The Power and Purpose of Praise in Worship
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the question, "Is Praise Really Necessary?" Growing up in church, praise and worship were integral parts of my life, but I began to see how it might seem strange to those unfamiliar with God. Praise is not just a ritual; it is a form of communication with God, akin to prayer. Psalm 33:1 tells us that praise is appropriate for the righteous, and it is a way to laud God for His greatness. We see examples in the Bible, such as in Luke 17, where Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to praise Him. This shows that praise is the expected response to God's blessings.
Psalm 100:1-4 illustrates that we should enter God's presence with thanksgiving and praise, which is the proper way to approach Him. Matthew 22:37-38 emphasizes that we must love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and this love should be expressed through praise and worship. Praise is God's love language, much like how people have different love languages. God delights in our praise, and it is a way to give back to Him for all He has done for us.
Psalm 22:3 tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people. When we praise Him, His presence fills the room, bringing miracles, healing, and joy. 2 Chronicles 20:21-25 shows how praise can lead to victory, as the people of Judah praised God before their battle, and God caused their enemies to turn on each other. Praise is an expression of faith, showing God that we trust Him even before we see the results.
We should praise God often, from our hearts, with corresponding actions, when He blesses us, and even before He blesses us. Praise should be a lifestyle, not just an occasional act. It is a powerful way to invite God's presence into our lives and see His miraculous power at work.
### Key Takeaways
1. Praise as Communication with God: Praise is a form of communication with God, similar to prayer. It is a way to laud God for His greatness and express our gratitude for His blessings. This act of praising God is not just a ritual but a heartfelt expression of our relationship with Him. [03:02]
2. Praise as an Expected Response: The story of the ten lepers in Luke 17 shows that praise is the appropriate and expected response to God's blessings. When God blesses us, our natural response should be to return and give Him glory, just as the one leper did. [06:05]
3. Praise as God's Love Language: Just as people have different love languages, God's love language is praise. He delights in our praise and it is a way to give back to Him for all He has done for us. This is why the Bible emphasizes praise so much, from Genesis to Revelation. [17:02]
4. Praise Invites God's Presence: Psalm 22:3 tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people. When we praise Him, His presence fills the room, bringing miracles, healing, and joy. This tangible presence of God can transform any situation. [20:21]
5. Praise as an Expression of Faith: 2 Chronicles 20:21-25 shows how praise can lead to victory. When we praise God before seeing the results, we are expressing our faith in His promises. This act of faith invites God to move powerfully in our lives. [25:42]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:32] - Introduction: Is Praise Really Necessary?
[03:02] - Understanding Praise as Communication
[04:36] - The Story of the Ten Lepers
[06:05] - Praise as an Expected Response
[07:43] - Entering God's Presence with Praise
[09:29] - Loving God with All Your Heart
[11:10] - Praise as an Expression of Love
[12:57] - God's Love Language: Praise
[14:12] - The Power of Praise in Relationships
[17:02] - Why God Loves Praise
[18:43] - God's Presence in Praise
[20:21] - Tangible Presence of God
[23:03] - Miracles in Praise
[25:42] - Praise Leading to Victory
[28:21] - Rules for Praise and Worship
[29:58] - Praising God Often and from the Heart
[32:27] - Corresponding Actions in Praise
[35:15] - Praising God When He Blesses You
[37:59] - Praising God Before the Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 33:1 (AMP)
2. Luke 17:11-19 (NLT)
3. Psalm 22:3 (KJV)
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 33:1, who is praise appropriate for, and what does it mean to "laud" God? [03:02]
2. In Luke 17:11-19, how did the one healed leper respond differently from the other nine, and what was Jesus' reaction to this? [06:05]
3. Psalm 22:3 states that God inhabits the praises of His people. What does it mean for God to "inhabit" our praises? [20:21]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon suggest that praise is not just a ritual but a form of communication with God? How does this change the way we view praise? [03:02]
2. How does the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17 illustrate that praise is the expected response to God's blessings? What does this teach us about gratitude? [06:05]
3. The sermon mentions that praise is God's love language. How does understanding this concept affect the way we approach worship and praise? [17:02]
