BEREAN.AI ← Ask a Question

Using Extrabiblical Examples for Worship and Gratitude Inspiration

Worship and gratitude are fundamental aspects of Christian life, with various traditions drawing inspiration from both biblical and extrabiblical examples. The Psalms frequently call for thanksgiving and praise to God, emphasizing that such acts glorify Him and acknowledge His wondrous works [1, 3, 6, 10, 11]. For instance, Psalm 69:30 states, "I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving" [1]. Similarly, Psalm 95:2 encourages believers to "come before his presence with thanksgiving" [3].

Many traditions look to the life of Christ as the ultimate example for worship and gratitude. Jesus demonstrated thanksgiving on several occasions, such as when he blessed food (Matthew 11:25; John 6:11) and before raising Lazarus (John 11:41) [2]. His zeal for God's house (John 2:17) and his commitment to communion with God (Luke 19:41-42) also serve as models for believers [8, 9]. The heavenly host is also depicted engaging in thanksgiving and worship (Revelation 4:9; 7:11-12) [2].

Beyond direct biblical commands and examples, some traditions consider extrabiblical sources for inspiration in worship and gratitude. The concept of original sin, for example, is a foundational theological idea that influences how various traditions approach gratitude for salvation. While the Bible speaks of humanity's sinful nature (Psalm 51:5; Romans 7:19-23) [12], the specific articulation of "original sin" has developed through theological discourse. The Augsburg Confession, a Lutheran document, addresses original sin as a state of being "without fear of God, without trust in God, and with concupiscence" [15]. John Calvin, in his Institutes of the Christian Religion, describes original sin as a "hereditary depravity and corruption of our nature" that affects all parts of the soul [14]. Augustine, a patristic father, argued that infants are involved in the guilt of sins not only from Adam but also from their immediate parents, before regeneration through the new covenant [16]. These theological understandings of humanity's fallen state can deepen a believer's gratitude for God's grace and redemption.

The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, an Anglican confession, also defines original sin as "the fault and corruption of the Nature of every man, that naturally is engendered of the offspring of Adam" [17]. Thomas Aquinas, a scholastic theologian, posited that there is one original sin in each person, stemming from the first sin of Adam [13]. These detailed theological formulations, while not explicitly stated in the Bible in the same systematic way, provide a framework for understanding the depth of human need and, consequently, the magnitude of God's mercy, thereby inspiring greater gratitude.

Furthermore, the concept of glorifying God extends beyond direct acts of worship to encompass all aspects of life. The Bible commands believers to glorify God (1 Chronicles 16:28; Isaiah 42:12) [7] and indicates that this is accomplished through various means, including relying on His promises (Romans 4:20), praising Him (Psalm 50:23), and living righteously (1 Corinthians 6:20) [7]. Afflictions, though difficult, can also be understood as opportunities to glorify God by revealing His power and faithfulness, teaching His will, and turning individuals back to Him (John 9:1-3; Psalm 119:71) [4]. This perspective, which finds its roots in biblical narratives, is often elaborated upon in extrabiblical theological works, encouraging a posture of gratitude even amidst suffering.

The practice of early rising for devotion, exemplified by Christ (Mark 1:35) and figures like Abraham and David (Genesis 19:27; 1 Samuel 17:20), is another extrabiblical example that can inspire worship and gratitude [5]. While not a direct command for worship, it illustrates a commitment to seeking God that can foster a grateful heart. Similarly, the concept of "zeal" for God, exemplified by Christ (Psalm 69:9) and encouraged in believers (Romans 12:11), can inspire fervent worship and gratitude [8].

