7.Thanksgiving Praise And Worship by Zac Poonen
Being A Disciple
Summary
The speaker distinguishes between thanksgiving, praise, and worship, noting that while they are often mixed, understanding them separately is beneficial for spiritual growth. He emphasizes that developing the habit of giving thanks and praise to God, and gratitude to people, is crucial for a healthy Christian life, viewing ingratitude as a spiritual debt. The core message is to practice these acts not for reward, but because they are inherently godly.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is the difference between thanksgiving, praise, and worship?The vast majority of Christians confuse thanksgiving, praise, and worship, which are actually three distinct things.
Thanksgiving to menWhen Thanksgiving becomes a habit toward God, we also learn to express gratitude to the people around us instead of taking them for granted.
Giving thanks three times a dayDaniel had a habit of giving thanks to God three times every day, serving as an example of a spiritual man.Daniel 6:10
The first step downwardHuman decline into sin begins when people know God but fail to honor him or give thanks.
Reasons to give thanksBelievers give thanks because God is good, because He answers prayers, and simply because He is God.
The ten lepers and the one who returnedOut of ten lepers cleansed by Jesus, only one returned to give thanks, receiving spiritual salvation in addition to physical healing.Luke 17:11
Giving thanks in everythingGod's explicit will is for believers to give thanks in everything, for all people, and at all times.1 Thessalonians 5:18
All things work together for goodFor those who love God and live for His will, every single thing works together for their ultimate good.Romans 8:28
Overcoming bad speech through thanksgivingReplacing filthy talk and coarse jesting with a lifestyle of thanksgiving prevents bad habits from returning.Ephesians 5:4
Praise prepares a throne for GodWhen believers praise God for who He is, they prepare a throne for Him to inhabit.
The Garment of PraiseJesus came to give believers a Garment of Praise to replace the spirit of heaviness.
Jesus leads the praiseJesus acts as the true song leader in the midst of the church, leading the praise of God's people.Hebrews 2:12
Worshiping God through total surrenderWorship goes beyond thanksgiving and praise, involving the total surrender of our bodies as a living sacrifice to God.
