Worshiping through Trials
The Power of Praise
Acts 16:16-34
"Man who is born of woman Is of few days and full of trouble" (Job 14:1).
"Yet man is born to trouble, As the sparks fly upward." God promises us that trials will come. Job 5:7
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you." 1 Pet.4:12,
I. The Trials Paul and Silas Endured
A. Trial #1: PUBLIC HUMILIATION
19But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.
20And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; 21and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.”
B. Trial #2: PHYSICAL ABUSE
And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, Acts 16:23a
C. Trial #3: UNJUST IMPRISONMENT
commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
II. The Worship Paul and Silas Offered
A. Paul and Silas Prayed
But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying Acts 16:25a
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Rom.8:18,
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." 2 Cor.4:16-17
B. Paul and Silas Sang
and singing hymns to God, Acts 16:25b
C. Paul and Silas were Delivered
Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. Acts 16:26
III. The Principles You and I Apply.
A. Worship lifts us from our Present Troubles.
26 My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27 For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. 28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works. Ps 73:26-28
B. Worship reminds us of the Mercy of God.
This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life." Ps.119:50
"Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, Yet Your commandments are my delights." Ps.119:143
C. Worship focuses us upon the Power of God.
"But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:10).
