#1362. A life of praise (10/10/25)
- Matt Beaney
- Oct 10
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.
This week, we have been looking at Ephesians 1:1-3. In our last devotional, we saw how all of the spiritual blessing that we have are by virtue of being ‘in Christ’.
Today, we ask: Do we know that God wants to teach us about, and will give us the resources to live with, overflowing praise?
You can listen to this devotional below
‘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.’ (Ephesians 1:3)
1. God is worthy of our praise all the time
As we reflect one final time on this verse, let’s be reminded of the crucial place and priority of praise and worship in the Christian life.
Paul opens this letter with praise, and the theme of worship continues throughout. He’s like a parent who spoils their children at Christmas by filling their arms with precious gift after gift. So Paul piles truth upon truth in order to awaken our hearts to worship the God who has done all this for us in Christ.
This passage, and indeed this entire letter, calls us to a life of praise. We are reminded that God wants our worship, not because He needs it, but because He deserves it. And we worship not out of fear or mindless duty, but as a natural response to who God is and what He has done. As water flows to the lowest valley, so worship flows into the heart that lifts its eyes to God.
The absence of joy and worship in our lives is never due to a lack in God or His gifts. We’ve all known the disappointment of overhyped experiences: “The food is unbelievable… the music is world-class… the hotel is the most lavish ever… it’s the best book ever…” - only to leave underwhelmed. But God is never like that. He always exceeds expectation. His beauty, grace, and generosity go far beyond our highest praise. Anyone who seeks to know Him more deeply will find their life filled with true worship.
As we continue through Ephesians, we’ll encounter many glorious truths - like mountain peaks that invite us to stop and marvel. But today, let me lay down two simple principles to help cultivate a life of praise.
2. Praise God from His Word
Use God’s Word as the foundation of your worship. Texts like Ephesians 1 are not just for study - they are fuel for praise. Don’t just read the Bible - respond to it. Thank God, praise God, sing to God, and pray based on what you read. Let your personal and gathered worship be shaped by Scripture. And let’s ensure the songs we sing in church are saturated with biblical truth - truth that lifts our eyes to Christ and ignites our hearts.
3. Pray for the Spirit to give revelation.
Alongside praising God from His Word, we need the Holy Spirit to make these truths come alive in us. That’s why Paul doesn’t just teach - he prays:
‘For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened…’ (Ephesians 1:15-18)
Response
Do we know that God wants to teach us about, and will give us the resources, to live with overflowing praise?
Am I convinced that God is always worthy, in all circumstances He remains worthy, of my praise?
Am I praising God by using the words of Scripture that He gives to us?
Am I praying for others - and receiving prayer - so that we may be filled with the Spirit and stirred to worship?
"Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom." (Psalm 145:3)
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
Specifically, ensure everyone knows the details of our upcoming New Ground Weekend.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Today, because of our theme, let’s leave more time at the end to worship and pray together.
4. Study and pray together
On Sunday, we began our new series entitled:
Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.
Please read Ephesians 1:1-3 and discuss:
What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?
How do these verses inspire us to praise God?
What is your current practice regarding praise and worship in your devotions, or, how would you like to develop in this vital practice?
For the rest of our time together, let’s spend time in worship and prayer.
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