Wired for Worship: The Power of Worship
Copyright: South Bay Community Church
Sermon Reflections: Wired for Worship: The Power of Worship
Date: 17 March 2024
Speaker: Lead Pastor Tammy Long
Sermon Text: Acts 16:22-31
Sermon Reflections: Wired for Worship: The Power of Worship
Date: 17 March 2024
Speaker: Lead Pastor Tammy Long
Sermon Text: Acts 16:22-31
Sermon Preamble
We are continuing our mini-series, “Wired for Worship” highlighting worship leading up to Resurrection Sunday. We will examine new ways to worship, praise, and celebrate God. The focus of this message is about the power of worship. As God transforms us through worship, God uses us to advance the Kingdom of God. Have you ever felt spiritually anemic, listless, out of gas, inert, or in desperate need of a spiritual energy charge? Even with spiritual anemia, the truth is that there is power in worship. God graciously offers to us power as we worship God in spirit and in truth. We may not know who is watching us or who is listening to us, especially when we stand strong in the Lord even in hard times. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were severely beaten and thrown into prison. In the midst of it all, Paul and Silas worshipped by praying and singing hymns to God. As Paul and Silas worshipped, the foundations of the prison were shaken by the power of God. This depicts the power of worship literally for Paul and Silas and the power of worship in our lives today. Power of worship begins with loving God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength and entering into God’s presence to adore God simply for who God is. There are at least four ways we experience power when we worship God. (1) There’s power in being in God’s presence. (2) This leads to the power of seeing a broader view through God’s perspective. (3) This invites the power of aligning with God’s purpose and priorities. (4) This manifests the power of unity among God’s people and a powerful witness to the world.
1 Chronicles 16:23-31 is a foundational scripture text on the power of God and the power of worship
“23Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. 24Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 25For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. 26For all the gods of the nations are but idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 27Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place. 28Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 29Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; 30tremble before him, all the earth. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. 31Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let them say among the nations, "The Lord reigns!" (1 Chronicles 16:23-31). The Lord reigns, in power and dominion over all the earth. There is power when we worship the Lord. This reminds us of the power of the God we serve and the power of worship from an Old Testament scripture available to Paul and Silas.
Paul dislodged from a female slave a spirit of fortune telling that provided her owners much money
“‘17Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to come out of her!’ At that moment the spirit left her. 18When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities.” (Acts 16:17-18). Paul and Silas were in Philippi sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. They were accused of disturbing the city and promoting unlawful customs. They commanded an evil spirit to come out of a servant girl who was being exploited for her fortune telling abilities. The accusers were really upset because the girl was making them a lot of money that they would now lose.
Paul and Silas faced unjust charges and the city officials ordered flogging, imprisonment, with no escape
“The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods” (Acts 16:22). The accusers got a mob stirred up. The city officials, disturbed by the lack of traditional order, had Paul and Silas stripped, severely beaten with rods, and thrown into prison.
“After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks” (Acts 16:23-24). In order to make sure they didn’t escape, Paul and Silas were thrown into the inner cell dungeon with their feet placed in stocks.
We read the biblical record of the unjust charges against Paul and Silas, their flogging, and their feet placed in stocks to prevent any possible escape. Let’s engage all of our senses to put ourselves in the position of Paul and Silas. Paul and Silas are in the inner cell, which would be akin to maximum security. It is dark, damp, dirty, and depressing. Their bodies are aching, battered, bruised and throbbing from the trauma of the severe beating. They are confined in stocks, so they can’t move, stretch, or ward off cramping or stiffness. There are no comfortable ways to address excrements from the body, so there were smells. Some prisoners were probably sick, so there would have been coughing, groans, and cursing along with the clanking of chains. Do you see, hear, smell, feel the scene of Paul, Silas, the other prisoners, and the guards? Do you feel the despair and desperation of it all?
In the midst of it all, Paul and Silas worshipped God in praying and the other prisoners were listening
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God,” (Acts 16:25a). In the middle of the night, in the middle of their pain, and in the middle of horrific injustice, Paul and Silas were worshipping. They weren’t whining, complaining, or arguing with God about what God should have done about this situation.
