A Life of Praise Hebrews 13:15-17 15 Therefore let us offer through him the sacrifice of praise to God always, that is, the fruit of our lips confessing through his name. 16 And of doing good and sharing, do not forget: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 17 Obey your leaders, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as giving an account, that they may do this with joy, and not grieving: for this would be unprofitable for you. Introduction What is a life of praise to God? It is not in shouting and loud singing but in the following: I. It is a life of witnessing -v. 15 1. The King James Version translation is giving thanks. But this is not an accurate translation. Hence, the Greek word is homologonton from the root word homologeo which basically mean to confess, or to speak. And this is a present participle in the Greek grammar. And so this speaks of a continuous action. 2. However, Vines Dictionary also gives the meaning of the Greek word homologeo as to confess by way of celebrating with praise. 3. Furthermore, most translations are “confess to his name”. But based on the Greek grammar, the Greek word is onomati which is in the dative inflection. And so what does it mean?This really mean tha this could be taken as an instrumental case, so our translation is confession by means of or through his name. 4. Thus, the life of praise is that which confesses one’s faith through the name of the Lord Jesus and this means evangelism. A life involved in evangelism is a praise to God and pleasing to Him. II. It is a life of sharing v.16 Doing good and sharing our material goods with others is an expression of praising God, and it is pleasing to Him as well. A generous life is a well-pleasing sacrifice and praise to God. III. It is a submissive life –v. 17. The spiritual leader would be able to minister with joy and not with grief when the Lord’s people will submit to his teachings. A happy minister brings profit to his flock. Submission is a great praise to God.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Nov 2014 03:33:57 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015