Chapter 25

Exalting God

Sections

We exalt God by doing such things as glorifying, praising and thanking him. Exalting God is a very common theme in the Bible and – as this chapter shows – should also be a very prominent part of our lives.

Glorify God by Your Actions

Glorify God by how you live

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.   1 Corinthians 10:31 NET

God’s people are identified with him and so their lives are in a sense a reflection on God. Thus they should seek to do everything in a way that will bring glory to God.

Do not dishonor God by your actions

[Agur:] But if I am poor, I might steal and bring disgrace on my God.   Proverbs 30:9b GNT

Praise and Thank God

Praise God constantly

Through him [Jesus Christ] then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, acknowledging his name.   Hebrews 13:15 NET

[David:] I will praise the Lord at all times; my mouth will continually praise him.   Psalms 34:1 NET

Give thanks to God always

Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.   Ephesians 5:20 NCV™

… give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.   1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

Reasons to Praise God

Praise God because of his greatness

Praise God because he is great!   Deuteronomy 32:3b NCV™

Praise God for his love and faithfulness

[David, to God:] I will sing praises to you before foreigners! 10For your loyal love extends beyond the sky, and your faithfulness reaches the clouds.   Psalms 57:9b-10 NET

Praise God for his creative work

“Our Lord and God, you deserve to receive glory, honor, and power because you created everything. Everything came into existence and was created because of your will.”   Revelation 4:11 GW

Praise God for his salvation through Jesus Christ

[Zechariah, speaking of the salvation that would come through Jesus:] Praise the Lord, the God of Israel! He has come to save his people. 69Our God has given us a mighty Savior from the family of David his servant.   Luke 1:68-69 CEV

Rejoice Before God

Rejoice when giving praise and thanks to God

Sing to God! Sing praises to his name! Exalt the one who rides on the clouds! For the Lord is his name! Rejoice before him!   Psalms 68:4 NET

You godly ones, rejoice in the Lord! Give thanks to his holy name.   Psalms 97:12 NET

Rejoice in God always

[Paul, to believers:]  May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord [Jesus]. I say it again: rejoice!   Philippians 4:4 GNT

Pray for persecuted Christians