When Praise and Worship
Power
in the Blood
Introduction: Tonight we will look
at the last two hindrances or roadblocks Satan puts in our paths to hinder our
walk with God. There is a way we
overcome, through praise and worship.
I.
A brief review of the first
two roadblocks.
A. Roadblock one:
1.
We fail to use the way He
Himself has provided.
a. We must approach Him with a sincere heart.
2.
Explain the Old Testament
Tabernacle
a. Divisions, what was in it, ect.
b. Priest went in once a year.
3.
Jesus’ shed Blood, the only
way into the Holy of Holies now.
B. Roadblock two:
1.
One is hindered by guilt and
condemnation.
Romans
8:1
a. Thinking we are not ‘good enough’
b. We must deal with our guilt
c. Let the Blood of Jesus cleanse us.
d. 1 John 1:7
2.
It is not our righteousness,
but His that saves us.
3.
We have been redeemed,
justified and sanctified by the Blood of Jesus.
II.
Roadblock three is having a
wrong image of God.
A. We are hindered from enjoying God’s presence by a false image of
God.
1.
In Exodus 19 the people of
Israel expressed a desire to be where God was.
a. They saw the ‘thick darkness’ that surrounded God
b. They heard the ‘Thunder and saw the mighty Lighting’
c. They became so frightened they ran away
d. They told Moses, “You go to God and tell us what He said, because
we don’t want to die.”
e. Exodus 20:19
2.
Fear causes misunderstanding
of what God is really like.
a. God is not unapproachable in His holiness, waiting to smite
you or bring a plague.
b. God doesn’t dangle all your faults before you.
1. Psalm 103:2
c. Jesus’ Blood supernaturally washes away our guilt.
1. Something supernatural can wash away that fear. God’s love.
2. An antidote to fear. 1
John 4:18
3. If you have a wrong image of God, it is because you haven’t
realized how unconditionally God loves you.
a. He loves you and wants to fellowship with you.
b. He wants you to be comfortable in His presence.
c. It was His plan from the beginning, as with Adam.
4. Remember fear comes from Satan.
a. God’s fear is clean, healthy and holy.
b. It is based on an appropriate respect for God and His power.
c. We are not to cringe or back away from His presence.
d. If these things persist, remember,
2 Timothy
1:7
III.
Forth roadblock, ups and down
of our ‘feelings’.
A. We are hindered from enjoying God’s presence by our mood swings.
1.
Too often we tend to respond
to God based on how we feel.
a. Instead, rather we should base our faith in His Word and then let
our feelings follow.
b. Praising God is a sacrifice. Hebrews 13:15
2.
A sacrifice of praise is a
deliberate act of faith in God’s Word.
a. An outward manifestation of our trust in Him.
b. Praise is a decision, an act of will, not emotions.
3.
Don’t let the circumstances
of the day effect your praise.
a. Good day – bad day?
b. Regardless, God is always there.
c. We must move and focus our mind on Him, and off ourselves.
4.
The battle is for your mind
and thoughts.
a. Good, wholesome thoughts, then bang, bad thoughts come.
b. Where did they come from? From Satan, a fiery dart.
c. What God desires now is to transform our minds and thought life.
1. To cause our thoughts to be more on Him.
a. The commandment: Matthew
22:37,
[And with
all your mind]
5.
The devil’s objective, to get
your mind.
a. When he gets your mind, your tongue will follow.
b. Our mind is the center of our decision making process.
c. If allowed, negative thoughts and actions will follow.
d. What you say determines what happens in heaven and the
circumstances around you.
6.
Now that is why the offering
of the sacrifice of praise on a daily basic is so critical.
a. Praise is a major defense against the devil.
b. A mouth filled with praise and gratitude sets up a powerful
atmosphere around you.
c. It set up barriers against Satan.
[The Blood]
7.
In our own mind we say, “I
won’t think on the enemies thoughts.”
a. Easier said than done
b. Here is the best way to overcome those thoughts.
1. Begin to sing praises or just begin to thank God
2. Believe Romans 8:28
3. God wants to change us in the circumstances.
4. Not to change the circumstances
5. Praise God in them and they will no longer have control of you.
IV.
According to scripture a New
Testament sacrifices of praise is not silent.
A. There is a time to be silent, but also a time to offer verbal
praise from our heart.
1.
Praise out of a heart that is
in love with Jesus.
B. God is seeking some true worshipers.
1.
Not a passive attitude with
God, but actively seeking those who will respond.
2.
Those who really want His
presence
3.
Remember the Blood of Jesus
has forever dealt with your sins.
a. You have a right to stand before God, justified,
b. Because God loves you
c. His perfect love will cast out all fear
d. We have to praise Him in all circumstances
Conclusion: Be thankful, thank God
for all His goodness, His mercy. Thank Him for all He has done for you. Thank Him for what He is doing NOW! Thank Him for what He is going to do! Glory!