There are times when we sing about God, and that’s not a bad thing. However, it is a different level of intimacy and connection when we sing to God. Singing to God is a love song, or a trust song, or a song in which you recognize who God is and you are grateful. They were praying and singing hymns to God, not about what God has done.
Paul and Silas could have been declaring God’s faithfulness, goodness, kindness and mercy. These attributes of God we declared in the initial sermon on this Wired for Worship series on the truth of who God is despite any circumstances in which we find ourselves. Can you testify that your circumstances do not change who God is? God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Circumstances come and go, but our God is the only solid rock on which we can depend and build our lives. As the worship song states, “on Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” Paul and Silas were worshipping the God they knew so well.
“And the other prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25b). The Greek word translated listening here is a strong word. The implication is that the prisoners were listening intently and closely.
The power of God literally shakes things up
“Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose” (Acts 16:26). This was not just a natural earthquake. In a normal earthquake foundations can be shaken and doors might even fly open depending on how they were secured. But everyone’s chains came loose; this was nothing but the power of God. The power of God was unleashed in response to the worship of Paul and Silas.
That worship and God’s power had impact on the entire prison. To the surprise of the prison guard, no one left the prison. The other prisoners recognized that there was a greater power at work. The Bible doesn’t tell us whether Paul told everyone to stay put, or whether the prisoners watched what Paul and Silas were going to do. What would you have done if you were a prisoner and your chains came loose? Whatever reason caused the prisoners to stay in their cell, they knew something powerful happened.
The jailor saw the prison door open and was about to kill himself because he thought prisoners had escaped
27The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped” (Acts 16:27). The prison guard saw that no one had left the prison. The guard did not face execution because the prisoners did not escape during his watch over them. Therefore, the guard did not take his own life.
Struck by the power of God from worship, the guard asked what he must do to be saved
28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:28-31). The guard, like the prisoners, would have heard Paul and Silas worship. Then struck by the power of God, it led the guard to ask, “What must I do to be saved?” This depicts the power of worship literally for Paul and Silas and the power of worship in our lives today. We may not know who is watching us or who is listening to us, especially when we stand strong in the Lord even in hard times.
There are at least four ways we experience power when we worship God
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’” (Matthew 22:36-37). The power of worship begins with loving God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength and entering into God’s presence to adore God simply for who God is.
The worship power of God’s presence
“Come near to God and God will come near to you” (James 4:8). That is what Paul and Silas did. Even in the midst of dire circumstances, they drew close to God.
“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Paul and Silas knew to cast their cares on God.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Paul and Silas experienced the peace that passes understanding.
In God’s presence we find that he is a shelter in time of storm. In God’s presence God sustains us, renews our strength, helps us soar on wings like eagles, and provides rest for our souls, as we abide in God’s love. There is power in God’s presence.
Power is unleashed when we worship God because we are reminded of who God is and who we are. Both in the best of times and the worst of times, God is present. Through worship we enter into the power of God’s presence.
Praise and worship is more than a response to the goodness of God. “But thou (my God) art holy, thou that inhabits the praise of Israel” (Psalm 22:3). God dwells in the praises of God’s people. God’s presence is a means of grace and unmerited favor. Grace is a channel that takes us into the space where God dwells. In that space is power. The Creator of the Universe has given us access to God through worship. In the presence of God, the Omnipotent, there is power.
The power of worship broadens our perspective
“For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). As we draw near and experience God’s presence in worship we are reminded that God’s ways and thoughts are much broader and higher than our ways and thoughts. Worship invites us to remember who God is, God’s character, and why God is worthy of worship.
In positive times and experiences, the power of worship reminds us of God’s beauty, strength, majesty, holiness, and omnipresence (that God is always with us everywhere). In challenging times, the power of worship reminds us of God’s grace, faithfulness, mercy, sovereignty and omniscience (that God knows everything and is in control). There is power when we are remembering God’s lens of reality is so much bigger than ours because God is in control.
The story is not done. God always has a plan. We walk by faith. Just that shift in perspective gives us the power to press ahead. Then we stand a little more erect and confident, not confident in us, but confident in our God. We then see through God’s eyes and wait on the Lord.
As Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns in worship, they gained a God perspective to carry them through. They were no longer focused on their situation, but they were focused on the God who has power over every situation. In worship, their perspective and our perspective broadens. There is power when we see through God’s eyes as best we can and trust God for the rest.
Power of worship invites realignment to God’s priorities
Worship invites us to align or realign our purpose and priorities with God’s purpose and priorities. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’” (Jeremiah 29:11). In God’s loving grace towards us, we worship God for who God is. We are reminded how small we are in comparison. We are humbled that God is even mindful of us. Yet the truth is that God knows our name, the number of hairs on our heads, and the very worst parts of us. When we truly worship, our hearts are opened to hear from God, who is the author and finisher of our life stories. We can be open to hear what God may want us to do and how God wants us to be.
In worship we are reminded anew that our faithful God has good and beautiful plans for us. We are invited to surrender to God’s will and way. God has good and beautiful plans for us. We are invited to surrender to his will and his way. There’s power when we align our purpose with the purpose of our All-Powerful God. When we do, we are strengthened to do all things through God’s power at work within us. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit, who is at work within us transforming us in our deep inner self to be like Jesus from the inside out.
Paul and Silas knew this worship power. God met them and instructed them. The power from worship enabled them to stay put when they could have escaped and ran free. They understood that God had a higher purpose for it all. Through their time of worship, they experienced the power of God’s presence. Through the power of an expanded perspective that God is doing something, let’s wait on God’s timing. Paul and Silas were able to experience the power of aligning with God’s purpose, not only for them, but also for the other prisoners and the jailer which leads us to a fourth power of worship.
Power of worship to experience the unity of God’s people in coming together to worship
What would be truly worshipping together? In worship together, we may be from totally different backgrounds, have totally different political views, come from different socio-economic or educational realities, prefer different styles of music, dress, foods, vacation destinations, or may be generations apart. When we worship with others across diversity, we experience the power of God’s people in unity as humans created in the image of God (See Genesis 1:27). God dwells in and inhabits the praises by God’s people. We are reminded that, despite our differences, we have one Lord, one faith, one baptism. Our one mission is to exemplify in word and deed what God’s Kingdom is like as one family of God.
Worship empowers us to be the people God intends us to be both individually and corporately. We are sons and daughters on mission, walking with the All Mighty, who is powerful, and the sovereign King of Kings. There is power when God’s people come together, worship together, and demonstrate a picture of the Kingdom of God. Believers in God are witnesses to God’s power and unity that the world is waiting to see.
As Paul and Silas worshipped God, their worship permeated the entire jail house. When God’s power was manifested so much, the prisoners stayed. The prisoners had witnessed power like they had never seen before. The prisoners were intrigued and interested. The Bible doesn’t give all details, but perhaps there were converts other than the jailor that day. “The jailor brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God – he and his whole household” (Acts 16:34). God’s power moved through the jail, through God’s people, and a man along with his entire family, was saved that day.
Power in worship is our intentional choice, not forced on us
When we acknowledge who God is and humbly enter into God’s presence with an offering of worship, we can experience the power of God. For power in worship, we must enter into God’s space. We can worship God at any time and any place. Worship is a precious gift, but it is also a choice. God has given us access to God’s presence.
Application
For applying the biblical principles of the worship of Paul and Silas to our life journey, let’s reread 1Chronicles 16:28-30, the scriptural text that Paul and Silas had. “28Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 29Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; 30tremble before him, all the earth. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.” As we conclude, let’s worship God by the worship song in this You Tube link: https://youtube.com/playlistlist=RD9q5JLhYT0ow&playnext=1&si=65pkm5nb_K70Qbq_
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FAMILY GROUPS
Sermon Preamble
-When have you felt anemic spiritually, without a spiritual energy charge? What can happen to ignite your spiritual energy?
1 Chronicles 16:23-31 is a foundational scripture text on the power of God and the power of worship
-In what ways does the scripture text in 1 Chronicles 16:23-31 available to Paul and Silas motivate them in their activities when facing injustice, flogging, and imprisonment? How does this scripture motivate you, similar to motivation for Paul and Silas, on the power of worship?
