The Principle Of Sacrifice Of Praise Is In The Bible
- Cain & Abel (Gen 4:3-5)
- Noah (Gen 8:20-21)
- Tabernacle of Moses (God demanded the shedding of innocent blood for the covering of
man’s sin)
- Calvary became the final sacrifice but God continues to require a sacrifice from His children
The principle of sacrifice originated in the heart of God. What is important to notice, however, is that God required a sacrifice. When God asked for a sacrifice He asked the people to bring the very best of their substance and to present it in a very specific manner to the Lord as an offering.
The purpose for each sacrifice was the same. God demanded the shedding of innocent blood for the covering of man's sin. Although the need for blood sacrifce was fulfilled at Calvary, the principle of sacrifice has not been abolished in the New Testament. God continues to require a sacrifice from His children (Heb 13:15)
God is not interested only in the praise that we give Him in times when things are going well. He is after that praise that comes in the midst of great trial, great difficulty, grief, sickness, temptation, relational difficulties, and financial problems. He still requires praise. He still demands it. When we give it to Him in time of difficulty it means all the more to Him. We are operating according to the principle of sacrifice, and God is pleased.
Difference Between Praise And Sacrifice Of Praise
Praise – Praise flows easily when we are in a right relationship with God. It is a spontaneous flow when we think of all that He has done for us
Sacrifice of Praise – The sacrifice of praise is offered to God when things do not seem to be going right. It is:
- Praise offered in spite of the way things are going
- Praise offered in faith and obedience
- Praise offered because of who God is
Sacrifice of praise is continual praise & is audible (Psalm 34:1 – I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth)
Examples In The Bible
1) Paul & Silas (Acts 16:22-34)
Physical Situation - Severely flogged (stripped & beaten) and thrown into prison for their faith. No reason to praise God
Spiritual Situation - At midnight (darkest moment) they started to pray and praise God
Result - A violent earthquake shook the place, prison doors were opened, chains broken and jailer & family received salvation
2) King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:1-22)
Physical Situation - A vast army invading Israel
Spiritual Condition - Inquired of the Lord and proclaimed a fast. The Spirit of God assured them that the battle belong to the Lord. They obeyed the Lord by sending the choir ahead of the army into the battlefield.
Result - The Lord set an ambush against the enemy and they were defeated.
How To Offer Sacrifice Of Praise?
1) Make A Decision
- Determine beforehand that you are going to praise God at ALL TIMES AND IN EVERY SITUATION.
2) Start Now
- Praise God every day – all day
- Cultivate the habit of praise
3) When Troubles Come
- Remember your decision
- Put on the garment of Praise – An act of your will
- Remember that praise in the difficult times allows God to work on your behalf
- Praise in times of trouble brings glory to the Father
4) Begin By Faith
- The way you begin to offer the sacrifice of praise is by faith. Praise Him for Who He is and what He has done. Then offer thanks to God for the situation even if you do understand it
- Acknowledge that He is in control of your situation and praise Him for making a way of deliverance, even though you can see no way out of the problem. Then set your mind on Him and on the promises of His Word
- Once you have started to make the sacrifice of praise – CONTINUE. Declare aloud the Word of God that proclaims victory and deliverance
- This offering of praise in obedience (& faith) will set your mind on Him and not the circumstances. As you keep proclaiming His power & glory to your circumstances, you will see how small it actually is.
- Soon you will find yourself joyfully entering into the full dimension of His Presence as you continue to release your spirit in the sacrifice of praise. Then start to sing, to dance, to glorify & magnify Him and He will make a way of salvation & deliverance for you!
copyright (c) TPWC
I enjoyed your message on the "Sacrifice of Praise" one that is needed to be taught in the Church today more consistently. New Believers need to know and understand what the sacrificing of praise is and more mature Christians sometimes become TOO FAMILIAR with the presence and holiness of GOD and need a refresher course if you will on the sacrifice of praise. Praise, just as worship and prayer is a lifestyle not just something we do. God bless you as you endeavor to continue your God-ordained assignment!
ReplyDeleteGreetings Ps Lisa,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your strong endorsement on the message on the "Sacrifice of Praise" Yes I agree that every believer needs to to continually wear this garment of praise. Hebrew 13:15
When the Israelites offered their best lambs (without blemish) as an offering to the Lord. They could hear the "cry" of the animals being slaughered and I'm sure it must have also cost them something to give the best sacrifices to the Lord. Similarly, when God gave His only begotten Son as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, He has to cover the sky and bear the pains that His Son went through. So when we offer our sacrifice to the Lord it is painful and will always cost us something ... but we know the Lord will be pleased to accept it as a pleasant fragrance offering of praise.
No wonder Kind David said "I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." 2Samuel 24:24
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain. To receive all glory, honour and power!