Introduction: Last week we studied about Old Covenant Priests who were a type and shadow of what was to come. Jesus Christ came and fulfilled every aspect of that priesthood. He came and ushered in a new and complete concept of the Priesthood, of which praise and worship are a very large part. Today we begin as the ministers of the New Covenant, offering praise unto God.
I. Minister as New Covenant Priest offering unto God.
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A. Romans 12:1 (GNB) "So then, my brothers, because of God's many
mercies to us, I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service, and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer.�
1. Presenting our whole being to God means to be wholly and eternally His.
a. So we can bless the Lord with all that is in us. Psalm 103:1
2. We are a three part being = a spirit, a soul, a body, I Thessalonians 5:23
a. Spirit = Luke 1:47 "My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior"
b. Soul = "Bless the Lord 0 my soul� Psalm 103:1
c. Body = �---- let all flesh (bodies) bless His holy name" Psalm 145:21
B. The Sacrifice of Praise. Hebrews 13:15-16
1. The term 'sacrifice of praise' suggest that it is not always easy and convenient.
2. Praise at all times = not just when it is easy.
3. Sacrifice of praise Is the "fruit of our lips" spoken form our lips.
C. Our demonstration of praise. I Peter 2:9
D. Our singing of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
1. One way to maintain a Spirit filled life is to sing.
2. Most effective is Spiritual Song, out of your heart, given by the Spirit.
3. This is a "Love song" to God who needs to be loved, worshipped and adored. Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16
E. Our Wealth = Proverbs 3:9-10
1. Under the Old Covenant the priest were never to come before God 'empty handed.'
2. Were always to bring an offering.
I Chronicles 16:29, Exodus 23:15, 34:20, Deuteronomy 16:16-17
3. We should never come before Him �empty handed�
a. Come with praise, worship, adoration and thanksgiving, expressing our praise in songs, rejoicing, and with our substance.
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A. Looking into the depth of praise.
1. What is the essence, the substance and nature of praise?
2. Of what does true praise consist?
3. What are the elements of praise?
B. Look at some Old Testament words which are frequently translated praise. These are Hebrew words.
1. HALLAL: This word is the most frequent used for praise, 88 times.
a. Meaning to produce a clear sound, to boast, to celebrate, to rave about, to glory in.
b. Therefore 'true praise' sould have a clear, distinct sound.
1. No confusion as to what is intended.
2. A note of celebration, boasting in the Lord.
2. HILLOWI: A celebration of thanksgiving for the completion of harvest. Psalm 50:14
Psalm 69:30
a. Such praise is to be expressed in merriment.
b. After the harvest, a time of celebration. singing, dancing.
c. The rejoicing is an expression of thanksgiving and praise.
3. TELLILLAH: Derived from 'hailal'
a. This time the emphasis is on 'singing'.
b. We are to express our praise in singing, a celebration.
c. A clear sign of praise to God.
d. Our songs and hymns should clearly and unmistakably be songs of praise unto God. Psalm 100:2, 107:22, 126:2
e. We are to boast about Him in words and song.
4. SHABACH: To shout with a loud voice, a shout of triumph, glorying in the victory.
a. Praise is not always noisy, but times when it is fitting to shout in triumph. Psalm 47:1
b. When the occasion arises == SHOUT!!! Luke 19:37-40
5. ZAMAR: To touch or play the strings.
a. Praising God with musical instruments.
b. Singing praise with the accompaniment of musical instruments. Psalm 150:1-6
6. YADAH: To give forth a confession of thanks.
a. Also of extending forth our hands. I Timothy 2:8, Psalm 28:2
7. TOWDAH: From 'yadah' yet more specific
a. It means "the extension of the hands in adoration and thanksgiving�. Psalm 47: 1, 63:4, 119:48, 134:2, 141:2, 143:6
8. BARAK: To kneel in adoration Psalm 95:6
a. Here the posture of the body speaks volumes of praise.
b. Giving forth a confession of praise with raised hands on our knees before God. GLORY!!
