REJOICE AND PRAISE GOD

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

Christians are commanded to proclaim the praises of God. This is one of the "works" that Christians MUST do to remain pleasing to God. However, praise to God cannot be determined by feelings. Satan seeks to deceive all into believing that anything that pleases people will please God. God’s word does not teach this idea.

"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ" (Colossians 2:8).

To please God, praise of God must be done ONLY in ways God has authorized in His word.

Serving God is one means of praising God. Please note this service must be acceptable to God. "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear" (Hebrews 12:28).

Another means of praising God is with the lips. This may be in words spoken or sung, but only by speaking or singing what is truth according to God's word can we truly praise God with the lips. "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name" (Hebrews 13:15).

Christians must also praise God with their actions. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

Christians are praising God by committing their bodies as a spiritual sacrifice to God. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:1-2).

Christians must grow "to the glory and praise of God." Consider Philippians 1:9-11, "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."

Christians, rejoice and fulfill your purpose! "Then a voice came from the throne, saying, 'Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great'" (Revelation 19:5)!