How can we practically "offer the fruit of our lips" in worship today? Setting the Verse in Context “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name.” (Hebrews 13:15) The writer urges believers to bring a continual, verbal sacrifice to God, grounded in Christ’s finished work. This “fruit” is not an optional garnish; it is a sacrifice God expressly desires. What “Fruit of Our Lips” Means • “Fruit” pictures a harvest—what naturally grows from a healthy, rooted life (John 15:5). • “Lips” highlights words—expressed, audible, intentional. • Together the phrase calls for spoken, Christ-centered praise that rises from a redeemed heart (Luke 6:45). Practical Ways to Offer the Fruit of Our Lips Today • Congregational Singing – Colossians 3:16: “…singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” – Choose lyrics rich in Scripture; sing with understanding and emotion. • Spoken Thanksgiving – Psalm 92:1: “It is good to praise the LORD and to sing praises to Your name…” – Verbally recount God’s daily mercies at the dinner table, in small groups, or during services. • Public Testimony – Psalm 107:2: “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so…” – Share conversion stories or answered prayer, spotlighting Christ, not self. • Scripture Reading Aloud – 1 Timothy 4:13: “Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture…” – Read a psalm, gospel passage, or prophetic promise; let God’s own words shape the worship atmosphere. • Confession of Faith – Romans 10:9–10 underscores believing “with the heart” and confessing “with the mouth.” – Recite historic creeds, doctrinal statements, or simple affirmations like “Jesus is Lord.” • Verbal Blessing of Others – Ephesians 4:29: “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful…” – Speak encouragement, Scripture, and prayer over people; it honors God and edifies them. • Evangelistic Conversation – 1 Peter 3:15: “…always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you…” – Telling others the gospel is worship; it magnifies Christ and extends His glory. • Spoken Prayer and Intercession – Philippians 4:6: “…in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Lift praises, confessions, and requests aloud, privately and corporately. Guarding the Source • A surrendered heart keeps the “tree” healthy so its fruit is sweet (Proverbs 4:23). • Regular repentance and cleansing (1 John 1:9) ensure our words remain a pleasing sacrifice. • Meditating on Scripture loads the heart with truth, ready to overflow in worship (Joshua 1:8). Why God Delights in Verbal Worship • It exalts His name (Psalm 34:1–3). • It publicly identifies us with Christ (Hebrews 2:11–12). • It builds up the church (1 Corinthians 14:26). • It testifies to the world (Acts 16:25–30). • It replaces self-focused speech with God-focused praise (James 3:9–10). Key Takeaways • “Fruit of our lips” is continuous, vocal praise produced by a Christ-anchored life. • Worship is not silent sentiment alone; God wants articulate adoration. • Every believer can cultivate this fruit daily—at home, in church, and in the marketplace—letting words become living sacrifices that thrill the Father’s heart (Psalm 50:23). |
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