Category: Praise
Praise and a Plea – Not Flattery
Paul’s letter to Philemon is an interesting example of proper diplomacy in accomplishing a desired response in another. There is not doubt that Paul was trying to get Philemon to respond to his plea for Onesimus positively, some may say using flattery and other forms of manipulation. This, I think is unwarranted.
The Bible concept of flattery is praise that is insincere for false. For example, “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet” (Proverbs 29:5). This means he is attempting to trap, or cause another to stumble.
This was neither Paul’s method nor motivation. First, Paul was sincere. Philemon was truly a good man worthy of praise. Sincere praise is an encouragement the recipient, and there are many examples of such in the Bible. Think, for example, of “Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement)” ( Acts 4:36).
It is also true that Paul’s request of Philemon to receive back his escaped slave Onesimus with love and understanding was also a righteous request, one that Paul had no doubt Philemon would honor (21). Onesimus had been converted by Paul (10), and was willingly returning to his master Philemon. He was now a brother in Christ, and it was appropriate to treat him as Philemon would any other Christian.
It is good to praise others. It is also acceptable to make righteous requests, especially when you are interceding for someone else. What Paul did was defensible and a good example for us to follow!
Praise to God
“O LORD, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth” (Isaiah 25:1).
“I will love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies” (Psalms 18:1-3). Continue reading “Praise to God”
Praise Or Flattery?
Consider Romans 16:17-18:
“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.”
Paul here describes insidious actions by Christians. They are insidious for two reasons. The first is that these actions are self-serving, and thus sinful. Those who engage in these behaviors have ulterior motives. They do not serve Jesus, but rather their own belly. They are doing what they do because it serves their purpose. It is not to please Christ, to edify, to build up. It is to accomplish their own desires, whatever those desires may be. Continue reading “Praise Or Flattery?”
Paul’s Praise
“A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin” (Proverbs 26:28).
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Proverbs 27:6).
Flattery, as seen by the texts above, is not a positive attribute. The idea is that flattering words are used to gain an advantage. They are not sincere. They can’t be trusted. Flattery comes from a “lying tongue.” When one who is your “enemy” seeks to curry your favor or flatter, they do not have your best interests at heart. Continue reading “Paul’s Praise”
Glorifying God
The Bible clearly teaches that those who seek to please the Lord are expected to glorify Him. Some may not be fully aware of what that entails. First, consider a definition of the term. The Greek word doxázo is found numerous times in the New Testament, and is defined by Thayer in an illuminating way. It means “to praise, extol, magnify, celebrate.” It has the idea of holding the object in honor, and to “cause the dignity and worth of some person to become manifest and acknowledged.”
In 1 Corinthians 6:20 Paul wrote, “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” Here we see the responsibility of the Christian, in response to His redemptive efforts on our behalf. Because of what He has done for us, we should praise Him, and celebrate His righteousness and preeminence.
Sermon: Job’s Worst Day
Five things we can learn from Job’s response after losing his possessions and family. He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21)
- Note: No video was recorded of this sermon.
Sermon: Nebuchadnezzar’s View of God
On four difference occasions in Daniel 2-4 there is recorded words of Praise spoken by the pagan king Nebuchadnezzar regarding the God of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshack and Abed-Nego. There is much to learn from the kings interaction with Jehovah.
