing storms in our lives. It is easy to praise God on the mountaintop, but true praise is tested in the valley.
The sermon also highlighted the difference between thanksgiving and praise using the analogy of receiving a cake. Thanksgiving is appreciating the gift, while praise is acknowledging the skill and goodness of the giver. Similarly, we should not only thank God for His blessings but also praise Him for His nature and character.
In the Old Testament, entering the courts of the tabernacle required specific rituals and sacrifices. Today, through Jesus, we have direct access to God's presence. Our praise should be a sweet incense rising to Him, not just for what He has done but for who He is. As we praise, we are reminded of His salvation and His continuous work in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Praise is Universal and Commanded: All creation is called to praise God. If nature itself praises Him, how much more should we, who are made in His image, lift our voices in praise? This universal call to praise underscores the importance of recognizing God's greatness in every aspect of life. [01:52]
2. Praise vs. Thanksgiving: While thanksgiving is about expressing gratitude for what we have received, praise is about exalting God's inherent qualities and His greatness. Praise acknowledges God's splendor, majesty, strength, and joy, going beyond mere gratitude to a deeper recognition of who God is. [15:51]
3. Praise in the Valley: True praise is tested in the valley. It is easy to praise God on the mountaintop, but genuine praise comes from a heart that can exalt God even in the midst of trials and storms. This kind of praise demonstrates faith and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. [10:17]
4. Access to God's Presence: In the Old Testament, entering God's presence required specific rituals and sacrifices. Today, through Jesus, we have direct access to God. Our praise should be a sweet incense rising to Him, not just for what He has done but for who He is. This access transforms our thanksgiving into a deeper, more profound praise. [13:53]
5. Praise as a Weapon: Praise is not just an act of worship; it is a spiritual weapon. It has the power to bring down strongholds and overcome the enemy. As long as we have breath, we have a reason to praise the Lord, and this praise can change our circumstances and bring victory in our lives. [26:25]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:52] - Let Everything That Hath Breath Praise the Lord
[03:27] - The Ark of the Covenant Returns
[05:21] - What is Praise?
[06:38] - Definitions of Praise and Glorify
[08:13] - Glorifying God Beyond Our Condition
[10:17] - Praising in the Valley
[12:07] - Thanksgiving vs. Praise
[13:53] - Entering the Courts of Praise
[15:51] - Analogy of Cake: Thanksgiving and Praise
[17:34] - Attributes of God Worthy of Praise
[18:57] - Praise in All Circumstances
[21:02] - Future Hope and Praise
[22:18] - Publishing God's Glory
[22:57] - Sing to God, Everyone and Everything
[24:34] - Shout Bravo to God
[25:24] - Praise as a Weapon
[27:24] - Reasons to Praise
[29:10] - Praise for God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness
[30:10] - Blessed Be God from Everlasting to Everlasting
[31:18] - Send Up the Praise
[34:09] - David's Joyous Praise
[35:56] - Is He Worthy of Praise?
[36:36] - Online Praise
[37:24] - Fill the Room with Praise
[38:11] - Jehovah Has Become Our Salvation
[39:24] - The Ark and the Temple
[40:32] - The Veil is Torn
[41:12] - Boldly Before the Throne of Grace
[42:18] - How to Get Filled with the Spirit
[42:47] - The Tabernacle in Your Heart
[43:27] - Final Praise and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 150:6 - "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord."
2. 1 Chronicles 16:23-36 - "Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place. Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, 'The Lord reigns!' Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them! Let the trees of the forest sing, let them sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Cry out, 'Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.' Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Then all the people said 'Amen' and 'Praise the Lord.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 150:6, who or what is called to praise the Lord?
2. In 1 Chronicles 16:23-36, what are some of the reasons given for why God is worthy of praise?
3. What significant event is the context for the praise described in 1 Chronicles 16?
4. How does the sermon differentiate between thanksgiving and praise using the analogy of receiving a cake?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that all creation, including nature, is called to praise God in Psalm 150:6?
2. How does the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem symbolize God's presence and faithfulness in 1 Chronicles 16?
3. What does it mean to praise God "in the valley" as described in the sermon, and why is this considered true praise?
4. How does the sermon explain the difference between entering God's presence in the Old Testament and through Jesus today?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you found it difficult to praise God. How did you manage to praise Him despite your circumstances?
2. The sermon mentions that praise is a universal command. How can you incorporate praise into your daily routine, regardless of your situation?
3. Think about the analogy of receiving a cake. How can you shift your focus from just thanking God for His blessings to praising Him for His inherent qualities and character?
