Topic – A life of praise

Memory Verse

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth, Psalm 34: 1

Lesson Text

Psalm 95: 1-11

Lesson Introduction

Man was created to praise and to glorify God, Isa. 43: 7. The psalmist says that it is good to give thanks and praise to God, Psa. 92: 1-3.
Our life is expected to be one continuous song of praise to the glory of God, 1 Cor, 10: 31. So, what is praise? To praise means to honor, to worship, to glorify. The Hebrew word “YADAH” which is translated
“PRAISE” also means “TO STRETCH OUT THE HAND.” That is to hold out hands in reverence, to open the hands and let go of everything, just to stand and glorify God with open hands. Is it compulsory to praise the Lord? Or am I free to choose not to praise Him? We shall let the Bible answer these important questions.

Lesson Outline

A. THOSE WHO SHOULD PRAISE GOD
B. WHY I MUST PRAISE THE LORD
C. HOW TO PRAISE HIM

A. THOSE WHO SHOULD PRAISE GOD

The Bible enjoins all the earth to praise the Lord, occupy important position or not, it is compulsory for us to praise the Lord, Psa. 148: 11-13. Both the young and the old, Psa. 148: 12, in fact all creations are to praise the Lord. God gets praise from the heavens, the heights, angels, hosts, sun, moon, stars, the earth, dragons, deep, fire, hail, snow, vapors, stormy winds, hills, mountains, fruits, trees, cedar trees, beasts, cattle, creeping things and birds. Praise is compulsory for angels, Psa. 103: 20 even gentiles, Psa. 117: 1-2, even babes and nursing infants are not exempted, Matt. 21: 16.

B. WHY I MUST PRAISE THE LORD

There are certain principles we ought to pay attention to if making an impact is our goal. These are:

There are several reasons why we must praise the Lord. We shall list some of them. We are sure you can think of several others.

GOD IS THE SOURCE, Psa. 95: 1-5
God is the source of our salvation, Psa. 95: 1
God is the source of all things, He created it all, Psa. 24: 1-Even the things that we achieve by our own efforts are based on gifts and power provided by God, Deut. 8: 18; 1 Chr. 29: 11-12; James 1: 17. If we forget or do not acknowledge this, the results include the following: CONFLICT WITH GOD. We will think life is about what we acquire or receive while God says that life is about what we give away, Luke 12: 15; Pr. 11: 24;
Acts 20: 35 IN FEAR FOR LIFE. If God is my provider, then I can be rest assured. On the other hand, if I am my provider, my provision depends on my not failing.
Only God NEVER fails, Psa. 27: 1 UNGRATEFUL. If I am the provider, then why should I thank anybody? “A self-made man worships his creator.” Luke 12: 16-20
GOD IS MY SOURCE, vS. 6-7
Humans can create computers that respond to thousands simultaneously, giving each the impression of exclusive control. God can do so much more, because he is my shepherd. His care for me is unique, Matt. 10: 29-31. He even has a special name reserved for me that will be known
only to the two of us, Rev. 2: 17
HIS MAJESTY, Isa. 24: 14
It is customary to address as King as “Your Majesty” but the Lord is the King of kings and Lord of lords, surely, He deserves to be praised.
HIS GLORY, Psa. 138: 5; 1 Chron. 16: 24.
A king’s glory is reflected in his dress, and the quality of his possessions. But the Lord is clothed in light and rides upon the waves!
HIS GREATNESS, Psa. 145: 3.
Surely there is no one as great as the King of kings and the Creator of all things; surely no creature can be greater than the One who created him.
HIS POWER, Psa. 21: 13
The Lord said that all power has been given unto Him, be they powers in heaven, on earth or underneath the earth. Surely, the Almighty Lord deserves continuous praise from His children.
HIS GOODNESS, Psa. 107: 8, 15, 21, 31, 1 Chron. 16: 34.
This is so important that it is repeated four times. Has the Lord been good to you? Surely, He has been good to us. If He has been good to you too, then you should praise Him.
HIS MERCY, 2 Chr. 20: 21.
We are saved through His mercy. We are kept alive through His mercy. The enemy had not been able to overcome us or destroy us because of His mercy. Great and everlasting is His mercy.
Such a merciful God deserves our praise.
HIS WONDERFUL WORKS, Psa. 150: 2
These works include creation, redemption, consolation, just judgment, true counsel, faithfulness in keeping His promises, pardon of sin, spiritual and physical health, constant preservation, protection, answered prayer, the hope of glory and all physical, material and spiritual blessings, Praise the Lord.

C. HOW TO PRAISE HIM

With understanding, Psa. 47: 7,
With our soul, Psa. 103: 1
With the whole heart, Psa. 9: 1.
⁠With our mouth and lips, Psa. 51: 15; 63: 3; 96: 4; 145: 3; Psa. 147: 1; 135: 3; Rev. 4: 11
Lifting up of hands, Psa. 134: 2; 63: 4
Dancing and instruments, Psa. 150: 4-5

Conclusion

Though it is compulsory that we should praise the Lord, we must do so joyfully and with gladness, 2 Chron. 29: 30. We are to praise Him day by day, continually and to the end of our lives Psa. 71: 6; 104:33. Let us praise the Lord.

Sunday School- 10/18/2026