I. Introduction: The New Testament establishes our obligation to praise God; the Old Testament supplies abundant inspired examples that can teach us how to think about praise, what occasions call for praise, and what qualities of God ought to move us to praise Him.  Also, we will note that there is something in the New Testament that stands out, which is that praise can be demonstrated through conduct.

A. All of the Scriptures are profitable (II Timothy 3:14-17).

1. While those things that were written of old are not our law (Romans 7:1-6), we can learn from those things that were written (Romans 15:4).

2. To know what applies today and what does not, we have to rightly divide the word of God (II Timothy 2:15).

B. In the New Testament there are examples and commands to praise God (Acts 2:47, Acts 3:8-9, Hebrews 13:15, and Revelation 19:5), but there are not nearly as many as recorded in what we often call the Old Testament.

1. In the New Testament we can see that praising God can be done in song (Acts 16:25).

2. Yet, there is more to praising God than just singing (Philippians 1:10-11).

3. In this sermon we are going to look back at some Scriptures from the Law of Moses, Psalms, and the prophets to learn some things about what it is to praise the Lord!

II. Body: Everyone Should Be Praising God (Psalms 117:1-2; cf. Romans 15:8-11)!

A. Terms in both Hebrew and Greek that are translated “praise” or similar can be broad in meaning.  For example, the word translated “praise” in Psalms 117:1 is defined as: “to be clear (originally of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence to make a show; to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively to celebrate; also to stultify: - (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool (-ish, -ly), glory, give [light], be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, [sing, be worthy of] praise, rage, renowned, shine” (Strong’s # 1984).  The term “praise” appears in the KJV in I Peter 4:11 translated from the Greek term “δόξα” which is defined: “glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literally or figuratively, objectively or subjectively): - dignity, glory (-ious), honour, praise, worship” (Strong’s # 1391).

1. See, the terms can be very broad.

2. I often say, “the Scriptures are our best dictionary and commentary.”   

B. Consider some things Israel was taught of old that we can apply today without contradicting any New Testament instructions…

1. We can sing songs that praise God for His marvelous works (I Chronicles 16:23-25).

2. We can praise the greatness of God and be thankful for what He provides (Psalm 145:1-21).  

a. Of old, God provided materially for Israel (Deuteronomy 8:1-10).

b. Saints should understand that the blessings emphasized under Christ are spiritual blessings rather than the earthly promises made to Israel (Ephesians 1:3-6).

3. Praise God by declaring what He has done (Psalms 9:1, Psalms 26:6-7, Psalms 66:16, and Psalms 105:1-2).

4. Praise God because of who He is (Psalms 147:5 and Psalms 150:2).

5. From the mouth praise is certainly to be offered (Psalms 34:1), but even in days of old God's people were to be a people who showed forth His praise (Isaiah 43:21).  Their conduct could either honor or profane His reputation (Ezekiel 36:16-23 and Ezekiel 39:7).

C. Praising God must be consistent with the life of the one offering the praise (Psalms 50:16-23 and Romans 2:17-24).

1. Your heart and mouth must be aligned (Isaiah 29:13).

2. God does not accept praise or any form of worship from those whose conduct does not align with His will (Isaiah 1:10-17 and Amos 5:18-24).

3. You cannot be faithful by separating your words of praise from your conduct (Matthew 15:1-14 and Hebrews 13:15-16).

III. Conclusion: As the spiritual house of the Lord, the holy priesthood, be sure that we are showing forth the praises of Him that called us out of darkness (I Peter 2:5-12; cf. Matthew 5:14-16 and I Corinthians 10:31).