Definition: By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hebrews 13:15. It's a really beautiful and important idea about how we should relate to God! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s saying that Christians are called to regularly express gratitude and praise to God through our words. Let's unpack it further: “By him…” : This refers to Jesus Christ. He’s the one who is the ultimate source of praise and thanks. “…let us offer the sacrifice of praise…” : Think of a sacrifice – something valuable given willingly. This verse suggests that offering praise isn't just a polite gesture, it’s an active act of worship. It’s like putting something precious into God’s hands. “to God’s name” : This is the key part. "God's name" is a way to refer to Jesus and his teachings – the things he did and said. It's about recognizing him as the one who is supreme and worthy of our praise. So, what does it mean practically? It means: Regularly praising God: We shouldn’t just occasionally think about God; we need to actively express our gratitude – even in small ways – through words and actions. Expressing thanks with our hearts: It's not enough to say "thank you." It needs to come from a place of genuine appreciation and love for God. The fruit of our lips (our words) should be overflowing with thankfulness. Why is this important? The Bible teaches that God is good, just, and loving. Expressing praise and gratitude acknowledges these qualities in us and strengthens our relationship with him. It’s a way to deepen our faith and feel closer to him. In short, Hebrews 13:15 encourages Christians to be constantly thankful to God through their words – a continuous offering of praise and gratitude. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how to express praise and gratitude? Discuss the significance of this verse within the larger context of biblical teaching?