Through [Jesus] let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name.—Heb. 13:15.
The apostle Paul was interested in the local congregations, knowing that in each of them, Christians would have opportunities to praise God. He urged Christians in Philippi, Macedonia: “This is what I continue praying, that [you] may be filled with righteous fruit, which is through Jesus Christ, to God’s glory and praise.” That would include their speaking to others, to outsiders, about their faith in Jesus and their wonderful hope. (Phil. 1:9-11; 3:8-11) Do you find delight in praising God “in the middle of the congregation,” as Jesus did, and in using your lips to praise Jehovah before those who have yet to come to know and praise him? (Heb. 2:12; Rom. 15:9-11) To some degree, our personal answer may depend on how we feel about the role of our local congregation in God’s purpose. w07 4/15 1:16, 18, 19
