By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Hebrews 13:15).
The priests of the Old Testament had to offer burnt offerings, in the form of bulls and calves, morning and evening, every day, to God. Moreover, in the first tabernacle, the burning of incense had to go on continually, from sun up to sun down. However, in the New Testament, instead of killing bulls, goats, and calves, we’re required to offer spiritual sacrifices continually.
Our opening verse tells us how we’re to offer these spiritual sacrifices; it says, “by Him (Jesus) therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His Name.” The sacrifice of praise we’re to offer is “the fruit of our lips.” Some versions put it this way, “…the fruit of lips….” This refers to the words that come out of your lips. Then, the latter part says, “…giving thanks to his name….”
The construction “giving thanks,” in the original rendering, is the Greek verb “homologeo,” which means, “to make confession.” Hence, “…giving thanks to his name” means “making confessions to His Name”; declaring words that give praise to His Name. This is different from making confessions of the Word of God about you, which is equally very important. The Bible enjoins that you speak to yourself in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19); in other words, make confessions of the Word to yourself. Like you’d say or sing, “Greater is He that is in me.” When you sing or make such confessions, you’re not really praising God; you’re making confessions of His Word about you, and that has its place!
Making confessions of His Name, on the other hand, means you’re singing to the Name of Jesus; eulogizing and extolling the greatness of His Name! You’re pouring encomiums on His Name; you’re celebrating the power and effectiveness of His Name—using that Name to glorify God. Offer to the Lord the fruit of your lips, making joyful confessions to His Name.
Prayer
Dear Father, with a heart full of thanksgiving and praise I worship your holy Name; you’re exalted above the heaven, and your glory is upon all the earth! There’s none like you, for your kingdom and reign is everlasting! Glory, honour and praise are yours now and evermore, in Jesus’ Name. Amen
Further Study
1Peter 2:5
Psalm 68:4
(Taken by permission from Christ Embassy Church , aka Believer’s LoveWorld Ministries , Lagos, Nigeria. www.ChristEmbassy.org )
