Empowered Praise: Trusting God Through Every Trial
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the power of praise as part of our "Empowered" series. Praise is more than just singing songs on Sunday; it's a lifestyle that reflects our trust in God, even in difficult times. We explored Acts 16:16-40, where Paul and Silas, despite being beaten and imprisoned, chose to praise God. Their worship led to a miraculous earthquake that freed them and ultimately resulted in the salvation of the jailer and his household. This story illustrates that praise should not be dependent on our circumstances but on our focus on Jesus.
We discussed three keys to maintaining a lifestyle of praise: hope, contentment, and perspective. Hope is found in keeping our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. Contentment comes from trusting that God is in control and that we are where we are supposed to be. Perspective helps us see that our trials are temporary and serve a greater purpose in God's plan.
We also touched on the importance of living a life that reflects our faith, especially in tough times, as others are watching and can be influenced by our actions. The story of Paul and Silas shows that our praise can lead to freedom and salvation for others. We are called to trust God and praise Him in all circumstances, believing that He is working for our good.
### Key Takeaways
1. Praise as a Lifestyle: Praise is not just for good times; it’s a lifestyle that reflects our trust in God, even in adversity. Paul and Silas praised God with bloody backs in prison, showing that their worship was not dependent on their circumstances but on their unwavering focus on Jesus. This kind of praise can lead to miraculous outcomes and influence those around us. [28:15]
2. Hope in Jesus: Our hope is anchored in Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. This hope gives us the strength to praise God in all situations, knowing that there is something greater awaiting us. Whether our trials end in this life or the next, we have the assurance that God is in control and working for our good. [34:50]
3. Contentment in All Circumstances: Contentment comes from trusting that God has a purpose for our lives, no matter where we find ourselves. Paul learned to be content in every situation, whether he had plenty or little. This trust in God's plan allows us to praise Him regardless of our circumstances, knowing that we are exactly where we are supposed to be. [36:15]
4. Perspective on Trials: Trials are temporary and serve a greater purpose in God's plan. They test and purify our faith, making it more precious than gold. Understanding that our trials are "for a little while" helps us maintain a perspective that allows us to praise God, knowing that He is working everything for our ultimate good and His glory. [38:43]
5. Impact of Our Praise: Our praise can lead to freedom and salvation for others. Paul and Silas's decision to praise God in prison led to the salvation of the jailer and his household. This story reminds us that our actions, especially in tough times, can have a profound impact on those around us. We are called to live lives that reflect our faith, making it evident that Jesus is at the center. [45:35]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:51] - Introduction to the Power of Praise
[26:36] - Trust and Praise in Difficult Times
[27:19] - The Object of Our Focus
[28:15] - Acts 16:16-26: Paul and Silas in Prison
[30:26] - Worship with Bloody Backs
[32:23] - The Impact of Our Praise
[33:28] - Keys to Praising God: Hope
[34:50] - Keys to Praising God: Contentment
[36:15] - Keys to Praising God: Perspective
[38:43] - Trials and Faith
[41:03] - The Embroidery Analogy
[42:47] - Corrie Ten Boom's Story
[45:35] - Acts 16:27-40: The Jailer’s Salvation
[49:39] - The Power of Praise
[50:47] - Encouragement to Trust and Praise God
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 16:16-40 - The story of Paul and Silas in prison.
2. Hebrews 12:2 - "We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne."
3. Philippians 4:11-13 - "Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were Paul and Silas doing in prison that led to a miraculous event? ([30:26])
