In what ways can you "exalt" God in your community and church? Foundational Verse “Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together.” (Psalm 34:3) What It Means to Exalt God • “Exalt” (Hebrew: rum) means to lift high, raise up, or set in a place of honor. • Practically, it involves displaying God’s greatness so that others see and respond to Him (Psalm 99:5). • Exaltation is corporate—“together”—so the church and community become key arenas for lifting His name. Exalting God Personally—Setting the Tone • Daily Worship: Begin and end each day by reading Scripture aloud, singing, or verbalizing thanks (Psalm 92:1–2). • Consistent Obedience: Live John 14:21—obey His commands so your life itself praises Him. • Visible Joy: Let gratitude and contentment mark your disposition (Philippians 4:4). Joy magnifies the Giver. Exalting God in the Church Family • Christ-Centered Gatherings: Keep services saturated with Scripture reading, prayer, and Christ-exalting songs (Colossians 3:16). • Edifying Speech: Speak grace that “gives grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). Words shape a culture of honor. • Mutual Stirring: “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24–25). Encourage, testify, and celebrate God’s work loudly. • Stewarding Gifts: Use spiritual gifts so “in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:10–11). Service showcases His wisdom and power. • Reverent Practices: Celebrate ordinances (baptism, the Lord’s Supper) with clear explanation. Each rite visibly lifts Christ above all. Exalting God in the Wider Community • Public Good Works: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Volunteer, mentor, serve the needy. • Gospel Proclamation: Share the message that “there is salvation in no one else” (Acts 4:12). Declaring Christ is the pinnacle of exaltation. • Ethical Excellence: Conduct business and civic duties with integrity (Proverbs 11:3). The community sees God’s character reflected. • Hospitality: Open homes for meals and conversation (Romans 12:13). Welcoming outsiders displays God’s generous heart. • Unified Partnerships: Cooperate with other Bible-believing churches for citywide prayer and outreach, echoing Psalm 34:3 on a broader scale. Guardrails for Authentic Exaltation • Motive Check: Pursue God’s glory, not personal recognition (Isaiah 42:8). • Word Alignment: Ensure every song, sermon, and service aligns with Scripture’s truthfulness (2 Timothy 3:16). • Prayer Dependency: Regular corporate prayer acknowledges that only God empowers effective witness (Ephesians 6:18). • Holiness Pursuit: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Consistent repentance keeps exaltation from hypocrisy. Take-Home Reminders • Exalting God is a shared calling—start privately, expand to the church, then spill into the streets. • Keep Jesus central; every activity should spotlight His person and work. • Small faithful acts—kind words, honest labor, joyful songs—collectively lift His name high. |
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