Paul dislodged from a female slave a spirit of fortune telling that provided her owners much money
-Review Zephaniah 3:3-4, another scripture available to Paul and Silas describing those who refuse to draw near to God seeking their own gain. In our world today, what examples do you see of owners, government officials, judges, and leaders in some churches hunting for victims and seeking their own gain while pursuing the kingdom of the fallen world rather than the Kingdom of God?
Paul and Silas faced unjust charges and the city officials ordered flogging, imprisonment, with no escape
-In your life journey today, why might you face opposition from a crowd of people when you act to further the Kingdom of God?
-When you place yourself in the scene of the jail as Paul and Silas, what would your senses tell you? How would you feel? Why?
In the midst of it all, Paul and Silas worshipped God in praying and the other prisoners were listening
-What is the difference between singing hymns to God based on who God is versus singing hymns about what God has done?
-What is your testimony that the truth of God’s attributes does not change regardless of your circumstances?
-What is it about praise and worship that others will listen intently, even if they are different than you or do not join you in praise?
The power of God literally shakes things up
-Put yourself in the scene of the jail as one of the prisoners. What would you have done when this powerful event removed your chains from you? Why?
The jailor saw the prison door open and was about to kill himself because he thought prisoners had escaped
-Put yourself in the scene of the jail as the jailor. How would you feel when you witnessed such power that the chains of the prisoners were removed and the officials would blame you for their escape?
Struck by the power of God from worship, the guard asked what he must do to be saved
-Why did the jailor respond to the demonstrated power by asking for salvation resulting in belief in God for himself and his entire household?
The worship power of God’s presence
-Why does worship allow you to experience the power of God and God’s presence with you?
The power of worship broadens our perspective.
-How can we get the perspective of God in our circumstances? Why?
Power of worship invites realignment to God’s priorities
-How do you create priorities in your life? In what ways will you realign to God’s priorities?
Power of worship to experience the unity of God’s people in coming together to worship
-What is the process to get to the goal of worshipping God in unity together across diversity? Why should we worship God even if another does not worship God with us?
We are continuing our mini-series, “Wired for Worship” highlighting worship leading up to Resurrection Sunday. We will examine new ways to worship, praise, and celebrate God. The focus of this message is about the power of worship. As God transforms us through worship, God uses us to advance the Kingdom of God. Have you ever felt spiritually anemic, listless, out of gas, inert, or in desperate need of a spiritual energy charge? Even with spiritual anemia, the truth is that there is power in worship. God graciously offers to us power as we worship God in spirit and in truth. We may not know who is watching us or who is listening to us, especially when we stand strong in the Lord even in hard times. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were severely beaten and thrown into prison. In the midst of it all, Paul and Silas worshipped by praying and singing hymns to God. As Paul and Silas worshipped, the foundations of the prison were shaken by the power of God. This depicts the power of worship literally for Paul and Silas and the power of worship in our lives today. Power of worship begins with loving God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength and entering into God’s presence to adore God simply for who God is. There are at least four ways we experience power when we worship God. (1) There’s power in being in God’s presence. (2) This leads to the power of seeing a broader view through God’s perspective. (3) This invites the power of aligning with God’s purpose and priorities. (4) This manifests the power of unity among God’s people and a powerful witness to the world.
1 Chronicles 16:23-31 is a foundational scripture text on the power of God and the power of worship
“23Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. 24Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 25For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. 26For all the gods of the nations are but idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 27Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place. 28Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 29Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; 30tremble before him, all the earth. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. 31Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let them say among the nations, "The Lord reigns!" (1 Chronicles 16:23-31). The Lord reigns, in power and dominion over all the earth. There is power when we worship the Lord. This reminds us of the power of the God we serve and the power of worship from an Old Testament scripture available to Paul and Silas.
Paul dislodged from a female slave a spirit of fortune telling that provided her owners much money
“‘17Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to come out of her!’ At that moment the spirit left her. 18When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities.” (Acts 16:17-18). Paul and Silas were in Philippi sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. They were accused of disturbing the city and promoting unlawful customs. They commanded an evil spirit to come out of a servant girl who was being exploited for her fortune telling abilities. The accusers were really upset because the girl was making them a lot of money that they would now lose.
