The Sacrifice Of Praise

The key to understanding the sacrifice of praise is to grasp the concept that praise must become an integral part of our daily lives, and that makes it costly and precious. This is the central issue of Christian existence. When we come into the presence of God, our focus should not be upon the things we can get from the Lord, but on the offerings we have to give to Him.

Give to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts (Ps. 96:8).

Our primary purpose in praise is to proclaim and show the marvelous excellencies and perfections of God (1 Pet. 2:9, Amp. NASV). We rehearse the things He has done throughout the ages; we admire and boast about His present acts of greatness as He moves among His people; and we triumph in the certain victories and wonders of the days to come.

The Life Application Bible makes this statement concerning the basis of praise:

The basis of praise is declaring God’s character and attributes in the presence of others. When we recognize and affirm His goodness we are holding up His perfect moral nature for all to see. (Life Application Bible, notes on 1 Chron. 16:25, p. 696)

Paul punctuated his epistles with thanksgiving and spontaneous outbursts of praise (2 Cor. 9:15; 11:31). Many of his letters began or ended with such praises (Rom. 16:27; 1 Cor. 1:4; 2 Cor. 1:3; Eph. 1:3–14; Col. 1:3; 2 Tim. 1:3; 1 Pet. 1:3). Praise should also permeate our everyday speech and influence our thoughts day and night.

It amazes me that many people attend churches where they expect the pastor and worship ministers to “Put on a great service” for them. If the music doesn’t please them, or the sermon style is a little different, or the flowers were not authorized by the decoration committee, or the temperature in the sanctuary is too cold…. etc., then they believe they have great reason for offence or complaint. We must do something about this mindset that puts all the responsibility for praise and worship on the worship team and pastor, and very little on the congregation. Many believers still see themselves as an audience rather than ministers and priests of God.

So...as priests of the Lord - it is our privilege to bring this sacrifice to the Lord throughout our day. As a sacrifice, it will cost you something to bring your praise offering to the Lord - continually:

Heb. 13:15

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.