PRAISING GOD

ACTS 2:47

A Sacrifice of Praise• We are priests 1 Peter 2:5-6• Our sacrifices must be acceptable to God• We must approach Him with recognition of His

holiness Leviticus 10:1-3• Exclusive object of worship• Exclusive author of worship• Our praise is a sacrifice Hebrews 13:15• We must offer praise in an acceptable manner• Worship must reflect spiritual reality Heb. 8:1-6

Old Covenant Sacrifice of Praise• Physical pattern of spiritual reality to come• Commanded by the Lord thru David, Gad, &

Nathan 2 Chron. 29:25• Levites played instruments v.25,26• in the temple v.25• When the burnt offering burned v.27-28• Levites sang inspired words of David & Asaph

v.30• Sang with gladness v.30• First consecrated v.34

New Covenant Sacrifice of Praise• Must demonstrate present spiritual reality • Commanded by the Lord thru apostles &

prophets Heb. 1:1, 2:3-4, 13:15, Eph. 3:5• In the spiritual house of God 1 Pet. 2:5-6• All Christians are the spiritual priesthood v.5• Spiritual sacrifices v.6• Praise is the sacrifice Heb. 13:15• Sing hymns, psalms, spiritual songs Eph. 5:19• Heart is God’s instrument for praise v.19, 2:10• Sing with joy v.18-20, James 5:13, Col. 3:16

New Covenant Sacrifice of Praise• Do not return to old covenant Gal. 5:1-4• Animal sacrifices, incense, instruments, temple• Things authorized in the old covenant my not

be authorized in the new covenant word of Christ

• Whatever we do must be in the word of Christ Col. 3:16-17

• Obedience Rm 12:1, prayers Rv 5:8, singing with the heart Eph. 5:19, the assembly Hb 2:12

• Must be sanctified Hb 9:13-14, 10:10,29,22