One of the most precious things humans have, is the ability to communicate in a number of ways: words, facial expressions, tone of voice, body language, and other means by which we can pass on to others what we have in our minds and hearts. Hosea spoke of “the fruit of our lips,” and that is described here as a continual practice that is an acceptable sacrifice to God. He is “well pleased” with those who confess His name, His glories, and His Gospel. This is not done only when we come together in corporate worship and praise. This fruit comes from the joyous hearts of those who love the Lord. A joyous heart is a generous heart. True worship is evident in “the fruit of lips” that is consistent and constantly mindful of the reasons for praise and thanksgiving to God. This attitude of heart and soul is an essential element of a healthy Christian who lives constantly conscious of the presence of God. Some older saints used to tell us to “practice the presence of God.” True worship will also be evident in “doing good to all men, especially those of the household of faith.” There will be sacrificial giving and loving, godly, glad submission to the Lord and to our spiritual leaders. Deeds of love, acts of kindness, and compassionate care for others’ well-being are sacrifices we can present to God. There is no greater privilege or action that demonstrates the reality of our faith than the fruit of our lips in continual praise. “Whatever you do in words or deed, do all in the name of the Lord.” This includes acts of doing “good” to others. To please God is the greatest blessing and act of worship we can bring to Him. Worship includes our thoughts, feelings, and deeds expressed in whatever way possible and suitable. Praise and thanksgiving, privately and publicly, are acts of worship that glorify God. Open expressions of gratitude and singing with joy in our hearts are acts of worship. Remembering the Lord Jesus Christ at the Lord’s Supper is a great expression of worship. Worship involves giving to God what we have. Using spiritual gifts in ways suitable to Him is worship. Filling the role God has given us and presenting ourselves to God in mind and body – the whole life of a sanctified believer made available to God – can be an act of worship.
Service is a normal response of praise of an appreciative believer in Christ to God for His blessing upon him or her. With liberality, we offer the sacrifice of our temporal and financial goods to Him. The enthusiastic giving of goods and sharing of what we have with others are sacrifices offered to God through our fellowship-giving. The sacrifice of praise is given directly to God. It is a privilege to participate with our Lord in meeting the needs of others. We are not to be misers of our spiritual wealth any more than our possessions. It is a lesson we should remember: none of us is a “free-lance” but has the privilege of giving of ourselves. Testimony: the believer priest has sacrifices to offer (see list of sacrifices). Praise to God is offered through our Lord Jesus Christ. The first impulse of a new believer is thankfulness and praise. The more we are separated to Him and filled with Him, the more the joy of the Lord increases. Compare the sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifices we can give. Liberality: service is a normal response to praise for God’s blessing upon us. The sacrifice of praise is given directly to God. To do good and communicate are sacrifices offered to Him through our fellows. We are not to be misers of our spiritual wealth any more than our possessions. List of sacrifices:1. Acceptable sacrifices [Heb. 8:3]: “…High Priest offers gifts and sacrifices…”
2. The sacrifice of a consecrated body [Rom.12:1]: Willingness to do what is not natural.
3. The sacrifice of audible praise [Heb.13:15]: Take time to think deliberate thoughts that are praiseworthy.
4. The sacrifice of temporal goods [Heb.13:16]: Labor to meet needs.
5. The sacrifice of gifts to the Lord’s servants [Phil.4:18]: Sharing what we have for a specific objective.
6. The sacrifice of thanks to God [Ps.107:22]: Expressions in words of blessings received.
7. The sacrifice of joy for God’s mercies [Ps. 27:6]: Openness to let our emotions show.
8. The sacrifice of contrition [Ps. 51:7]: Tears of real repentance.
9. The sacrifice of righteousness before the world [Ps. 4:5]: Refusal to compromise with what is wrong.
10. The sacrifice of self [2Tim.4:6]: Pain of reproach, suffering, and even death.
11. The sacrifice of obedience [1Sam.15:22]: It is better than any physical sacrifice.