More than Words: A Call to Praise – (Week 4)

Preacher: Daniel Erasmus

Check-in: As you start your time together as a group, listen to “PRAISE” by Elevation Worship. These lyrics remind us of the reasons to praise our Lord. We praise Him because He’s sovereign, because He rose and defeated the grave, because He’s faithful and true; and because there’s no one greater than Him. Find YOUR REASON to praise God and lift up your voice.

Bible Readings: Listed in the notes below.

Preparation and Discussion for Group Time:

1. This Sunday we heard that PRAISE is calling attention to the greatness and goodness of God, while WORSHIP is our response to the greatness and goodness of God. PRAISE is fundamental and the cornerstone for us as believers. Yet we encounter so many hindrances/barriers in fully praising Him. Look at the following four:
   • 1) SELF – We live self-absorbed lives, only doing what makes us happy. If we can’t get anything out of it then it’s not worth doing. Yet, PRAISE is a sacrifice (Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 51:16-17)
   • 2) SHAME & GUILT – Feeling unworthy of praising God. (Psalm 103:2; Psalm 51:7-12; 1 John 1:9-10)
   • 3) SIN OF UNFORGIVENESS – When we’ve been hurt by someone and feel bitter and betrayed (Mark 11:25-26)
   • 4) SELF-DECEPTION – Our hearts are deceitful; we so easily fool ourselves. Having an inappropriate response to truth. (James 1:22; Psalm 119:11)
     Firstly: Share with the group which one/or more of these could possibly hinder/prevent you from fully praising God.
     Secondly: Reflect on the accompanying scripture to see what you need to do to remove this barrier and share what your action step will be. Sharing vulnerably is key to this not just staying a good thought, but in the application to our lives.
2. Ps Daniel shared 7 reasons “Why Praise is Important”. The one that stands out as the most important one is “God is worthy of Praise”. Reflect on who He is and what He’s done for you. Share with the group three reasons why you consider God to be worthy of your praise.

Check out, Worship and Prayer:
Our house is a house of praise. As you play the worship song (PRAISE) again; this time draw your attention to the reasons for praising God. As you close – go around and take turns offering up a word of praise in prayer for who God is. Let’s not be shy to lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving to God for who He is.

Love God:

• Meditate on Psalm 145:3 (NCV) “The Lord is great and worthy of our praise”.
• Resources:
  • Lexicon Bible: https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/
  • RightNow Media (sign up: https://edgechurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500988)
• For personal study check out the following devotions on YouVersion:
  • Praise Before My Breakthrough
  • Hymns of Praise
  • Praise the Lord

Love People:

• For upcoming next steps in your discipleship journey; like Baptism or serving. Sign up online at Church Center/ the website.