Embracing the Power and Purpose of Praise
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, CLC! Today, we explored the profound significance of praise in our lives, emphasizing that it is more than just a song. Praise is an outward expression of our admiration and adoration for God, and it is a fundamental principle of our faith. We began by inviting the presence of the Lord into our midst through various expressions of praise, such as clapping, lifting hands, and shouting for joy. This act of praise is not just a ritual but a celebration of God's goodness and a command that we are designed to fulfill.
We delved into the lyrics of the song "Everything That's In Me," which calls us to rise and behold the glory of the living Lord. This song is a reminder that our praise is not just a song but a principle that should be deeply rooted in our hearts. We discussed how praise is an expression of approval, commendation, and admiration, and it should be an outward expression, not just a thought or idea. We are encouraged to assume our natural posture of praise, as it is an interaction with God in real-time.
We also examined various moments in our lives where we naturally express praise, such as at concerts, sports events, graduations, promotions, and weddings. These moments of celebration are a reflection of our innate design to praise. However, our praise for God should surpass all other forms of praise in our lives. We are reminded that praise is a command from God and that it is non-negotiable. When we don't praise, we are in an unnatural state because we were created to praise.
Furthermore, we explored the benefits of praising God, such as God hearing our prayers, inhabiting our praises, and remembering us. We looked at biblical examples, including Hezekiah's prayer, Paul and Silas's praise in prison, and the woman with the alabaster box, to illustrate how God responds to our praise. We also discussed the importance of corporate praise and unity in worship, as it invites the manifest presence of God into our midst.
In conclusion, we are challenged to dedicate seven minutes a day to praise using the CLC Spotify playlist, which will help us unify our sound and draw closer to God. Praise is a celebration, a declaration, and an affirmation of God's goodness, and it should be a continual expression in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Praise as an Outward Expression: Praise is not just a thought or idea; it is an outward expression of our admiration and adoration for God. It is a celebration of His goodness and a command that we are designed to fulfill. When we praise, we invite the presence of the Lord into our midst and align ourselves with our natural state of being. [46:49]
2. The Importance of Assuming Our Natural Posture: We are created to praise, and when we don't, we are in an unnatural state. Praise is an interaction with God in real-time, and it should be an authentic expression of our love and gratitude towards Him. By assuming our natural posture of praise, we fulfill our purpose and bring glory to God. [50:13]
3. Praise in Everyday Moments: We naturally express praise in various moments of our lives, such as at concerts, sports events, graduations, and weddings. However, our praise for God should surpass all other forms of praise. We must be intentional in directing our praise towards God, as it is a command and a reflection of our love for Him. [55:11]
4. The Benefits of Praising God: Praising God brings numerous benefits, including God hearing our prayers, inhabiting our praises, and remembering us. Biblical examples, such as Hezekiah's prayer and Paul and Silas's praise in prison, illustrate how God responds to our praise and intervenes in our lives. [01:12:26]
5. The Power of Corporate Praise and Unity: Corporate praise and unity in worship invite the manifest presence of God into our midst. When we come together in one accord, lifting our voices in praise, we create an atmosphere where God can move powerfully. This unified sound is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's presence. [01:32:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[46:49] - Inviting God's Presence
[47:47] - Introduction and Series Recap
[48:45] - Exploring "Everything That's In Me"
[50:13] - The Principle of Praise
[51:08] - Information and Revelation
[52:14] - Celebration and Praise
[53:30] - Expressions of Praise
[55:11] - Everyday Moments of Praise
[56:57] - Praise in Relationships
[58:42] - Designed to Praise
[01:00:14] - The Command to Praise
[01:02:08] - Sacrificial Praise
[01:04:01] - Honoring Authority
[01:05:53] - Testimony Service
[01:07:31] - Psalm 148 and Creation's Praise
[01:09:03] - The State of Praise
[01:10:46] - God's Response to Praise
[01:12:26] - Hezekiah's Prayer
[01:13:57] - Isaiah's Song
[01:15:45] - God Inhabits Our Praise
[01:17:17] - Paul and Silas in Prison
[01:18:45] - The Power of Praise
[01:20:22] - Unselfish Praise
[01:21:56] - God Remembers the Praiser
[01:23:29] - The Alabaster Box
[01:25:11] - Corporate Praise and Unity
[01:27:05] - The Power of Music
[01:29:40] - Songs Hidden in Our Hearts
[01:31:19] - Unity in Worship
[01:32:50] - Experiencing God's Presence
[01:34:19] - Seven-Minute Challenge
[01:36:09] - Response and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 148:1-13 - "Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created, and he established them for ever and ever—he issued a decree that will never pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and women, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens."
