That Thing We Do: Fruit

Hebrews 13:15 Through him(Jesus) then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

Through Jesus

It all happens because of (through) Jesus.

We are no longer under any religious system.

Not under the Old Testament system of law and sacrifice, or any other.

Not under a “New Testament” religious system either.

Christ is the final offering for sin; He offered “one sacrifice for sins for all time.”

This is important to understand because we consistently fail to live as we should live.

When we fail, the enemy is quick to condemn us, telling us we can’t possibly be a worshiper after what we have done. Those words are lies.

We can always come back to God in worship,

no matter where we have been or how far we have fallen.

We come through Jesus Christ, His death makes it possible for us to be accepted by God.

Through Jesus Christ we can approach His throne of grace anytime. Anywhere.

The awareness of the cross should be on your mind as you come to worship.

How can I embrace this awesome God of wonder and not cherish the cross that allows me to approach Him in the first place?

Many people do not know the fullness of what Christ has done for them.

Without this understanding, they try to worship, but condemnation chokes out their praise. Guilt restrains their hearts. Shame stifles their hearts.

In Jesus Christ, we are free. Eternally Forgiven. Rescued. Washed clean. Made new. Re-created.

“There is no more condemnation for anyone in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1a

He is our life. His righteousness is our righteousness. We are born again. Children of God. Permanently attached to Him. Our debt is paid. Death is defeated. We’re alive.

These truths nail open the doorway to God’s presence.

We always come to worship through the doorway of Jesus Christ.

We are to worship continually.

How?

Hebrews 13:15

“The fruit of the lips” that magnify God.

There is no fruit without some kind of root.

Whatever comes out of our mouths actually comes from the roots that have taken hold deep in our souls.

Our praise doesn’t roll off our lips, but springs from deep down inside us.

God is looking for people who are always soaking in His Word, sinking roots of His character into their minds and hearts. As a result, true expressions to and about Him are constantly coming out of their mouths.

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

Hebrews 13:16

The fruit of our lives that magnify God.

Worship is expanded to include acts of compassion and integrity.

When we choose to do what is right, God is worshiped.

When we care for someone else, “God is pleased”.

It’s a lot less taxing to go to church than to take “church” to your everyday life and world.

If we immerse ourselves in God’s character, God’s character starts to grow “on the limbs of our tree.”

His character will eventually find expression in the things we do.

Even if no one else notices or cares, God does.

What does this look like?

Make the Mundane a Melody to God.

Mundane? Any circumstance or task that doesn’t appear to have eternal significance.

You can worship God wherever you are and whatever you are doing.(except sin)

Your attitude of worship can turn any mundane task into an offering to God.

What does that look like?

Hebrews 13:16

The question is not what you do, but who do you do it for?.

Your mission is to worship...with everything you say and all you do.