Hebrews 13:15, 16 - Living The Sacrifice Of Praise!
Hebrews 13:15, 16 (NIV) Through Jesus,
therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice
of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his
name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share
with others, for with such sacrifices God is
pleased.
Hebrews 13:15, 16 (NLT) With Jesus' help,
let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise
to God by proclaiming the glory of his name. 16
Don't forget to do good and to share what you have
with those in need, for such sacrifices are very
pleasing to God.
INTRODUCTION
One of the most frequently repeated
instructions in Scripture is for us to praise and worship
God - not because he is ego driven, but because
praising him is right, good and beautiful. Not only
is God worthy of our praise, but we benefit
from it. When we worship him, we are fulfilling
our created purpose and aligning ourselves with
heaven's heartbeat.
Hebrews 13:15 refers to praise as a
sacrifice, perhaps both because it pleases God as an
offering and because it sometimes isn't easy for us.
When we choose to praise God even when life is
hard and circumstances seem to conspire against
us or our mood just isn't into it, we are
making a sacrifice that honors and pleases God
because praise is always right and good. [NIV Once A
Day Bible]
COMMENTARY PEARL
Make A Joyful Noise
In the early eighties there was a popular
country song entitled Always on My Mind." The
singer tells his sweetheart that even though he
seldom expressed his feelings through words or
actions, she was always on his mind. I'm not sure
where the writer of those lyrics learned the
secret of romance, but he didn't consult women. No
sweetheart would accept that excuse. "You never told
me, never gave me flowers, kind words, or
compliments, but I was always on your mind? Yeah,
right."
God doesn't buy it either. He wants to
hear our affection. It is out of the abundance of
the heart that the mouth speaks,' and when the
mouth is silent, the heart is in question. Do you
love God? Let him know. Tell him! Out loud. In
public. Unashamed. Let there be jubilation,
celebration, and festivity! "Shout to God with joyful
praise!" (Psalm 47:1 NLT). "Make a joyful shout to
God, all the earth!" (Psalm 66:1 NKJV) [You Can
Count On God by Max Lucado]
COMMENTARY
Say It Out Loud
Have you ever looked at someone you
really care about and thought, I love them so
much, but you dont say it?
Guess what? That person cant read your
mind. You need to verbalize your love.
When you get together with your family
today around the Thanksgiving table, tell them you
love them. Really, do you have anything to lose
if you say that? Youll be glad that you did.
You dont know with certainly that youll be
here next Thanksgiving. And you dont know
whether they will be here next Thanksgiving.
In the same way, we need to verbalize our
love for God. The Bible tells us, In
everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in
Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18
NKJV).
It doesnt say, In some things give
thanks, or When youre in the mood, give
thanks, or When circumstances are perfect, give
thanks.
No, the Bible says, In everything give
thanks (emphasis added).
Sometimes its a sacrifice to praise
God and give Him thanks. Sometimes were not
in the mood. But were to do it anyway,
because God is worthy of our praise. Hebrews 13:15
says, Therefore by Him let us continually offer
the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the
fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name
(NKJV).
That phrase the fruit of our lips
means that we verbalize our praise. And we worship
even if we dont feel like it. We worship when
we are hurting. We worship because God is
deserving of our praise.
The Bible repeatedly urges us to worship,
no matter what. There are no exceptions. There
are no excuses. Nothing is beyond these
parameters. In everything give thanks.
Its nice that we have a day called
Thanksgiving, and we will give thanks today. But we should
keep giving thanks all the time because the Lord
is good. [Greg Laurie from Harvest Ministries;
https://www.harvestdaily.com]
It's hard to believe the year is almost
over. The final leaves are falling and all the
crops have been harvested. Fields are lying fallow
and the days are growing shorter. Instead of dew
on the grass when we wake, there's frost.
Sweaters and hoodies have replaced T-shirts and
shorts. The seasons have passed the baton from
summer to fall, and before long winter will take
its cold icy turn.
The holidays will also be here before you
know it. But before you start planning family
dinners and office parties, checking flight
schedules and weather forecasts, take a few minutes
today and offer God your deepest thanks. Reflect
on these past months and all the ways he has
blessed you and comforted you, protected you and
strengthened you. Maybe you encountered some obstacles,
and a few may be lingering still, but God has
been so faithful to you this year.
Think about the people in your life that
mean so much: family, close friends, people you
see every day at work, prayer buddies from
church, people in your small group and neighborhood.
Before you get caught up in the holiday madness of
planning, shopping (maybe you've already started),
decorating, cooking, traveling, and fellowshipping -
stop and catch your spiritual breath.
Ask God to refresh your spirit. Let him
know how much you love him. Share with him the
people, places, and moments that have meant the most
this year.
Thanksgiving should be every day, Lord,
but I want to acknowledge you, praise you, and
thank you for the many, many blessings in my life
today. Keep my heart truly grateful now and in the
weeks to come. [Daily Power by Craig Groeschel]
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Thank Me throughout this day for My
Presence and My Peace. These are gifts of
supernatural proportions. Ever since the resurrection, I
have comforted My followers with these messages:
Peace be with you, and I am with you always.
Listen as I offer you My Peace and Presence in full
measure. The best way to receive these glorious gifts
is to thank Me for them.
It is impossible to spend too much time
thanking and praising Me. I created you first and
foremost to glorify Me. Thanksgiving and praise put
you in proper relationship with Me, opening the
way for My riches to flow into you. As you thank
Me for My Presence and Peace, you appropriate
My richest gifts. (Luk. 24:36; Mat. 28:20; Heb.
13:15) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Hebrews 13:15, 16 - Living The Sacrifice Of
Praise!
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2013/20131116-1054.html
Hebrews 13:15,16 - Living The Sacrifice Of
Praise To God Continually!
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2004/20040826-0728.html
ONE OF THE BEST PRAISE SONGS OF ALL TIME:
Larry Wayne Morbitt - Down from His Glory
[Live]; Gaither Music TV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvHWT3vXA6c
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
https://abible.com/links/
