Welcome back to my blog. We are in a series exploring Biblical concepts in the Christian life. There are many aspects to the Christian life. However, a simple biblically-based 5-step approach to grow our relationship with God is what I call the ‘5 tools to maturity,’ taken from Acts 2:42 and 47, as follows:
· Prayer
· Praise
· Fellowship
· Receiving biblical teaching
· Reaching others with biblical truth
These 5 tools describe the activities in the very first church in Jerusalem and provide a model for the actions Christians should perform routinely. Importantly, these five activities are confirmed in later verses in the epistles.
Last week started our discussion of these 5 tools by examining the content and attitude in prayer. Today we will consider several common questions about praise.
How do we praise?
Definition of ‘praise’ – Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ‘praise’ as:
- To express a favorable judgment or commend
- To glorify (a god or saint) especially by the attribution of perfections
Content of praise – For a Christian what are the elements of biblical praise? The Bible gives some hints:
- Acknowledgement of God’s perfect character (Ephesians 1:6)
- Acknowledgement of God’s righteous actions (Psalm 139:14; Psalm 148)
- Thankfulness (Hebrews 13:15)
Reason for praise – Why do we praise God? The reasons are vital to our Christian life and are listed below:
- The Bible commands us to praise – It is our duty to praise God. However, God does not give us commands without reason, so several potential explanations follow below (Psalm 150; Romans 15:11; Hebrews 13:15).
- God deserves praise – Our Father in Heaven is the almighty God who has provided for our salvation through His precious Son, Jesus Christ, as a free gift through faith that we could have eternal life. This salvation is a sure hope and anchor for our souls. Surely, He deserves glory, thanks, and praise (1 Peter 4:11; Hebrews 6:19).
- It is good for us to praise – God made us! Therefore, He knows what is good for us. It is good for us to praise because:
- God’s ordained order – Praise reminds us of the order of the universe. We are not the most important thing in creation. God’s goals and priorities are higher and better than ours.
- Humility – Realizing that God’s plans are more important than ours might limit our complaining and remind us that we are here to serve our great God.
- Attitude – Praise teaches us thankfulness in realizing God’s gifts to us in creation, in Christ and His benefits in this life as our Father. These should promote an attitude of thankfulness and reduce our expectations (Philippians 4:8).
We do indeed have a great God and Savior who are worthy of all praise, honor and glory! Praise not only in church but also in your everyday life. It will transform your Christian walk. Join us next time as we discuss fellowship.
Thanks for joining me, please return next week.
William C. Stewart, MD
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Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.
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