2. How did the jailer and his household respond to the events that took place in the prison? ([46:11])
3. According to Hebrews 12:2, what motivated Jesus to endure the cross?
4. In Philippians 4:11-13, what does Paul say he has learned to do in every situation?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul and Silas chose to praise God despite their painful circumstances? ([31:43])
2. How does the hope described in Hebrews 12:2 help believers maintain a lifestyle of praise? ([34:50])
3. What does Paul’s contentment in Philippians 4:11-13 teach us about trusting God’s plan for our lives? ([36:15])
4. How can the perspective on trials from 1 Peter 1:6-7 change the way we view our own difficulties? ([38:43])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent difficult situation in your life. How did you respond, and how might you incorporate praise into similar situations in the future? ([30:26])
2. Hebrews 12:2 talks about keeping our eyes on Jesus. What practical steps can you take this week to keep your focus on Jesus, especially during challenging times? ([34:50])
3. Paul learned to be content in all circumstances. Identify one area of your life where you struggle with contentment. What can you do to trust God more in that area? ([36:15])
4. Think about a trial you are currently facing. How can you shift your perspective to see it as temporary and part of God’s greater plan? ([38:43])
5. The sermon mentioned that our praise can impact others. Can you think of someone in your life who might be influenced by your response to adversity? How can you be more intentional about demonstrating your faith to them? ([32:23])
6. The story of Paul and Silas shows that praise can lead to freedom and salvation for others. How can you use your current circumstances to share your faith with someone who doesn’t know Jesus? ([46:11])
7. Reflect on the analogy of the embroidery. How can you trust that God is weaving your life together, even when it doesn’t make sense? What specific action can you take to remind yourself of this truth? ([41:03])
Devotional
Day 1: Praise as a Lifestyle
Praise is not just for good times; it’s a lifestyle that reflects our trust in God, even in adversity. Paul and Silas praised God with bloody backs in prison, showing that their worship was not dependent on their circumstances but on their unwavering focus on Jesus. This kind of praise can lead to miraculous outcomes and influence those around us. [28:15]
Acts 16:25-26 (ESV): "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and 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 bonds were unfastened."
Reflection: Think of a recent difficult situation you faced. How did you respond? How might choosing to praise God in that moment have changed your perspective or the outcome?
Day 2: Hope in Jesus
Our hope is anchored in Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. This hope gives us the strength to praise God in all situations, knowing that there is something greater awaiting us. Whether our trials end in this life or the next, we have the assurance that God is in control and working for our good. [34:50]
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel hopeless? How can you shift your focus to Jesus and the hope He provides?
Day 3: Contentment in All Circumstances
Contentment comes from trusting that God has a purpose for our lives, no matter where we find ourselves. Paul learned to be content in every situation, whether he had plenty or little. This trust in God's plan allows us to praise Him regardless of our circumstances, knowing that we are exactly where we are supposed to be. [36:15]
Philippians 4:11-12 (ESV): "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need."
Reflection: Identify a situation where you struggle with contentment. How can you practice trusting God’s purpose for you in that specific area today?
Day 4: Perspective on Trials
Trials are temporary and serve a greater purpose in God's plan. They test and purify our faith, making it more precious than gold. Understanding that our trials are "for a little while" helps us maintain a perspective that allows us to praise God, knowing that He is working everything for our ultimate good and His glory. [38:43]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on a current trial you are facing. How can you view this trial as a temporary test that is refining your faith?
Day 5: Impact of Our Praise
Our praise can lead to freedom and salvation for others. Paul and Silas's decision to praise God in prison led to the salvation of the jailer and his household. This story reminds us that our actions, especially in tough times, can have a profound impact on those around us. We are called to live lives that reflect our faith, making it evident that Jesus is at the center. [45:35]
Acts 16:30-31 (ESV): "Then he brought them out and said, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' And they said, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.'"
