Bible Study Discussion Guide: Worship in the Valley---
### Bible Reading
John 4:23-24 (ESV)> "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
Acts 16:22-34 (ESV)> [22] The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. [23] And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. [24] Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
> [25] About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, [26] 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.
> [27] When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. [28] But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." [29] And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. [30] Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" [31] And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."
> [32] And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. [33] And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. [34] Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
Psalm 23:4 (ESV)> "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
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### Observation Questions
- In John 4:23-24, what does Jesus say is required of "true worshipers"?
- According to Acts 16:25, what were Paul and Silas doing at midnight in prison, and who was listening to them? [16:07]
- What was the result of Paul and Silas’s worship in prison, both for themselves and for others around them? [33:28]
- In Psalm 23:4, what is the psalmist’s attitude while walking through the valley, and what is the reason for that attitude?
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### Interpretation Questions
- The sermon says, “Worship is about what we value most.” How does this definition challenge the way people usually think about worship? [01:02]
- Why do you think worship in the valley (difficult times) is described as more “genuine” or “pure” than worship on the mountaintop? [07:19]
- The sermon mentions that lament is not the same as complaining, but is an honest expression of pain before God. Why is honesty before God considered a vital part of worship? [23:58]
- When Paul and Silas chose to worship in prison, their circumstances did not immediately change. What does this teach about the relationship between worship and our circumstances? [21:10]
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### Application Questions
- The sermon says, “Whatever you give the highest worth in your life—that is your worship.” What is one thing in your life right now that might be competing with God for your highest priority? How can you intentionally shift your focus back to God this week? [01:02]
- Think about a recent “valley” or difficult season in your life. How did you respond—did you turn to worship, or something else? What would it look like to choose worship next time? [07:19]
- The story of Paul and Silas shows that worship is a choice, not a feeling. Is there a specific area in your life where you need to make the decision to worship, even if you don’t feel like it? What practical step can you take? [26:26]
- The sermon encourages honesty with God, even when we are hurting. Is there something you need to lament or bring honestly before God right now? How can you do that this week? [23:58]
- Scientific studies mentioned in the sermon show that worship can reduce anxiety and increase compassion. Have you noticed any changes in your own heart or mind when you spend time in worship? Would you be willing to try setting aside 12 minutes a day for worship this week and share your experience with the group? [27:19]
- Paul and Silas’s worship led to the jailer and his family coming to faith. Who in your life might be impacted by your response to hardship? How can your worship in the valley become a testimony to others? [35:22]
- The psalmist says, “I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Is there a fear or anxiety you are facing right now? How can you remind yourself of God’s presence in the midst of it? [31:38]
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