Paul and Silas faced unjust charges and the city officials ordered flogging, imprisonment, with no escape
“The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods” (Acts 16:22). The accusers got a mob stirred up. The city officials, disturbed by the lack of traditional order, had Paul and Silas stripped, severely beaten with rods, and thrown into prison.
“After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks” (Acts 16:23-24). In order to make sure they didn’t escape, Paul and Silas were thrown into the inner cell dungeon with their feet placed in stocks.
We read the biblical record of the unjust charges against Paul and Silas, their flogging, and their feet placed in stocks to prevent any possible escape. Let’s engage all of our senses to put ourselves in the position of Paul and Silas. Paul and Silas are in the inner cell, which would be akin to maximum security. It is dark, damp, dirty, and depressing. Their bodies are aching, battered, bruised and throbbing from the trauma of the severe beating. They are confined in stocks, so they can’t move, stretch, or ward off cramping or stiffness. There are no comfortable ways to address excrements from the body, so there were smells. Some prisoners were probably sick, so there would have been coughing, groans, and cursing along with the clanking of chains. Do you see, hear, smell, feel the scene of Paul, Silas, the other prisoners, and the guards? Do you feel the despair and desperation of it all?
In the midst of it all, Paul and Silas worshipped God in praying and the other prisoners were listening
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God,” (Acts 16:25a). In the middle of the night, in the middle of their pain, and in the middle of horrific injustice, Paul and Silas were worshipping. They weren’t whining, complaining, or arguing with God about what God should have done about this situation.
There are times when we sing about God, and that’s not a bad thing. However, it is a different level of intimacy and connection when we sing to God. Singing to God is a love song, or a trust song, or a song in which you recognize who God is and you are grateful. They were praying and singing hymns to God, not about what God has done.
Paul and Silas could have been declaring God’s faithfulness, goodness, kindness and mercy. These attributes of God we declared in the initial sermon on this Wired for Worship series on the truth of who God is despite any circumstances in which we find ourselves. Can you testify that your circumstances do not change who God is? God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Circumstances come and go, but our God is the only solid rock on which we can depend and build our lives. As the worship song states, “on Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” Paul and Silas were worshipping the God they knew so well.
“And the other prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25b). The Greek word translated listening here is a strong word. The implication is that the prisoners were listening intently and closely.
The power of God literally shakes things up
“Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose” (Acts 16:26). This was not just a natural earthquake. In a normal earthquake foundations can be shaken and doors might even fly open depending on how they were secured. But everyone’s chains came loose; this was nothing but the power of God. The power of God was unleashed in response to the worship of Paul and Silas.
That worship and God’s power had impact on the entire prison. To the surprise of the prison guard, no one left the prison. The other prisoners recognized that there was a greater power at work. The Bible doesn’t tell us whether Paul told everyone to stay put, or whether the prisoners watched what Paul and Silas were going to do. What would you have done if you were a prisoner and your chains came loose? Whatever reason caused the prisoners to stay in their cell, they knew something powerful happened.
The jailor saw the prison door open and was about to kill himself because he thought prisoners had escaped
27The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped” (Acts 16:27). The prison guard saw that no one had left the prison. The guard did not face execution because the prisoners did not escape during his watch over them. Therefore, the guard did not take his own life.
Struck by the power of God from worship, the guard asked what he must do to be saved
28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:28-31). The guard, like the prisoners, would have heard Paul and Silas worship. Then struck by the power of God, it led the guard to ask, “What must I do to be saved?” This depicts the power of worship literally for Paul and Silas and the power of worship in our lives today. We may not know who is watching us or who is listening to us, especially when we stand strong in the Lord even in hard times.
There are at least four ways we experience power when we worship God
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’” (Matthew 22:36-37). The power of worship begins with loving God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength and entering into God’s presence to adore God simply for who God is.
The worship power of God’s presence
“Come near to God and God will come near to you” (James 4:8). That is what Paul and Silas did. Even in the midst of dire circumstances, they drew close to God.
“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Paul and Silas knew to cast their cares on God.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Paul and Silas experienced the peace that passes understanding.
In God’s presence we find that he is a shelter in time of storm. In God’s presence God sustains us, renews our strength, helps us soar on wings like eagles, and provides rest for our souls, as we abide in God’s love. There is power in God’s presence.
Power is unleashed when we worship God because we are reminded of who God is and who we are. Both in the best of times and the worst of times, God is present. Through worship we enter into the power of God’s presence.
Praise and worship is more than a response to the goodness of God. “But thou (my God) art holy, thou that inhabits the praise of Israel” (Psalm 22:3). God dwells in the praises of God’s people. God’s presence is a means of grace and unmerited favor. Grace is a channel that takes us into the space where God dwells. In that space is power. The Creator of the Universe has given us access to God through worship. In the presence of God, the Omnipotent, there is power.
The power of worship broadens our perspective
“For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). As we draw near and experience God’s presence in worship we are reminded that God’s ways and thoughts are much broader and higher than our ways and thoughts. Worship invites us to remember who God is, God’s character, and why God is worthy of worship.
In positive times and experiences, the power of worship reminds us of God’s beauty, strength, majesty, holiness, and omnipresence (that God is always with us everywhere). In challenging times, the power of worship reminds us of God’s grace, faithfulness, mercy, sovereignty and omniscience (that God knows everything and is in control). There is power when we are remembering God’s lens of reality is so much bigger than ours because God is in control.
The story is not done. God always has a plan. We walk by faith. Just that shift in perspective gives us the power to press ahead. Then we stand a little more erect and confident, not confident in us, but confident in our God. We then see through God’s eyes and wait on the Lord.
As Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns in worship, they gained a God perspective to carry them through. They were no longer focused on their situation, but they were focused on the God who has power over every situation. In worship, their perspective and our perspective broadens. There is power when we see through God’s eyes as best we can and trust God for the rest.
Power of worship invites realignment to God’s priorities
Worship invites us to align or realign our purpose and priorities with God’s purpose and priorities. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’” (Jeremiah 29:11). In God’s loving grace towards us, we worship God for who God is. We are reminded how small we are in comparison. We are humbled that God is even mindful of us. Yet the truth is that God knows our name, the number of hairs on our heads, and the very worst parts of us. When we truly worship, our hearts are opened to hear from God, who is the author and finisher of our life stories. We can be open to hear what God may want us to do and how God wants us to be.
In worship we are reminded anew that our faithful God has good and beautiful plans for us. We are invited to surrender to God’s will and way. God has good and beautiful plans for us. We are invited to surrender to his will and his way. There’s power when we align our purpose with the purpose of our All-Powerful God. When we do, we are strengthened to do all things through God’s power at work within us. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit, who is at work within us transforming us in our deep inner self to be like Jesus from the inside out.
Paul and Silas knew this worship power. God met them and instructed them. The power from worship enabled them to stay put when they could have escaped and ran free. They understood that God had a higher purpose for it all. Through their time of worship, they experienced the power of God’s presence. Through the power of an expanded perspective that God is doing something, let’s wait on God’s timing. Paul and Silas were able to experience the power of aligning with God’s purpose, not only for them, but also for the other prisoners and the jailer which leads us to a fourth power of worship.
Power of worship to experience the unity of God’s people in coming together to worship
What would be truly worshipping together? In worship together, we may be from totally different backgrounds, have totally different political views, come from different socio-economic or educational realities, prefer different styles of music, dress, foods, vacation destinations, or may be generations apart. When we worship with others across diversity, we experience the power of God’s people in unity as humans created in the image of God (See Genesis 1:27). God dwells in and inhabits the praises by God’s people. We are reminded that, despite our differences, we have one Lord, one faith, one baptism. Our one mission is to exemplify in word and deed what God’s Kingdom is like as one family of God.
Worship empowers us to be the people God intends us to be both individually and corporately. We are sons and daughters on mission, walking with the All Mighty, who is powerful, and the sovereign King of Kings. There is power when God’s people come together, worship together, and demonstrate a picture of the Kingdom of God. Believers in God are witnesses to God’s power and unity that the world is waiting to see.
As Paul and Silas worshipped God, their worship permeated the entire jail house. When God’s power was manifested so much, the prisoners stayed. The prisoners had witnessed power like they had never seen before. The prisoners were intrigued and interested. The Bible doesn’t give all details, but perhaps there were converts other than the jailor that day. “The jailor brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God – he and his whole household” (Acts 16:34). God’s power moved through the jail, through God’s people, and a man along with his entire family, was saved that day.
Power in worship is our intentional choice, not forced on us
When we acknowledge who God is and humbly enter into God’s presence with an offering of worship, we can experience the power of God. For power in worship, we must enter into God’s space. We can worship God at any time and any place. Worship is a precious gift, but it is also a choice. God has given us access to God’s presence.
Application
For applying the biblical principles of the worship of Paul and Silas to our life journey, let’s reread 1Chronicles 16:28-30, the scriptural text that Paul and Silas had. “28Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 29Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; 30tremble before him, all the earth. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.” As we conclude, let’s worship God by the worship song in this You Tube link: https://youtube.com/playlistlist=RD9q5JLhYT0ow&playnext=1&si=65pkm5nb_K70Qbq_
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FAMILY GROUPS
Sermon Preamble
-When have you felt anemic spiritually, without a spiritual energy charge? What can happen to ignite your spiritual energy?
1 Chronicles 16:23-31 is a foundational scripture text on the power of God and the power of worship
-In what ways does the scripture text in 1 Chronicles 16:23-31 available to Paul and Silas motivate them in their activities when facing injustice, flogging, and imprisonment? How does this scripture motivate you, similar to motivation for Paul and Silas, on the power of worship?
Paul dislodged from a female slave a spirit of fortune telling that provided her owners much money
-Review Zephaniah 3:3-4, another scripture available to Paul and Silas describing those who refuse to draw near to God seeking their own gain. In our world today, what examples do you see of owners, government officials, judges, and leaders in some churches hunting for victims and seeking their own gain while pursuing the kingdom of the fallen world rather than the Kingdom of God?
Paul and Silas faced unjust charges and the city officials ordered flogging, imprisonment, with no escape
-In your life journey today, why might you face opposition from a crowd of people when you act to further the Kingdom of God?
-When you place yourself in the scene of the jail as Paul and Silas, what would your senses tell you? How would you feel? Why?
In the midst of it all, Paul and Silas worshipped God in praying and the other prisoners were listening
-What is the difference between singing hymns to God based on who God is versus singing hymns about what God has done?
-What is your testimony that the truth of God’s attributes does not change regardless of your circumstances?
-What is it about praise and worship that others will listen intently, even if they are different than you or do not join you in praise?
The power of God literally shakes things up
-Put yourself in the scene of the jail as one of the prisoners. What would you have done when this powerful event removed your chains from you? Why?
The jailor saw the prison door open and was about to kill himself because he thought prisoners had escaped
-Put yourself in the scene of the jail as the jailor. How would you feel when you witnessed such power that the chains of the prisoners were removed and the officials would blame you for their escape?
Struck by the power of God from worship, the guard asked what he must do to be saved
-Why did the jailor respond to the demonstrated power by asking for salvation resulting in belief in God for himself and his entire household?
The worship power of God’s presence
-Why does worship allow you to experience the power of God and God’s presence with you?
The power of worship broadens our perspective.
-How can we get the perspective of God in our circumstances? Why?
Power of worship invites realignment to God’s priorities
-How do you create priorities in your life? In what ways will you realign to God’s priorities?
Power of worship to experience the unity of God’s people in coming together to worship
-What is the process to get to the goal of worshipping God in unity together across diversity? Why should we worship God even if another does not worship God with us?
Sermon Resources
Posted in Wired for Worship
Posted in 1 Chronicles 16, Acts 16, Paul and Silas, worship, prison, sing, pray, power of worship, God\\\\\\\'s presence, perspective, priority, Unity, Diversity
Posted in 1 Chronicles 16, Acts 16, Paul and Silas, worship, prison, sing, pray, power of worship, God\\\\\\\'s presence, perspective, priority, Unity, Diversity
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