4. What are some ways that praise can lead to tangible changes in our lives, as suggested by the examples in 2 Chronicles 20:21-25 and Psalm 22:3? [25:42]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own experiences with praise and worship. How often do you engage in praise outside of church services? What steps can you take to make praise a more regular part of your daily life? [28:21]
2. Think about a time when you received a blessing from God. How did you respond? Did you take time to praise and thank Him? How can you make praise your immediate response to God's blessings in the future? [35:15]
3. The sermon suggests that praise should come from the heart and not just be a routine. How can you ensure that your praise is heartfelt and genuine? What might need to change in your approach to worship? [29:58]
4. How can you incorporate different forms of praise, such as singing, dancing, or using musical instruments, into your worship? What new form of praise would you like to try this week? [32:27]
5. The sermon mentions praising God even before seeing the results of our prayers. Is there a situation in your life where you need to start praising God in faith? How can you begin to do this today? [37:59]
6. How can you use praise as a way to invite God's presence into difficult situations you are currently facing? Share a specific situation and discuss how you can start praising God in the midst of it. [20:21]
7. The sermon talks about praise leading to victory, as seen in 2 Chronicles 20:21-25. Can you recall a time when praise helped you overcome a challenge? How can you apply this principle to a current challenge in your life? [25:42]
Devotional
Day 1: Praise as Communication with God
Praise is a form of communication with God, similar to prayer. It is a way to laud God for His greatness and express our gratitude for His blessings. This act of praising God is not just a ritual but a heartfelt expression of our relationship with Him. When we praise, we are engaging in a dialogue with the Creator, acknowledging His sovereignty and expressing our dependence on Him. This form of communication is vital for nurturing our spiritual connection with God and deepening our faith.
Psalm 33:1 tells us that praise is appropriate for the righteous, and it is a way to laud God for His greatness. By praising God, we are not only fulfilling a spiritual duty but also aligning our hearts with His will. This alignment brings us closer to Him, allowing us to experience His presence more profoundly. Praise, therefore, is an essential aspect of our spiritual lives, enabling us to maintain a continuous and meaningful relationship with God. [03:02]
Psalm 33:1 (ESV): "Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright."
Reflection: How can you incorporate praise into your daily routine as a form of communication with God, beyond just during church services?
Day 2: Praise as an Expected Response
The story of the ten lepers in Luke 17 shows that praise is the appropriate and expected response to God's blessings. When God blesses us, our natural response should be to return and give Him glory, just as the one leper did. This story highlights the importance of gratitude and recognition of God's work in our lives. It serves as a reminder that we should not take His blessings for granted but should always return to Him with a heart full of praise.
In our daily lives, it is easy to overlook the blessings we receive and focus on our challenges. However, the act of praising God for His blessings helps us to maintain a positive and grateful attitude. It shifts our focus from our problems to God's goodness, reinforcing our faith and trust in Him. By making praise an expected response to His blessings, we cultivate a habit of gratitude that enriches our spiritual journey. [06:05]
Luke 17:15-16 (ESV): "Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan."
Reflection: Think of a recent blessing you received. How did you respond to it, and how can you make praise your immediate response to God's blessings in the future?
Day 3: Praise as God's Love Language
Just as people have different love languages, God's love language is praise. He delights in our praise and it is a way to give back to Him for all He has done for us. This is why the Bible emphasizes praise so much, from Genesis to Revelation. Understanding that praise is God's love language helps us to see it not just as a duty but as a way to express our love and devotion to Him. It is a reciprocal act of love that strengthens our bond with God.
When we praise God, we are acknowledging His love and expressing our gratitude for His countless blessings. This act of praise is a powerful way to communicate our love for Him, just as we would express love to a friend or family member in their preferred love language. By making praise a regular part of our lives, we are continually affirming our love for God and deepening our relationship with Him. [17:02]
Psalm 147:1 (ESV): "Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting."