4. The sermon states that praise is a spiritual weapon. Can you recall a situation where praising God helped you overcome a challenge or changed your perspective?
5. How can you use your direct access to God's presence through Jesus to deepen your praise and worship?
6. Identify one specific attribute of God (e.g., His faithfulness, strength, or joy) that you can focus on praising this week. How will you remind yourself to praise Him for this attribute daily?
7. The sermon encourages us to publish God's glory among all nations. What is one practical way you can share God's greatness with someone in your life this week?
Devotional
### 5-Day Devotional
#### Day 1: Praise is a Universal Command
Description: Praise is not limited to a select few; it is a universal command that extends to all creation. From the crowing rooster to the singing songbird, every part of nature praises God. As beings made in His image, we have an even greater responsibility to lift our voices in praise. This call to praise is not just about acknowledging what God has done but glorifying Him for who He is. Recognizing God's greatness in every aspect of life is essential for a fulfilling spiritual journey. [01:52]
Bible Passage: "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!" (Psalm 150:6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate moments of praise into your daily routine, recognizing God's greatness in both the mundane and extraordinary aspects of your life?
#### Day 2: The Difference Between Praise and Thanksgiving
Description: While thanksgiving is about expressing gratitude for the blessings we have received, praise goes a step further by exalting God's inherent qualities and His greatness. Thanksgiving acknowledges the good things we have received, but praise is about recognizing God's splendor, majesty, strength, and joy. This deeper recognition of who God is transforms our relationship with Him, moving us from a place of gratitude to a place of awe and reverence. [15:51]
Bible Passage: "Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods." (1 Chronicles 16:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent blessing in your life. How can you move beyond thanking God for this blessing to praising Him for His character and attributes that made this blessing possible?
#### Day 3: True Praise in the Valley
Description: True praise is tested in the valley. It is easy to praise God when everything is going well, but genuine praise comes from a heart that can exalt God even in the midst of trials and storms. This kind of praise demonstrates faith and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. When we praise God in difficult times, we are declaring our belief that He is in control and that His plans for us are good, even when we cannot see the outcome. [10:17]
Bible Passage: "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a current or past trial in your life. How can you choose to praise God in the midst of this situation, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness?
#### Day 4: Access to God's Presence
Description: In the Old Testament, entering God's presence required specific rituals and sacrifices. Today, through Jesus, we have direct access to God. Our praise should be a sweet incense rising to Him, not just for what He has done but for who He is. This access transforms our thanksgiving into a deeper, more profound praise, as we are reminded of His salvation and His continuous work in our lives. [13:53]
Bible Passage: "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh." (Hebrews 10:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: How can you make your daily praise a more intentional act of entering into God's presence, acknowledging not just His blessings but His very nature and character?
#### Day 5: Praise as a Weapon
Description: Praise is not just an act of worship; it is a spiritual weapon. It has the power to bring down strongholds and overcome the enemy. As long as we have breath, we have a reason to praise the Lord, and this praise can change our circumstances and bring victory in our lives. When we praise, we are engaging in spiritual warfare, declaring God's power and authority over every situation we face. [26:25]
Bible Passage: "And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed." (2 Chronicles 20:22, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific challenge or stronghold in your life. How can you use praise as a weapon to confront and overcome this challenge, trusting in God's power and authority?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord, praise ye the Lord, let me say that again, let everything that has breath, so to me, that's actually, well, that's everything, so in other words, when the rooster crows in the morning, I kind of think God's accepting a sound of praise when the, you know, songbirds sing in the afternoon, it's a song going unto him, oh, sure, it may be cackling to say that there's a worm over here, it may be looking to say this, but I think that it's a sound that there's a song even within nature that gives praise back to God." [01:52](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sing to God, everyone and everything. Get out his salvation news every day, publish his glory among the godless nations, his wonders to all races and religions, and why not? Because God is great, well worth praising, no god or goddess comes close in honor, all the popular gods are stuff and nonsense, but God made the cosmos, splendor and majesty flow out of him. Strength and joy fill his place, shout bravo to God, families of the people, in all of the glory, in all of the strength, bravo, bravo to his famous name." [03:27](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I praise him because he's worthy. I glorify him because I know what he's done and what he's capable of doing even when my soul doesn't feel like it. I may be out of my mind, I may be out of breath, I may be out maybe in pain but at the end of the day this present suffering is just for a little while soon I'll see him I'll look on his face and I'll know my Creator I'll never hurt again I'll never I'm going to a place where tears don't exist." [21:02](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Sing to God everyone and everything get out His salvation news every day