January 18, 2026

Do You Give God Praise? | Psalm 150:1-6

Speaker:
In Sermons, The Basics
Tags , , , , , , , , , ,
Do You Give God Praise? | Psalm 150:1-6
Watch

Praise

Key Scripture

James 2:17 – “So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless.”

This principle reflects the attitude we should also bring to praise:
Praise that is never expressed is not truly praise.

The Heart of Praise

Johann Sebastian Bach modeled a life of worship:

  • He wrote “J.J.” – Jesus Juva (“Jesus help me”) at the beginning of his compositions.

  • He ended them with “S.D.G.” – Soli Deo Gloria (“To God alone be the glory”).

  • He said: “All music should have no other end and aim than the glory of God and the soul’s refreshment…”

Praise is not incidental—it is intentional.

Definition of Praise

Psalm 150:1–6
Praise means:

  • To commend

  • To applaud

  • To magnify

  • To glorify

  • To express approval

Praise directs attention to God and tells others about God.
It means being preoccupied with who God is and what He has done—raising much to do about God.

Why Do We Praise?

1. We are Commanded to Praise

Psalm 150:1 – “Praise God in His sanctuary. Praise Him in His mighty heavens.”

2. God Is Enthroned in Our Praise

Psalm 22:3 – God dwells among the praises of His people.

3. Praise Is a Good Thing

Psalm 92:1 – “It is good to praise Yahweh…”

4. God Is Worthy of Praise

Psalm 48:1 – “Great is the Lord and most worthy of our praise.”

5. We Were Created to Praise

1 Corinthians 10:31 – Whatever we do should be for God’s glory.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism states:
Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

When Should We Praise?

1. When We Feel Like It

James 5:13 – “Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.”

2. When We Don’t Feel Like It

True praise isn’t driven by emotion—it’s driven by truth.

  • Psalm 42:5 – Even in depression, “I will still praise Him.”

  • Hebrews 13:15 – Praise is called a sacrifice—offered continually.

3. Continually

Hebrews 13:15 – We “continually offer up… a sacrifice of praise.”

Praise is not seasonal. It is the posture of a believer’s life.

Where Do We Praise?

1. In the House of the Lord

  • Psalm 150:1 – Praise God in His sanctuary.

  • Psalm 22:22 – Praise Him in the congregation.

2. Before All People

Psalm 96:3 – Declare His glory among the nations.

Praise is both private and public.

How Should We Praise?

Scripture gives a rich variety of expressions:

Physical Expressions of Praise

  • Dancing – Psalm 149:3

  • Playing instruments – Psalm 150

  • Singing

  • Kneeling

  • Clapping hands

  • Shouting – Psalm 47:1

  • Lifting hands – 1 Timothy 2:8

    • Symbolizes surrender

    • Like a child reaching for a parent

    • A position of vulnerability and openness

    • A symbolic way to receive from God

Verbal Expressions of Praise

  • Words – Psalm 149:6

  • Public proclamation – Luke 19:37–40
    Jesus said, “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

Universal Call to Praise

Psalm 150:6 – “Let everything that breathes praise the Lord.”

Praise is not optional; it is the natural response of everything God has made.

Summary

Praise:

  • Is commanded

  • Is good

  • Is continual

  • Is expressive

  • Is for all people in all places

  • Is central to the life of every believer

If we want to begin with the basics, we begin with praise.