(This #181 & the last in the series on Praise & Worship)
Introduction: This is the last message on Praise for a while. We have seen the importance of praise throughout the Bible. From the beginning of time, praise has been important. In these last days praise will play a very important place in the fulfillment of God's eternal purpose. This is moving us ever closer to the manifest reign of Christ here on earth. So God is preparing His people for that time. As we enter into the Kingdom, praise and worship is a part of our preparation.
I. THE HIGH PRAISES OF GOD. PSALM 149:6
A. There are at least ten clear commands to praise God in a variety of ways.
1. Sing unto Him, Rejoice before Him.
2. Be joyful in our King.
3. Dance before Him.
4. Praise Him with musical instruments, and more.
B. The ultimate weapon of God's last day army.
1. Vs 6, High Praises - with a two edge sword = God's Word
2. We wage warfare against the enemy and gain the great and final victory in the Name of our God.
C. God is seeking to teach us many things about praise.
1. Leading from one level to another to purify our praise.
2. God desires us to be able to enter into HIGH PRAISES OF JEHOVAH.
3. God is seeking to:
a. Enlarge our understanding of praise.
b. Purify our motives in praise.
c. Refine our expressions of praise.
d. Establish His throne upon them. Psalm 22:3
e. Manifest His authority through praise.
4. Psalm 148:8 God tells us what we accomplish when we begin to worship God with those HIGH PRAISES.
a. These are not earthly kings, etc. , they are principalities and powers in high places, spiritual rulers.
b. In response to our praise, Satanic principalities are bound.
1. People in any bondage can be released.
c. Praise and worship is going to bring the greatest spiritual awakening the world has ever seen.
d. Pagan nations will open up to the gospel.
5. Joel 3:14 Many in the 'valley of decision' will be released from spiritual bondage.
II. Psalm 67:1-7, God's saving health [salvation] to all nations.
A. God's mercy and blessings to be revealed to all rations.
1. Vs. 7, Predicting ALL nations shall be blessed.
2. The earth will yield her increase.
3. Vs. 3-5, Praises to God is the key to release God's blessings.
B. Notice the progression of praise.
I. Vs. 3a, The people of God ,the redeemed
2. Praises are the leaders.
3. God's army of praises will bring forth God's final plan of redemption.
C. Let all people praise thee. vs 3b.
1. This is when ALL people will praise God.
2. They, the lost will recognize Jesus as Lord.
3. This is the only Lord God to praise and worship.
D. Vs 4, Let the nations be glad and sing for joy.
1. At this time nations will favor the true God and begin to worship Him.
2. Nations will realize there insoluble problems can be solved with the
true and living God.
3. This is when Vs 2 comes alive, health, salvation.
4. Saving health = is YE SH UAH, meaning-Salvation, deliverance, victory, prosperity, well being
5. All these blessings are inherent in one person, HIS NAME IS JESUS.
6. He alone is the answer to the worlds dilemmas.
III. Psalms 72:1~16, The Kingdom Reign.