I think there is a key in that to to the worship to the praise to the understanding of how to do this with God that at the end of the day I I'm thankful for what He's done I can praise Him like that I can be thankful but if I forget to praise I can just remember His salvation I can remember what He has done for me and what He's doing I can get out His salvation news every day and I don't just keep it to myself I let others know that His salvation is for them it's good news and it's for all color of skin." [23:30](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I'll praise, I'll praise in the valley. I'll praise on the mountain. I'll praise when I'm sure. When I'll praise and when I'm doubting. I'll praise when outnumbered. Praise when surrounded. Cause praise is the waters that my enemies drowned in. As long as I'm breathing, I've got a reason to praise the Lord, oh my soul. Oh yes, I praise your name, Jesus. I'll praise when I feel it. I'll praise when I don't." [25:24](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Now in olden times when you would go with these terms the gates the gates and the courts we would think of the tabernacle we would think of an outer court where Jew or Gentile could walk into that place and they could look around right there they would see a brazen altar that would burn sacrifices on behalf of their sin so they could be thankful that God made provision for them that he was going to do something in the future and that he was going to do something in the future and that he was going to do something in the future that my sin would be blotted out eventually that for now I was atoned for I was covered up I was a check written out but not cashed so I would give thanks thank you for forgiving my sin thank you for making a way of repentance but when I went into the courts of the house when I walked into the tabernacle now I had to fit conditions I had to have given my sacrifice I had to have washed at the brazen um labor of water I had to do these things and then I would go into the courts the inner courts within the inner courts I would see incense that would be just filling the room with a sweet smoke and this represented my praise now I am worthy to step into this place I am called out I am selected I'm still not in the holiest of holies but I'm in the inner court where not everybody could minister not everybody could walk into but I could so now my thanksgiving for what has been done turns into another dimension because I praise him for what he has done and I praise him for what he has done and I praise him for what he has done and what he is doing." [12:07](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Thankfulness is about expressing gratitude for something you've received whether it's a gift a favor or even just a positive experience it acknowledges that something good has come your way now I had already had this written out before someone in the room gave us cupcakes but I am thanking you in advance and I think you'll be worthy of what the praise that I'm actually using in this example after the fact so an analogy is this imagine you get a delicious cake from a friend thankfulness would be saying thank you for this amazing cake I appreciate it you know that that was good but praise would be saying you're such a talented baker the cake is incredible you see the difference one is I thank you for giving me the cake but the other is just throwing out something that I'm not just thankful for the cake but I'm thankful that you're good at baking the cake as well I'm thankful that I'm going to enjoy it and I'm going to enjoy it and I'm going to enjoy it and I'm going to enjoy it the cake now I'm talking about some future stuff I'm thankful that you're like this but I'm giving you praise because you're good at what you do and I know what you did is going to be good." [15:51](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I praise him because he's a he's a solid foundation he's my hope he's my existence I praise him for his mighty acts I praise him according to his excellent greatness I I praise him how with the sound of a trumpet I praise him with a psaltery and harp I I praise him with the tambourine and dance I I praise him with stringed instruments and organs I I praise him on loud cymbals and I praise him upon the high-sounding cymbals but at the end of the day the question remains will you praise him because the commandment is let everything that hath breath praise the Lord praise ye the Lord." [18:57](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "But God gives me this. And I have to say it. place would be as it were. A final resting place. Till we don't know when. At least I don't. We know. I think somebody hides it around the time of Jeremiah. I believe. But I'd have to study on it. But at some point. The ark of the covenant is lost. It's gone. But they still have a temple. They still have a veil. The priest still goes about his ritualism. But it's empty praises. Empty thanksgivings as it were. It's a mock performance. For an empty inner court. But when Jesus died. It was opened up. The veil was torn. And the fraudulence was shown. For everyone. Not to discredit the temple. Not to discredit Moses. Or the tabernacle plan. But to show them. Not many days hence. You'll be endued with power. From on high. I know we've been talking about that a couple weeks. You'll have to forgive me. It's just it's pretty big in my life. God was saying. The tabernacle that you went to. The place that you would journey to go before. The ark of the covenant that you would give honor and respect. God has left the building. And he is now wanting to live inside of you. You're his temple. You're a chosen generation. A royal priesthood." [40:32](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's not God fill me with your spirit. God I want to speak in tongues. No. It's God I praise you. I praise you. I praise you. I thank you for the sacrifice. I thank you for forgiving me. I thank you. I love you. I worship you. I praise you. And before long. You're just lost in Jesus. And it'll happen. And the tabernacle will come into your heart. And that'll give you a reason. To praise the Lord." [42:18](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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