We should think on the things worthy of praise.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
1. PRAISE MUST BE OBVIOUS AND COME FROM OUR MOUTHS.
A. THE FRUIT OF OUR LIPS SHOULD BE PRAISE, NOT CONDEMNATION.
Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.
B. OUR TONGUES MUST BE USED TO PRAISE HIM. (NOT MERELY ACTIONS) BALANCE !
Psalm 145:21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.
- OUR GOOD WORKS MUST BEEN SEEN BY THE WORLD.
Matthew 5:15-16 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
2. SPECIAL PRAISE COMES AT SIGNIFICANT TIMES OF BLESSING.
A. PRAISE AFTER ANSWERED PRAYER.
Daniel 2:23 I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.
- IT GETS PEOPLE’S ATTENTION.
Acts 3:8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
B. PRAISE FOR A BETTER REVELATION OF THE PERSON OF GOD.
Daniel 4:34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
C. PRAISE COMES FROM GREATER UNDERSTANDING. (This eliminates unknown tongues as a prayer language).
Psalm 47:7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
3. PRAISE SHOULD BE AN ACT OF FAITH AT TIMES.
A. WHEN YOU SEE EVERYTHING AS “NORMAL” YOU MISS THE WORD OF GOD’S TEACHING.
Luke 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
They saw parents and a baby. But, it was the Word of God which gave them cause to rejoice. Otherwise, it would have been just another family.
- EVEN WHILE GOING THROUGH THE TROUBLE.
Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
- PRAISE IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. THOSE WHO DON’T LIVE THE LIFE CAN CREATE A FALSE ILLUSION OF THE POWER OF GOD WHEN THEY PRAISE.
Psalm 33:1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
4. UNTHINKING PRAISE TO FALSE GODS.
A. SOME GIVE MORE PRAISE TO THINGS THAN TO GOD.
Isaiah 42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
B. HOW GREAT WOULD PRAISE BE IF GOD DID IT ? GOD’S PRAISE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN MAN’S.
John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
5. WE SHOULD PRAISE HIM AT ALL TIMES.
Psalm 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.