Until I can put together a study on Praise, please enjoy…
🎶 “Praise Him” – Peter J. Peters - Full Sermon Summary The sermon opens with Psalm 150:6 – “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.” Peters emphasizes that praising God is not optional for believers—it is a commandment and a gateway to spiritual power. 🔹 1. Praise Is a Command, Not a Suggestion Psalm 113:1–3, Psalm 117:1, Psalm 148 – Scripture repeatedly commands all people, nations, and creation to praise the LORD. Peters highlights that the Hebrew imperative form used in these verses makes praise a divine order. Many Christians neglect praise, thinking of it as emotional or optional, but Peters stresses it is as important as prayer and obedience. Even angels praise Him (Psalm 148:2) — and so should men. 🔹 2. Praise Is Not the Same as Worship or Thanksgiving Peters clarifies the distinctions: Worship involves reverence and submission (e.g., bowing, obedience) Thanksgiving focuses on what God has done for us Praise is about who God is—His nature, attributes, and glory Psalm 22:3 – God inhabits the praises of His people. When we praise Him, His presence manifests in power. 🔹 3. Praise Activates God's Power and Brings Victory 2Chronicles 20:1–25 – Jehoshaphat sends singers and praisers ahead of the army; as they praise, God defeats their enemies. Praise was the weapon of warfare. The army never fought—God did. Praise causes: Confusion in the enemy’s camp Walls to fall (e.g., Joshua 6, Jericho) Prison doors to open (Acts 16:25–26, Paul and Silas) These were not “praise songs” for entertainment—they were declarations of trust and glory to God in the midst of trial. 🔹 4. Praise Must Be Vocal, Visible, and Unashamed Hebrews 13:15 – “Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.” It is not enough to think praise silently—praise must be expressed. Praise often includes: Singing (Psalm 95:1, 98:1) Shouting (Psalm 100:1, 47:1) Clapping, dancing, raising hands (Psalm 134:2, 149:3) Peters warns against stoic, dead, or formalistic worship services where people are afraid to show emotion or joy before God. “If you can shout at a football game, but not for your King, something is wrong.” 🔹 5. Praise as a Weapon Against Depression, Fear, and the Flesh Peters quotes Isaiah 61:3 – God gives “the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” Praise is a remedy: For discouragement and anxiety Against Satan’s attacks and the lies of the world The act of praise focuses the heart on God’s greatness, not our problems. Peters says, “If you’re down—praise Him. If you’re up—praise Him. Praise Him in the storm and in the sun.” 🔹 6. God Is Worthy of Praise Simply for Who He Is Psalm 145:3 – “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised.” He is: Creator King Savior Righteous Judge Deliverer Even if He did nothing more for us, His inherent nature and majesty deserve our praise. 🔹 7. Praise Brings Healing and Deliverance Acts 3:8–9 – A lame man healed began walking, leaping, and praising God. Luke 17:15–16 – The one leper who returned to praise was made whole. Praise is not emotional hype—it is spiritual alignment. Peters says: “Many people are still in bondage because they have never learned to praise.” 🔹 8. Praise Must Be a Daily Practice Praise should not be confined to church services. It should become: A lifestyle A private and public declaration An atmosphere changer in your home and family Psalm 34:1 – “I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”