What does "the fruit of lips" mean in Hebrews 13:15? The text itself “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 picture behind “fruit of lips” • Fruit is the natural, visible product of a living plant; here it is the audible product of a redeemed heart. • Lips are the physical instrument for speech. • Together, “fruit of lips” means spoken words that openly declare, celebrate, and thank God. Old-Testament roots • Hosea 14:2 – “…that we may offer the fruit of our lips.” • Isaiah 57:19 – “I will create the praise of the lips.” • Proverbs 12:14 – “By the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things.” These passages show that verbal praise is a God-ordained sacrifice, foreshadowing the fuller reality in Christ. From animal altars to vocal altars • Under the Law, priests brought animals; under the New Covenant, every believer-priest brings praise (1 Peter 2:5). • The once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus removes the need for blood offerings, yet God still desires sacrifices—now spiritual and verbal. • Our words rise like incense (Psalm 141:2), accepted “through Jesus,” the sole Mediator. What this fruit sounds like • Confession of His name—open acknowledgement that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9-10). • Thanksgiving in every circumstance (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Songs, hymns, and spiritual songs that exalt Christ (Colossians 3:16-17). • Testimony that builds up others (Revelation 12:11). Marks of acceptable fruit • Continual – not seasonal; praise flows “at all times” (Psalm 34:1). • Sincere – springs from a heart cleansed by Christ, not empty words (Matthew 15:8). • Costly – offered even when feelings or circumstances make praise a sacrifice (Habakkuk 3:17-18). • Christ-centered – “Through Jesus” keeps the focus on His finished work, not human merit. Living it out today • Begin and end each day by vocalizing specific thanks to God. • Turn worries into worship—speak Scripture aloud when anxiety rises. • Integrate praise into ordinary tasks: driving, chores, exercise. • Share verbal testimony of God’s faithfulness with family, friends, and church. • Guard the tongue; words that curse or gossip cannot coexist with “fruit of lips” that bless (James 3:9-12). Summary “The fruit of lips” in Hebrews 13:15 is the spoken sacrifice of praise—words that confess, thank, and exalt the Lord Jesus continually. It is the harvest produced in hearts transformed by His saving grace and offered to God as a living, pleasing sacrifice. |
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