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Chapter 25  Part I

Instructions

Sections

We exalt God by doing such things as glorifying, honoring, praising and thanking him. Exalting God is a very common theme in the Bible and should also be a prominent part of our lives. In fact the Bible tells us to praise and thank God constantly. The significance of exalting God is underlined by the first answer of the Westminster Shorter Catechism which says: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.”

Glorify and Honor God

Give glory to God

[Paul, to the Roman church:] Then you will all be joined together, and you will give glory to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.   Romans 15:6 NCV™

Honor God

[David, to God:] I will honor your name continually!   Psalms 86:12b NET

Glorify and honor God by praise and thanksgiving

[Daniel:] Then I gave praise to the Most High God; I gave honor and glory to him who lives forever. God’s rule is forever, and his kingdom continues for all time.   Daniel 4:34b NCV™

[David:] I will praise God in a song and will honor him by giving thanks.   Psalms 69:30 NCV™

Glorify and honor 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

Whoever mistreats the poor insults their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.   Proverbs 14:31 NCV™

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 and honor to God.

Do Not Dishonor 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

By ungodly actions God’s people can bring dishonor to God. This is particularly so when the actions are known to others, as it publicly reflects badly on God as the one to whom his people belong.

Do not blaspheme God

You must not blaspheme God …   Exodus 22:28a NET

Blaspheming God is to speak – or act – in a way that detracts from the honor of God.

Do not treat God with contempt

The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to trust me in spite of all the miraculous signs I have done among them? … 23None of those who treat me with contempt will see it!   Numbers 14:11, 23 GW

To treat God with contempt is demeaning and dishonoring to God. Note that v. 23 refers to not seeing the promised land.

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

Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.   1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

How to Give Praise and Thanks (I): General

In righteousness

Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright.   Psalms 33:1 ESV

For our praise and thanksgiving to be valid and acceptable to God, we must strive to live lives that are “righteous” and “upright”.

Wholeheartedly

[David:] I will thank the Lord with all my heart!   Psalms 9:1a NET

Through prayer

In the same way that he [Daniel] had always done, he knelt down in prayer three times a day, giving thanks to God.   Daniel 6:10b CEV

Through singing

Sing praises to God. Sing praises.   Psalms 47:6a NCV™

How to Give Praise and Thanks (II): Rejoicing

To rejoice is to be glad or joyful. By focusing on God, his promises and the wonderful things he has done, we cannot help but be filled with joy – and so we rejoice. This is typically done in conjunction with praising and thanking 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

[Ethan, speaking to God of worshipers:] They rejoice in your name all day long, and are vindicated by your justice.   Psalms 89:16 NET

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!   Philippians 4:4 NET

Pray for persecuted Christians