A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

Ses s i on 6: Cu l t i vat i ng Our Commun i t y : The “Corporate” Di sc i p l i nes 301

5. As priests of God, we must therefore individually offer to God the sacrifice of praise continually, Heb. 13.15 – Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

a. When we feel like it

b. During times of trial and difficulty

c. Irrespective of the circumstances, we are to praise the Lord “at all times,” Ps. 34.1.

6. We ought not allow ourselves to so characterize ourselves as to prevent our experimentation with the physical nature of biblical celebration: singing, dancing, shouting, leaping, clapping, etc.

C. The Corporate Dimensions: it is wonderful that we as the people of God are commanded by God to celebrate his goodness in our midst.

1. Celebration is intimately connected to our worship before God, and as such, we ought to conceive our gatherings primarily as gatherings of celebration , Ps. 100.1-3.

2. We practice celebration in community only with a deliberate intent . In other words, we must learn to celebrate.

a. The will of God must be practiced in order for us to excel in it.