praise – Ministry of Grace Church

Tag: praise

Romans 15:11 – Loudly Praise Him

Posted on January 10, 2019 by Will

And again: "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!"

Truth to Learn

God deserves our praise, so let’s give it to Him!

Behind the Words

The Greek verb translated “Praise” is aineō, which means “to sing praises.” In the New Testament it is only used for giving praise to God. The Hebrew equivalent in Psalms 117:1 is halal, meaning “to shine or to give praise.”

“Laud” is translated from epaineō, which is made up of epi, meaning “upon,” used here as an intensifier and aineō, which means “to sing praises.” The Hebrew equivalent in Psalms 117:1 is shawbakh, meaning “to praise with a loud voice.”

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is a direct quotation from one of the shortest psalms in the Bible,

Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples! For His merciful kindness is great toward us, And the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD! (Psalms 117)

Paul is providing additional Old Testament evidence that God has always intended that He would gather His own out of both Jews and Gentiles and that the result of His action in their lives is, has been, and will continue to be praise, freely offered up to Him.

What is really sad is the treatment that is being given to God today by those who claim to be His children, professedly Christian churches expending their energies in arguing about the color of the carpet, the proper way to observe traditions, or what is the proper type of music for a church service. I think that this and the previous chapter of Romans could have been written to the churches today. Instead of starting with,

Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over opinions. (Romans 14:1)

He might have started it with,

Quit arguing among yourselves about unimportant things and join together with other true believers in praising God for His mercy and His grace!

We give so much effort and attention to the temporal things and so little effort and attention to eternal things and to giving God the praise and obedience that He deserves. I suspect that if God were to give a performance review to our churches today He might say, as He did to the church in Laodicea,

I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of My mouth. (Revelation 3:15-16)

Application

Stop for a minute and consider the fact that you are a sinner who has fallen short of God’s righteousness and you deserve eternal Hell. Then consider what God in Jesus Christ did for you so that you might have eternal bliss in God’s holy presence. It’s not fair, is it? We aren’t going to get what we deserve and we should loudly proclaim His praises for it. Let us all recommit to humbling ourselves before our Almighty, Holy God and praising Him for what He has done instead of focusing on ourselves and our petty issues!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 13:3 – Fear Prevention

Posted on October 24, 2018 by Will

For the rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil works. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from him.

Truth to Learn

Good works overcome fear.

Behind the Words

The word translated “rulers,” is the Greek word archōn, which literally means “one who is first, either in time or in position.” By application this word means anyone who has power or authority over us.

“Terror” is from the noun phobos, which is derived from the verb phebomai, meaning “to flee from.” Hence, phobos refers to “fear or terror.” In the current verse it could be translated as “a fearsome thing.”

The word translated “praise” is epainos, meaning “recognition, laudation, or praise.”

Meaning Explained

Let’s remember as we’re going through this portion of Paul’s letter to the predominantly Jewish Christians in Rome that it was written around 56 A.D. This was only 2 years after Nero, one of the worst Christian haters ever, came to power as the Emperor of Rome. The Christians who were living in Rome at that time would have been under the most scrutiny of any group of people in the entire Roman Empire, and you can be sure that their treatment was anything but fair. It is likely that Paul has included this portion of his letter for that very reason. Let’s see what he said.

Paul’s use of the term “rulers” here is very likely a direct reference to Nero and his henchmen. He says that the rulers are not a terror, or a fearsome thing, to the good works but to the bad ones. The purpose of any ruler is to promote good works in the people, not evil deeds. No ruler wants the people subject to him or her to be disobedient and lawless. In many cases, as was particularly true of the emperors of Rome, the rulers considered themselves above the law, but they still wanted their subjects to obey the laws.

Paul then asks a rhetorical question, “Do you want to live without fear of the people in power?” His immediate response is, “Then do good and the rulers will praise you.”

I can hear the Roman Christians’ objection even now, “But Paul, this is Nero who is intentionally persecuting Christians. You want us to submit to his authority?!” And Paul’s answer would be an unequivocal, “Absolutely!” You see, God’s plan for us includes submitting to all who are in authority over us whether they are benevolent or tyrannical. God is aware of our circumstances, and He is the one who will ultimately judge us the rulers for their evil deeds and reward us for our good deeds. Keep in mind that submission and obedience are good deeds in God’s eyes. But remember, we are always to obey the highest authority and that is God, Himself.

Application

No matter how corrupt our political rulers may be, they are not likely to be as self-serving and powerful as many of the Roman emperors were. But our Ruler is greater than all earthly rulers and He wants to receive all the praise and glory, for He is worthy! No matter what you may be going through or who may be causing you to suffer, let’s remember to always keep our eyes focused on Him!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 2:14 – All Authorities

Posted on December 2, 2016 by Will

or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who are doing good.