Reflection: Think of someone who is observing your life. How can your response to a current challenge demonstrate your faith in a way that might lead them closer to Jesus?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When I was asked to do this, my heart kind of like shrunk a little bit because when you think about praise, it's more than just like what we did here this morning. It's a lifestyle. You guys agree with that? I need, I need, it's a conversation. It's a lifestyle. But as I, as I was getting deeper into it and preparing more, I realized that God really had something for me. And preparing. Thank you so much, Brittany. I'll pick it up later, I promise. God had something for me. So I hope he has something for you too. And I believe he does." [26:36] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The same way the object of our focus determines our obedience, hear me out, the object of our focus determines our praise. Praise isn't or shouldn't be dependent on our predicament. Dave's not here, but I used a lot of Ps right there. If you know Dave. Praise should be dependent on the object of our focus, and we can't focus on Jesus in tough times if we don't trust him. I'm not even going to say we can't. Yeah, we can't. And it's very hard to trust someone you only see on Sundays. We have to live our lives directed towards Jesus if we want to trust him when it counts the most." [28:15] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "My cousin used to say it like this. He says, Christians are like tea bags. You find out what they're made of when they're in hot water. You find out what's underneath the surface, who we're really depending on whenever our back's against the wall. And I'll be honest, this isn't something I should be on the floor. I'm not saying this, I'm not good at it. You know who I trust when the back's against the wall? Myself. But we're called to trust in Jesus. It's easy to say, very hard to do. And like I said, I'm preaching to myself up here as much as I am to you guys." [33:01] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Hope means there is something at the end of this. That could mean at the end of this trial. Or if you're like me and you go through a lot of trials, it could mean the end of this life. Either way, we win. It also means that there's an intentional, an intentional action of God behind this very moment in your life. Wherever you find yourself, if you're in the trenches, if you're on the mountain, the song praise this morning. It says, I praise on the mountain. I praise in the valley. I'm very, I'm not good with lyrics. That's Hannah's job. She's really good at it. But we're praising him no matter where we are." [35:26] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Praise becomes a problem when our predicament overshadows God's promise. It means if we're in a tough enough predicament that we forget that God has a plan, no matter what it is, whether it's you're a pastor, whether it's you're a banker, a mortgage consultant, whatever it is, God, it's like, it's like the embroidery. He's weaving your white life together. Also, let this, this story be an example of what happens when the power of praise shows up. Prison walls come down. Freedom breaks out. Salvations happen." [50:08] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Their ability to worship with literal bloody backs is a prime indicator that King Jesus doesn't just rule their message, doesn't just rule their ministry, he rules their lives. I'm going to say it again. Their ability to worship with bloody backs is a prime indicator that Jesus is not just the king of their message. He rules their lives. They trust in Jesus. They've just been publicly beaten unfairly, and they're worshiping the king of kings. Right after it says, Praying and singing hymns to God, it says, The prisoners were listening." [31:43] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If we would take the time to pause to look at Jesus trust him just for a minute and believe that he's doing it for us, doing something greater than our understanding, then we get this outcome. And we're going to go into what that looks like, right? What happens, because so far we've talked about what praise is, how we actually do that, right? Hope, contentment, perspective. What is the why? The why is because we don't want our words to preach the message of Jesus, but we want our lives, I don't know about you guys, I won't speak for you guys. I want my life to give off, give off the aroma of heaven." [44:53] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul could have had physical freedom, but my plan was for the jailer to be relieved of spiritual bondage. If Paul would have left, the jailer in his household would have never been saved. Paul wouldn't have praised in the hard. The jailer in the household would have never been saved. So whenever we talk about why, why do we worship when it's hard? Also, this is, I'm going to say like at least 80% irrelevant to the message, but I noticed this while I was reading and I get like hung up on certain things. Whenever Paul was like, no, I'm not leaving in, basically they punished me publicly. I'm not leaving secretly." [48:45] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "To wrap it up, guys, life is hard. That's out of our control. What is in our control is how we live it. There's a quote hanging up in my grandma's bathroom. It's by Charles Swindoll. It's called Attitude. I don't know it word for word, but it basically says life is, you know, like 10% what happens and 90% how we handle it. If we want to get through this life, like Jesus says, Matthew 11, 28, he has a plan for us to live under his yoke freely and lightly. An attitude of praise is a part of that." [52:04] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We're in control of our lives. We're in control of how we live it, how we live our lives. And I found that community is the best way. So if you need somebody to hold your hands up through the hard seasons of life, get in community. Find a life group. But today as we enter this time of worship, find someone on the prayer team. We have people at every corner almost. I would love to pray with you. And get some prayer. We're here to hold your hands up, your arms up as your church family. That's something I've truly experienced from Paradox. And I hope you guys have too. Is we are a family." [52:40] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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