Sources

  1. Psalms “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. -- Psalms 69:30”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Thanksgiving — Christ set an example of -- Mt 11:25; 26:27; Joh 6:11; 11:41. The heavenly host engaged in -- Re 4:9; 7:11,12; 11:16,17. Commanded -- Ps 50:14; Php 4:6. Is a good thing -- Ps 92:1. Should be offered To God. -- Ps 50:14. To Christ. -- 1Ti 1:12. Through Christ. -- Ro 1:8; Col 3:17; Heb 13:15. In the name of Christ. -- Eph 5:20. In behalf of ministers. -- 2Co 1:11. In private worship. -- Da 6:10. In public worship. -- Ps 35:18. In everything. -- 1Th 5:18. Upon the completion of great undertakings. -- Ne 12:31,40. Before taking food. -- Joh 6:11; Ac 27:35.”
  3. Psalms “Let’s come before his presence with thanksgiving. Let’s extol him with songs! -- Psalms 95:2”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions Made Beneficial — In promoting the glory of God -- Joh 9:1-3; 11:3,4; 21:18,19. In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God -- Ps 34:19,20; 2Co 4:8-11. In teaching us the will of God -- Ps 119:71; Isa 26:9; Mic 6:9. In turning us to God -- De 4:30,31; Ne 1:8,9; Ps 78:34; Isa 10:20,21; Ho 2:6,7. In keeping us from again departing from God -- Job 34:31,32; Isa 10:20; Eze 14:10,11. In leading us to seek God in prayer -- Jdj 4:3; Jer 31:18; La 2:17-19; Ho 5:14,15; Jon 2:1. In convincing us of sin -- Job 36:8,9; Ps 119:67; Lu 15:16-18. In leading us to con”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
  6. Psalms “that I may make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard, and tell of all your wondrous works. -- Psalms 26:7”
  7. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Glorifying God — Commanded -- 1Ch 16:28; Ps 22:23; Isa 42:12. Due to him -- 1Ch 16:29. For his Holiness. -- Ps 99:9; Re 15:4. Mercy and truth. -- Ps 115:1; Ro 15:9. Faithfulness and truth. -- Isa 25:1. Wondrous works. -- Mt 15:31; Ac 4:21. Judgments. -- Isa 25:3; Eze 28:22; Re 14:7. Deliverance. -- Ps 50:15. Grace to others. -- Ac 11:18; 2Co 9:13; Ga 1:24. Obligation of saints to -- 1Co 6:20. Is acceptable through Christ -- Php 1:11; 1Pe 4:11. Christ, an example of -- Joh 17:4. Accomplished by Relying on his promises. -- Ro 4:20. Praising him. -- Ps 50:23. Doing all ”
  8. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Zeal — Christ an example of -- Ps 69:9; Joh 2:17. Godly sorrow leads to -- 2Co 7:10,11. Of saints, ardent -- Ps 119:139. Provokes others to do good -- 2Co 9:2. Should be exhibited In spirit. -- Ro 12:11. In well-doing. -- Ga 4:18; Tit 2:14. In desiring the salvation of others. -- Ac 26:29; Ro 10:1. In contending for the faith. -- Jude 1:3. In missionary labours. -- Ro 15:19,23. For the glory of God. -- Nu 25:11,13. For the welfare of saints. -- Col 4:13. Against idolatry. -- 2Ki 23:4-14. Sometimes wrongly directed -- 2Sa 21:2; Ac 22:3,4; Php 3:6. Sometimes not accord”
  9. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Communion With God — Christ set an example of -- Lu 19:41,42. Exhortation to -- Ro 12:15; 1Pe 3:8. Exercise towards The afflicted. -- Job 6:14; Heb 13:3. The chastened. -- Isa 22:4; Jer 9:1. Enemies. -- Ps 35:13. The poor. -- Pr 19:17. The weak. -- 2Co 11:29; Ga 6:2. Saints. -- 1Co 12:25,26. Inseparable from love to God -- 1Jo 3:17; Joh 4:20. Motives to The compassion of God. -- Mt 13:27,33. The sense of our infirmities. -- Heb 5:2. The wicked made to feel, for saints -- Ps 106:46. Promise to those who show -- Pr 19:17; Mt 10:42. Illustrated -- Lu 10:33; 15:20. Exemp”
  10. Psalms “Whoever offers the sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifies me, and prepares his way so that I will show God’s salvation to him.” -- Psalms 50:23”
  11. Psalms “Let me understand the teaching of your precepts! Then I will meditate on your wondrous works. -- Psalms 119:27”
  12. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
  13. theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, First Part of the Second Part (Prima Secundae), Of Original Sin, As to Its Essence, Art. 2: Article: Whether there are several original sins in one man? I answer that, In one man there is one original sin. Two reasons may be assigned for this. The first is on the part of the cause of original sin. For it has been stated (Question [81], Article [2]), that the first sin alone of our first parent was transmitted to his posterity. Wherefore in one man original sin is one in number; and in all men, it is one in proportion, i.e. in relation to its first principle. The seco”
  14. CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 37: a description of original sin; The same thing appears more clearly from the mode of renovation. For the spirit, which is contrasted with the old man, and the flesh, denotes not only the grace by which the sensual or inferior part of the soul is corrected, but includes a complete reformation of all its parts ( Eph. 4:23 ). And, accordingly, Paul enjoins not only that gross appetites be suppressed, but that we be renewed in the spirit of our mind ( Eph. 4:23 ), as he elsewhere tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind ( ”
  15. Augsburg Confession (Lutheran) “Augsburg Confession (Lutheran, 1530), Article II. Of Original Sin.: Article II. Of Original Sin.”
  16. Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 3: Augustine — On the Holy Trinity — CHAP. 46.--IT IS PROBABLE THAT CHILDREN ARE INVOLVED IN THE GUILT NOT ONLY OF THE FIRST PAIR, BUT OF THEIR OWN IMMEDIATE PARENTS.: And it is said, with much appearance of probability, that infants are involved in the guilt of the sins not only of the first pair, but of their own immediate parents. For that divine judgment, "I shall visit the iniquities of the fathers upon the children,"(7) certainly applies to them before they come under the new covenant by regeneration. And it was this new covenant that was prophesied of, when it was said by Ezek”
  17. Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican) “Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican, 1571), 9.Of Original or Birth-sin.: 9.Of Original or Birth-sin.”
Ask Your Own Question
About Terms Privacy Contact

© 2026 BEREAN.AI. All rights reserved.