Truth to Learn

We are to submit to all authorities over us at all times, not just when it is convenient, or when we feel like it.

Behind the Words

The word translated “governors” is the Greek noun hēgamōn, which is derived from the verb hēgeomai, meaning “to lead” or “to rule.” The noun form refers to a person who leads or governs and can be translated as “governor, commander, or ruler.”

“Punishment” is from the Greek word ekdikēsis, which is made up of ek, meaning “out” and a form of dikē, meaning “justice.” Hence, it refers to handing out a judicial decision. Since it is used here in reference to “evildoers,” it can be interpreted as “punishment or retribution.”

The word “praise” is from epainos, which is made up of epi (shortened to ep), meaning “over” or “upon” and ainos, meaning “praise.” Hence, it means to “lay praise upon someone.”

The words translated as “evildoers” and “those who do good” are kakopoiōn and agathopoiōn. Kakos means “evil” and agathos means “good” or “benevolent.” The second half of both words is a form of poieō, which means “to make” or “to do.” So you can see that these two words literally mean “those who do evil things” and “those who do good things.”

Meaning Explained

Peter continues the thought from yesterday. We should submit to Kings, but we should also submit to other government officials. The point is that we need to submit ourselves to anyone who has been set up by the king as a sub-ruler. In the first century these would include such people as Pontius Pilate and Herod, whom Christ submitted himself to, and Felix and Festus, whom the Apostle Paul submitted himself to.

The purpose of human government, according to Peter, is to maintain law and order. It is their responsibility to punish those who do evil things and to lay praise upon those who do good things. We are not to take these matters into our own hands; we are to submit to government, whether we like it or not.

In the next verse Peter will tell us that this is God’s will, and as Christians, we should all strive to do God’s will.

Submission is something that is frowned upon by our society, and the message proclaimed by the media today is to do your own thing, to stand up for your rights (after all, I’m worth it). That, according to the world system, is the way to happiness and peace. The Bible, on the other hand, says that the way to happiness and peace is to submit, first to God, then to others. What is seen as weakness by the world is the way to peace and happiness with God. Christ, Himself, was the supreme example of this as Peter will point out later in this chapter.

Application

One of the problems with submitting to human government is the fact that it is made up largely of unsaved men and women. Some of them are even openly opposed to the ideals which we hold so dear. Nonetheless, we are to submit to them and give them the honor that is due as a result of their positions.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 1:6 – Amazing Grace

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Will

to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He favored us in the Beloved One.

Truth to Learn

Because of His grace, God loves us with the same love He has for Jesus Christ.

Behind the Words

The word “praise” is translated from epainos, composed of epi, meaning “upon” or “on” and ainos, meaning “praise given for benefits received.” Epainos refers to applause or commendation given in recognition of something that was done.

“Glory” is from doxa, which is derived from the verb dokeō, meaning “to think or suppose.” Doxa primarily means “thought or opinion, especially favorable opinion.” In a secondary sense it means “reputation, praise, honor, or splendor.”

“Grace” is from charis which we looked at back in verse two. It refers to “favor, good will, or kindness, especially that which causes joy and gratification.”

The expression “favored us” is from charitoō, which is a verb form of charis. It means “to endue with special honor” or “to greatly favor.”

“Beloved” is translated from agapaō, meaning “to love with a perfect, self-sacrificing love.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, where the emphasis in on the effect. That is, God perfectly loved the Second Person of the Godhead (His Son) in the past, and the result is that He is His beloved Son.

Meaning Explained

The opening phrase of this verse, “to the praise of the glory of His grace” is a Hebraism, that is, a method of thought of the Hebrew people. The meaning they would ascribe to this phrase is “to His glorious grace!” In other words, by His choosing us and determining beforehand that we will be adopted as His children, God is shining the spotlight fully on His amazing grace. God did not have to choose us and He did not have to legally make us His children. We do not deserve to be chosen by Him, and we certainly do not deserve to be adopted into His family. And, He did not do these things for our benefit; He did them to show to all of creation how magnificent His grace is.

Were it not for God’s holiness and righteousness, we wouldn’t need His grace. Because He is holy, he is completely separated from all sin and sinfulness. Therefore, but for His grace, He could not fellowship with us. Because He is righteous, He always does what is right, and He must judge (condemn) every sin and every sinner. Therefore, but for His grace, we are condemned as sinners and destined for Hell.

In the second chapter of this letter, Paul will get into a deeper explanation of this marvelous grace of His. For now, he tells us that by this grace, “He graced us in the beloved.” In other words, He showed great favor and bestowed great honor on us by placing us in His beloved Son. In Him we possess all that the Father loves in His Son. Thus, we are perfectly loved!

