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God is Praise Worthy: Psalm 134

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Introduction: Psalm 134 is a call to worship and blessing that is both timeless and universal. In this psalm, the psalmist encourages the servants of the Lord to praise Him in the sanctuary, to lift up their hands in worship, and to receive a blessing from their Creator. This psalm is a beautiful reminder of the importance and power of praising God, no matter the circumstances. The outline below explores the theological significance of this psalm, drawing on cross-references from throughout the Bible to provide a deeper understanding of its message.

I. The Call to Worship (Psalm 134:1)
The psalm begins with a call to worship, inviting the servants of the Lord to praise Him in the sanctuary. This call to worship is a reminder that God is worthy of our praise at all times and in all places.

Cross-references verses:

    • Psalm 95:6: “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
    • Hebrews 12:28: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”
    • Revelation 4:11: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

II. The Act of Worship (Psalm 134:2)
In the second verse, the psalmist encourages the servants of the Lord to lift up their hands in worship, symbolizing surrender and adoration. This act of worship is a physical expression of the inner posture of the heart.

Cross-references verses:

    • 1 Timothy 2:8: “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.”
    • Lamentations 3:41: “Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven.”
    • Nehemiah 8:6: “Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, ‘Amen! Amen!’”

III. The Blessing of Worship (Psalm 134:3)
The final verse of the psalm speaks of the blessing that comes from worshiping God. The Lord Himself blesses His servants, reminding us that worship is not only about giving to God but also receiving from Him.

Cross-references verses:

    • Numbers 6:24-26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
    • 2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
    • Ephesians 1:3: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

Conclusion: Psalm 134 is a call to worship that transcends time and place. It reminds us that God is always worthy of our praise and that our worship is not only an offering to Him but also an opportunity to receive His blessing. As we reflect on this psalm, let us remember to praise God with our whole hearts, to lift up our hands in surrender, and to receive the blessings He has for us with gratitude and joy.

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The Nicolaitans were a group mentioned in the book of Revelation in the New Testament, specifically in Revelation 2:6, 2:15. They were a heretical sect in the early Christian church that was condemned by Jesus in his messages to the churches of Ephesus and Pergamum. The exact beliefs and practices of the Nicolaitans are not clearly described in the Bible, but early church leaders such as Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria suggested that they promoted sexual immorality and the consumption of food sacrificed to idols. Some scholars believe that the Nicolaitans were followers of a false teacher named Nicolas, who may have been one of the original seven deacons appointed by the apostles in Acts 6:5. However, the exact identity and teachings of the Nicolaitans remain a matter of debate among theologians and historians.