2. Isaiah 38:1-5 - "In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, 'This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.' Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 'Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.' And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: 'Go and tell Hezekiah, This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life.'"
3. Acts 16:25-26 - "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the expressions of praise mentioned in Psalm 148? How do these expressions reflect the natural order of creation? ([01:09:03])
2. In Isaiah 38:1-5, what was Hezekiah's response to the news of his impending death, and how did God respond to his prayer? ([01:12:26])
3. Describe the situation Paul and Silas found themselves in Acts 16:25-26. What was their reaction, and what was the outcome? ([01:18:45])
4. According to the sermon, what are some everyday moments where people naturally express praise? ([55:11])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Psalm 148 illustrate the idea that all of creation is designed to praise God? What does this suggest about our own purpose and design? ([01:09:03])
2. Reflecting on Hezekiah's prayer in Isaiah 38, what does this passage teach us about the relationship between praise, prayer, and God's response? ([01:12:26])
3. In Acts 16, why do you think Paul and Silas chose to praise God despite their imprisonment? What does this teach us about the power of praise in difficult circumstances? ([01:18:45])
4. The sermon mentioned that praise is a command from God and that it is non-negotiable. How does this align with the biblical examples provided, and what implications does this have for our daily lives? ([01:00:14])
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to dedicate seven minutes a day to praise using the CLC Spotify playlist. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine? ([01:34:19])
2. Think about a recent situation where you felt hesitant to praise God. What was holding you back, and how can you overcome these barriers in the future? ([01:00:14])
3. The sermon highlighted the importance of corporate praise and unity. How can you contribute to creating a unified atmosphere of praise in your church or small group? ([01:32:50])
4. Reflect on a time when you experienced a significant answer to prayer. How did you express your praise to God, and how can you make praise a more consistent part of your response to God's work in your life? ([01:12:26])
5. The sermon mentioned various everyday moments where we naturally express praise (e.g., concerts, sports events, graduations). How can you redirect some of this natural inclination to praise towards God in your daily life? ([55:11])
6. How can you encourage your family or friends to join you in the seven-minute daily praise challenge? What impact do you think this could have on your relationships and spiritual growth? ([01:34:19])
7. The sermon emphasized that praise is an outward expression and not just a thought. What are some practical ways you can make your praise more visible and expressive in your worship and daily life? ([52:14])
Devotional
Day 1: Praise as an Outward Expression
Praise is not just a thought or idea; it is an outward expression of our admiration and adoration for God. It is a celebration of His goodness and a command that we are designed to fulfill. When we praise, we invite the presence of the Lord into our midst and align ourselves with our natural state of being. This act of praise can take many forms, such as clapping, lifting hands, and shouting for joy. It is not merely a ritual but a heartfelt celebration of God's goodness.
In our daily lives, we often express praise in various ways, whether at concerts, sports events, or personal achievements. However, our praise for God should surpass all other forms of praise. It is a command from God and a reflection of our love for Him. When we engage in praise, we fulfill our purpose and bring glory to God. [46:49]
Psalm 150:1-2 (ESV): "Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness!"
Reflection: Think of a recent moment when you felt joy or excitement. How can you channel that same energy into praising God today?
Day 2: The Importance of Assuming Our Natural Posture
We are created to praise, and when we don't, we are in an unnatural state. Praise is an interaction with God in real-time, and it should be an authentic expression of our love and gratitude towards Him. By assuming our natural posture of praise, we fulfill our purpose and bring glory to God. This natural posture can be seen in various expressions of praise, such as singing, dancing, or even silent reflection.
When we assume our natural posture of praise, we align ourselves with God's design for us. This alignment brings us into a deeper relationship with Him and allows us to experience His presence more fully. Praise is not just an act; it is a state of being that reflects our connection with God. [50:13]
Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV): "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand."
Reflection: What is your natural posture of praise? How can you incorporate this posture into your daily routine to draw closer to God?
Day 3: Praise in Everyday Moments
We naturally express praise in various moments of our lives, such as at concerts, sports events, graduations, and weddings. However, our praise for God should surpass all other forms of praise. We must be intentional in directing our praise towards God, as it is a command and a reflection of our love for Him. These everyday moments of praise are a reflection of our innate design to celebrate and honor what we value.
By recognizing and redirecting our natural expressions of praise towards God, we can cultivate a lifestyle of worship. This intentionality helps us to keep God at the center of our lives and to acknowledge His presence in all that we do. [55:11]
Psalm 34:1 (ESV): "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth."
Reflection: Think of a recent event where you naturally expressed praise. How can you intentionally direct that same praise towards God in your daily life?