Application

What a blessing to know that God sees His beloved Son every time He looks at a Christian. The Father loves you and me with the same love with which He has always loved the Son. By His grace, He does not see us in our sin and sinfulness. Instead, He loves us with the love of Christ! How great is that?!

In God's service, for His glory,

James 5:13 – Prayer and Praise

Posted on June 26, 2015 by Will

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.

Truth to Learn

Prayer and praise should be our natural responses to life.

Behind the Words

The word translated “suffering” is kakopatheō which we looked at back in verse 10. It refers to extreme hardship of any kind, be it sickness, bereavement, disappointment, persecutions, or loss of health or property.

“Pray” is translated from the Greek word proseuchomai, which is a compound word made up of pros, meaning “to” or “toward” and euchomai, which literally means “to speak out” or “to utter out loud” and thus, “to express a wish or desire.” Hence, proseuchomai means “to express a desire to someone.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The word translated “cheerful” is euthumeō from eu, meaning good or well, and thumos, meaning “mindset” or “temperament.” Hence, it means “to have the mind well” and denotes “cheerful, pleasant, or agreeable.” It is applied to a state of mind free from trouble – the opposite of suffering.

James tells us that when we are in such a state of mind we should psallō, which literally means “to pluck or play a stringed instrument.” It also carries with it the notion of singing and making music of celebration and praise. This verb is also expressed in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

Meaning Explained

No matter what the hardship, James tells us that it is always appropriate to pray. We know that God can deliver us from any hardship that we suffer. But just because we pray about it and really believe, doesn’t mean that God WILL deliver us from the hardship. It could be that it is the very thing that He is using to make us more like His Son. God knows what is best for us and we need to trust that He loves us so much that He will only allow such hardship if it will ultimately bring glory to Himself.

When we do suffer from a hardship, James doesn’t tell us to just “suck it up” and endure it silently. He tells us that under such circumstances we are to express our thoughts toward God. Our Heavenly Father wants a close personal relationship with us! When we have hardships and a troubled soul we are not supposed to call our best friend on the phone and talk it out, we are to get on our knees and talk to our real best friend and Lord who hears us when we pray.

In the same way, when we are in a good state of mind, we should recognize that it is a blessing from God. The result of recognizing such blessing should be to perform music to His glory and to praise Him, both with instruments and singing. Is God blessing you? Don’t wait for Sunday morning to worship Him in song. I heard a preacher recently who said, “Don’t come to church to praise God, come to church praising God.”

Application

Throughout this letter James has been teaching us to “consider it joy when we are undergoing trials.” He has also told us that we need to endure these times (remain under the load). But we don’t have to do so alone. Pray your way through such times because God loves you!

And when the times of joy come (for they will come) rejoice, knowing that God is behind them. Give Him praise! Have you allowed your joy in the Lord to express itself in song lately? Now would be a good time, wouldn’t it!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 1:6 – Amazing Grace

Posted on July 31, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 1:6 – Amazing Grace

to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

Truth to Learn

God loves us with the same love He has for Jesus Christ.

Behind the Words

“Grace” is from charis which we looked at back in verse two. It refers to “favor, good will, or kindness, especially that which causes joy and gratification.”

The expression “made us accepted” is from charitoō, which is a verb form of charis. It means “to endue with special honor” or “to greatly favor.”

Meaning Explained

Application

What a blessing to know that God sees His beloved Son every time He looks at a Christian. The Father loves you and me with the same love with which He has always loved the Son. By His grace, He loves us with the love of Christ! How great is that?!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Romans 15:11 – Loudly Praise Him

Posted on May 2, 2011 by Will

Romans 15:11 – Loudly Praise Him

And again: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!”

Truth to Learn

God deserves our praise, so let’s give it to Him!

Behind the Words

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is a direct quotation from one of the shortest psalms in the Bible,

Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples! For His merciful kindness is great toward us, And the truth of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD! (Psalms 117)

Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. (Romans 14:1)

He might have started it with,

Quit arguing among yourselves about unimportant things and join together with other true believers in praising God for His mercy and His grace!

I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. (Revelation 3:15-16)

Application

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Romans 13:3 – Fear Prevention

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Will

Romans 13:3 – Fear Prevention

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.

Truth to Learn

Good works overcome fear.

Behind the Words

The word translated “praise” is epainos, meaning “recognition, laudation, or praise.”

Meaning Explained

Paul then asks a rhetorical question, “Do you want to live without fear of the people in power?” His immediate response is, “Then do good and the rulers will praise you.”

I can hear the Roman Christians’ objection even now, “But Paul, this is Nero who is intentionally persecuting Christians. You want us to submit to his authority?!” And Paul’s answer would be an unequivocal, “Absolutely!” You see, God’s plan for us includes submitting to all who are in authority over us whether they are benevolent or tyrannical. God is aware of our circumstances, and He is the one who will ultimately judge us (and the rulers) for our evil deeds and reward us for our good deeds. Keep in mind that submission and obedience are good deeds in God’s eyes. But remember, we are always to obey the highest authority and that is God, Himself.

