1. Ezra 3:11 (ESV)
  2. Application

Not praising ourselves, but praising God

Ezra 3:11 (ESV)

11 And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.”And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

So why are the people not praising themselves [for laying the foundations of the temple]? Why are they not having eulogies about themselves? Why are there no great speeches saying how wonderful they are and how hard they have worked? And instead, do you see the instinct? It is the instinct of a believer…It is the instinct of a man or woman whose heart has been changed by God. The instinct is always God-ward. Whatever we do, whatever we accomplish, no matter what it is, the praise is always to God. We work out our own salvation, but only because God works in us to will and do according to his good pleasure.1

Derek W. H. Thomas