Reflection: How can you make praise a more intentional and heartfelt expression of your love for God in your daily life?
Day 4: Praise Invites God's Presence
Psalm 22:3 tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people. When we praise Him, His presence fills the room, bringing miracles, healing, and joy. This tangible presence of God can transform any situation. The act of praising God invites His presence into our lives, creating an atmosphere where His power can manifest. This is why praise is so powerful; it not only honors God but also brings His presence into our midst.
In times of trouble or uncertainty, turning to praise can shift the atmosphere and invite God's intervention. It is a way to acknowledge His sovereignty and trust in His ability to change our circumstances. By making praise a regular practice, we create a constant invitation for God's presence in our lives, allowing us to experience His miracles, healing, and joy more frequently. [20:21]
Psalm 22:3 (ESV): "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to invite God's presence through praise, and how can you start doing that today?
Day 5: Praise as an Expression of Faith
2 Chronicles 20:21-25 shows how praise can lead to victory. When we praise God before seeing the results, we are expressing our faith in His promises. This act of faith invites God to move powerfully in our lives. Praise, therefore, is not just a response to what God has done but also an expression of our trust in what He will do. It is a declaration of our confidence in His ability to fulfill His promises.
By praising God in advance, we demonstrate our faith and trust in His plan for our lives. This proactive praise can lead to breakthroughs and victories, as it aligns our hearts with God's will and invites His intervention. Making praise an expression of faith helps us to maintain a positive and hopeful outlook, even in challenging times, and strengthens our trust in God's promises. [25:42]
2 Chronicles 20:21-22 (ESV): "And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, 'Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.' 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: What is one area of your life where you need to express your faith through praise, even before seeing the results? How can you start doing that today?
Quotes
1. "Praise is the appropriate and expected response. Praise is the appropriate and expected response. Praise is the appropriate and expected response to God blessing you." [06:05] (7 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Praise and worship is supposed to be an expression of love. Praise and worship is supposed to be an expression of love. Praise and worship is expression of the love and respect that we have for God in our hearts. Let me say it another way, praise and worship is an expression of our love to God." [11:10] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Praise is God's love language. It's kind of words of affirmation, right? It's praise. Why does God talk so much about praise in the Bible? Why is a scripture like Matthew 15, 8 in the Bible? Because God loves receiving praise, just like we do." [14:12] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Praise is God's love language. That's why we praise. God's not a robot. He has emotions. In fact, the Bible talks about God laughing, God getting angry, all of that. And he loves it when his children, tell them just how much they love him. He created man because he wanted a family that he could love and will love him back. Praise is God's love language." [18:43] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You want to invite God? somewhere, start praising him. Start praising him. And God just comes in. He sits down just like she could have sat down and let him keep going. And that's what he does. He sits down and we begin to praise him. God just sits there and he just enjoys that." [20:21] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "One of the things that happens, one of the other reasons why we praise God is because we are expressing our faith in God. We're letting God know, I trust you. I believe that you've got this worked out." [26:59] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We praise. Why is this so important? Praise is necessary. Praise is God's love language. So let me give you a couple of rules for praise and worship, because we ought to be doing it. Anybody get that we should be doing it? Yeah, we ought to be praising." [28:21] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Do it often. Psalm 34, one says, I will praise the Lord at all times. How often? At all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I'm going to praise him. All the time. You know, hopefully you shower all the time. I mean, at least every day." [29:58] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Do it from your heart. Psalm nine, one says, I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart. Somebody say whole heart. I will show forth all thy marvelous words. Notice he says, I will praise you with my whole heart. There's a lot of scriptures and psalms that say that." [31:16] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Do it before God blesses you. What do you mean, pastor? When things are rough, you're hurting, you're struggling, you need God to move and you prayed about it. What do I do now? Philippians 4, 6 says, be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer, you got to pray and supplication. Get this, with what? Thanksgiving. Let your requests be made known to God." [37:59] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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