Day 4: The Benefits of Praising God
Praising God brings numerous benefits, including God hearing our prayers, inhabiting our praises, and remembering us. Biblical examples, such as Hezekiah's prayer and Paul and Silas's praise in prison, illustrate how God responds to our praise and intervenes in our lives. When we praise, we create an atmosphere where God can move powerfully and bring about transformation.
These benefits of praise are not just spiritual but also practical. Praise can bring peace, joy, and a sense of God's presence into our lives. It can also strengthen our faith and encourage us in difficult times. By making praise a regular part of our lives, we open ourselves up to the many blessings that God has in store for us. [01:12:26]
2 Chronicles 20:22 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's intervention in your life. How can you make praise a regular part of your life to invite more of God's presence and intervention?
Day 5: The Power of Corporate Praise and Unity
Corporate praise and unity in worship invite the manifest presence of God into our midst. When we come together in one accord, lifting our voices in praise, we create an atmosphere where God can move powerfully. This unified sound is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's presence. Corporate praise is not just about individual expressions but about coming together as a community to honor and glorify God.
The power of corporate praise lies in its ability to bring people together and to create a sense of unity and purpose. When we join our voices in praise, we are reminded that we are part of a larger body of believers, all working together to bring glory to God. This unity can strengthen our faith and encourage us to continue in our walk with God. [01:32:50]
Acts 2:46-47 (ESV): "And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity and power of corporate praise in your church community? What steps can you take to encourage others to join in this unified expression of worship?
Quotes
1. "So, before we begin, I definitely want to start by welcoming everyone in. In the room, now that we have welcomed God into the room, now there's room for us to move. So, I want to welcome everyone in this room, not only in this room, but also online. Welcome our CLC family. It is a privilege to stand before you and declare what the word of the Lord has to say to us today." [47:47] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Now, beyond the revelation, we also want to pray that the Holy Spirit comes and illuminates that word in our lives and make it become a living thing in our souls. And as the Holy Spirit affirms that in our lives and it becomes the living word in our lives, we manifest that word by living it out and applying it to our everyday lives. Amen." [52:14] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So, when we remove ourselves and we humble ourselves and we deny ourselves what I look like, what I feel like, what I want to do, what I want to hear, where I want to go, we deny ourselves and we lean into this posture of praise to a God that is sacrificial." [01:02:08] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Now, Psalms 148 tells us that God has actually created us to praise. So when we praise, this is what our natural design is. We're designed to praise. Psalms 148 tells us, but we're designed to praise. Praise God. So what does that mean? So in the midst of all of this praise that we have for everything in our lives, for our wives and our children, and everything that we affirm in our lives, this praise that we have for God must be above everything else in our lives." [01:00:14] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "This is not just an act of obedience. It is a state of obedience. When we don't praise, we're actually in an unnatural state. This should feel uncomfortable to us. This is an unnatural state for us because we were designed to do this. But we command ourselves to do this because I feel weird. I don't know what to do. I want to help us. Okay?" [01:00:14] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Now, praise is more than a song. It is an interaction with God. With our God in real time. The problem is we've made this celebration about ourselves and about our personal gain in this expression of praise. Did I like that song today? I don't know. It wasn't my favorite song. I really didn't like the message today. I didn't like the songs today. I didn't enjoy. It's a lot of I's. A lot of I's. And the purpose of praise is to be pointed upward towards God." [01:02:08] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "So, this is why we praise. This is why we lift our voice. This is why we sing with our, this is why we give God a halal praise, a crazy praise. We let loose for a God who deserves a celebratory act of praise. We must praise God." [01:20:22] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So, when we're in worship, when we find ourselves worshiping and praising our God, we must know that this praise has to come from sacrifice, not from feelings or emotions or how we want to feel when we leave worship or when we come to God. It has to come from sacrifice. It has to come from the service or when we experience God, this is a place of sacrifice. I deny myself and I humble myself and I lift my hands because God is worthy." [01:25:11] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Now, the reason this is important, because when we go back to everything that's in me, we find that we're singing more than a song. It's more than a song. In Psalms 103, this is where we find the bridge of everything that's in me. It says, we respond to our God because he heals our diseases. He forgives our sin. He's crowned us with mercy and every good thing. He's rich in compassion. He's abounding in love. Praise to the Father, the Spirit, and Son." [01:34:19] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So, what is our response? We command our bodies and our souls to praise because it is a celebration. It is an authentic celebration. It is a declaration and affirmation to a holy God who is good, who hears us, who lives in our praise, who remembers us and has shown us his love by giving us victory over sin and death through the shed blood of his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. If you believe that, say amen." [01:36:09] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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