Application

No matter how corrupt our political rulers may be, they are not likely to be as self-serving and powerful as many of the Roman emperors. But our Ruler is greater than all earthly rulers and He wants to receive all the praise and glory, for He is worthy! No matter what you may be going through or who may be causing you to suffer, let’s remember to always keep our eyes focused on Him!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Romans 2:29 – He’s Watching and Listening

Posted on October 13, 2009 by admin

Romans 2:29

but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

Truth to Learn

True Christianity is an attitude produced by humble faith.

Behind the Words

The word translated “inwardly” is the Greek word kruptos, which means “hidden, concealed, kept in secret, or private.”

“Letter” is translated from gramma, from which we get our English word grammar. It is derived from the word graphō, which means “to write.” Gramma refers to “that which is written.” Hence, it could refer to a letter of the alphabet, a book, a note, or anything else that is written.

Meaning Explained

Paul has just told us that the true spirit of Judaism is not in outward appearance or actions. And we cannot please God by being born into the right family, by having had the correct surgery, or by obeying a set of rules. Rather, he says, it is an inward attitude. We can only please God if we have the right inward attitude.

Paul says here that the true Jew is the one who is a Jew inwardly. Remember how the religious leaders of the Jews, the Pharisees, acted? They did everything for show so that people could see how spiritual they were. There are many Christians today whose faith is just the same way. They are the ones who are always parading their Christianity around for all to see, making a show of their good works so that everyone can see what a good Christian they are. And people are probably saying of them, “Wow, she sure is a good Christian!” How sad that is.

Paul says that circumcision is of the heart, not in the flesh. It’s an inward attitude, not an outward action. It is in the spirit of the Law that we need to act, not the letter. If we exhibit our Christianity in order to impress the people around us then we will have what we are looking for, the praise of men. But Paul tells us that our goal is not to receive praise from men, but praise from God.

Praise from God will only come as a result of a heart that is submitted to Him and committed to doing His will. That may mean that in this life we never receive the recognition that we deserve. If we truly deserve the praise, then we will get it someday, not from men, but from God.

Here’s how Paul said it to the Galatians:

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:7-9)

If we do not lose heart we may one day hear:

“Well done, you good and faithful servant!”

Application

Previously we noted that it’s easy to learn the “rules” of Christianity. It’s also easy to learn all the right things to say and do so that you appear to be a Christian. Real Christianity is walking by faith with a humble attitude. It’s living your life daily as if God was watching everything you do and hearing everything you say. You know what? He is!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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1 Peter 4:16 – Suffering Praise

Posted on February 26, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 4:16

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

Truth to Learn

If you should suffer as a Christian, give God the glory!

Behind the Words

The word “Christian” is translated from the Greek word christianos. It is actually of Latin formulation, not Greek. It is a word that was not used by Christians to refer to themselves until the end of the first century. This word was coined by Romans as a term of derision to distinguish followers of Christ from Jews and Gentiles. It occurs only three times in the New Testament: Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and here.

“Let him not be ashamed” is translated from mē aischunesthō. The Greek word mē means “not” and aischunomai means “to feel shame.” It is expressed here in the passive voice, meaning that the action is being done to the subject. It is also expressed in the imperative mood. When used this way with mē, it is expressing a prohibition. Therefore, this expression could be translated as “he is not to feel shamed in any way!”

The expression “let him glorify” is from the Greek word doxadzō, meaning “to give someone esteem or honor by putting him into an honorable position.” The word “let” does not imply giving permission to glorify God. It is there because doxadzō is expressed in the imperative mood, implying a command to glorify God. Hence, the second half of this verse could be translated as:

“he is not to feel shamed in any way; he is to glorify God in this matter!”

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is a continuation of the previous verse. Let’s put the two of them together:

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

You will notice that in this quotation I took out the words “anyone suffers.” That’s because they aren’t actually in the original text. They have been added by the translators for easier reading.

In Peter’s day Christians were already being persecuted for no other reason than the fact that they claimed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Peter knew that this persecution would continue and that members of the body of Christ would suffer because of it. Therefore, he instructed the early Christians, as well as us today, that to suffer as a Christian is nothing to be ashamed of, rather it is something to praise God about.

This along with the next 3 verses clearly summarizes what Peter has been saying throughout most of this letter:

“If you live the life of a submitted and committed Christian, you may very well suffer for it. But if you do, give your praises to God that you are counted worthy of sharing in Christ’s suffering.”

Application

Are you suffering right now simply because of your testimony as a Christian? If so, God is pleased, you are blessed, and your lips should be overflowing with praise to God.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –