I Will Praise The Lord

I WILL PRAISE THE LORD

ACTS 16: 16-34

MAY 5, 2002

INTRODUCTION: I AM BLESSED – MARTINA MCBRIDE

Blessed (Hillary Lindsey/Troy Verges/Brett James)

I get kissed by the sun each morning

Put my feet on a hardwood floor

I get to hear my children laughing

Down the hall through the bedroom door

Sometimes I sit on my front porch swing

Just soaking up the day

I think to myself, I think to myself

This world is a beautiful place

I have been blessed And I feel like I’ve found my way

I thank God for all I’ve been given At the end of every day

I have been blessed With so much more than I deserve

To be here with the ones that love me To love them so much it hurts

I have been blessed

Across a crowded room I know you know what I’m thinking

By the way I look at you And when we’re lying in the quiet

And no words have to be said I think to myself, I think to myself

This love is a beautiful gift I have been blessed

And I feel like I’ve found my way I thank God for all I’ve been given

At the end of every day I have been blessed With so much more than I deserve

To be here with the ones that love me To love them so much it hurts

I have been blessed

When I’m singing my kids to sleep When I feel you holding me

I know I have been blessed And I feel like I’ve found my way

I thank God for all I’ve been given At the end of every day

I have been blessed With so much more than I deserve

To be here with the ones that love me To love them so much it hurts

I have been blessed

TRANSITION THOUGHT: Our text for today speaks to the reality of just how blessed we are. Maybe you did not hear those words as the text was read, but the truth of the blessing is there. How on earth could a beaten man sing songs and praising the lord? The reality of our God is that in the midst of the worst situations, HE fills us with praise. Our response is to praise the Lord, to let out what HE has placed within. It is better out than in!! The Apostle Paul knew there was power in praise, so lets look and see just what Praising the Lord can do.

THESIS SENTENCE: True Disciples Praise the Lord regardless of the immediate circumstances of life!

THE POWER OF…

I. PRAISING THE LORD BRINGS REALITY IN TO FOCUS (VV. 19-25)

A. REALITY IS NOT NECESSARILY YOUR PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES!

1. The Apostle Paul’s present condition: Tell the whole story as found in our text. Focus on the negative (Verses 19-24).

2. What might be our present circumstances: good or ill?

B. REALITY IS SHOULD BE FOCUSED ON GOD!

1. Romans 8: 18, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

2. Job 1& 2. Note 1: 12 – 21, 2: 9&10

3. Note the Apostle Paul’s reaction to his circumstances (verse 25!).

C. REALITY IS BASED IN PRAYER!

1. Where did our text and this episode in the life of the Apostle Paul begin? Where was He headed?

2. What did the Apostle Paul do besides sing?

3. How do you respond to the Negative circumstances in your life?

4. Prayer brings focus because it has its reality in God alone!

5. Note Hebrews 12: 1-3, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

THE POWER OF…

II. PRAISING THE LORD BRINGS FREEDOM FROM BONDAGE (VV. 26)

A. Praise brings about supernatural EVENTS.

1. Because Paul and Silas sang Hymns of praise, God had an open avenue into their circumstances.

2. There was a violent earthquake, the prison doors flew open and the chains fell off. Is this a natural occurrence?

3. Do you remember the story of the Battle of Jericho (Joshua 6: 6-20; especially verses 6, 14, and 20)? What caused the walls to fall, 7 days of Marching around the city? Was it 7 days of the 7 priests blowing trumpets? OR WAS IT THE PRAISE OF THE PEOPLE AS THEY SHOUTED TO THE LORD? AND THE WALLS CAME TUMBLING DOWN!