The Power of Worship
Worship is far more than singing, it’s the very thing that God created us for. Worship is the true response to the awesome power, beauty and glory of the God who created everything by the power of His Words. Worshipping God empowers us to do His work, strengthens us and unifies us as His body. It’s not surprising that something so powerful would be attacked and threatened by the enemy. Paul and Silas show us the power of worship and how to keep it pure and purposeful.
Scripture
Acts 16:25-33 ESV 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.
Bible Study Questions
In the late hours of the night we can feel at our most lonely, helpless and ashamed. What is a song in the night and who gives it to us? (Job 35:10, Psalms 42:8)
Apart from God, who heard the prayers and hymns of Paul and Silas? (Acts 16:25)
Paul and Silas are praying in the dead of night in a pitch dark prison cell. God sends and earthquake in response, and breaks them loose. They choose not to leave but to stay where they are. What does this tell you about what they were praying for? (Acts 16:25-16)
The jailer was stunned that Paul and Silas had been supernaturally freed, and yet chose to stay where they were. What effect did this amazing behaviour have on the jailer and his family? (Acts 16:30-32)
What effect did the jailers faith in Christ for salvation have on the his behaviour. What was He inspired to do? (Acts 16:33)
Where do you see each of the four walls of the Church (Scripture Prayer Worship and Serving) in the passage about Paul and Silas in prison? (Acts 16:25-33)
What can we learn about our attitude towards worship, especially in the community of the Church, from the way that God used worship so powerfully with Paul and SIlas? (Ephesians 5:18-21)
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You for finding us, rescuing us, and giving us the hope of eternal loving relationship with You. Please forgive us when we don’t follow You and commit ourselves to Your Scriptures, Prayer, Worship and Serving You and Your Church. Please help us worship You in all it’s different forms so as to glorify You and do the work that You prepared for us to do. Thank You Father, In Jesus Name, Amen.
Worship
When my heart is overwhelmed
I will look to You alone
God my rock, God my rock, God my rock
You will stand when others fall
You are faithful through it all
God my rock, God my rock, God my rock
In the blessing, in the pain
Through it all You've never failed me
You are the strength of my heart
You are the strength of my heart
I can rely on You, I can rely on You
You are the joy of my life
You are my song in the night
There is no one as true
Jesus I trust in You
When I've struggled to believe
You have not let go of me
God my rock, God my rock, God my rock
Carried through the darkest storms
You have held me in Your arms
God my rock God my rock God my rock
Paul Baloche
Serving
Paul and Silas serve the prisoners, the jailer and his family by praying for them and worshipping God in the midst of the darkest and most painful circumstances. Their faithfulness is used to save the lives of the jailer, his family and the other prisoners. We should pray and ask God to use our dark times to draw us into worship and into serving Him by bringing hope, joy and comfort to those He sends us to, wherever we are and whenever He chooses.