STUDY THREE: PRAISE: A WEAPON IN HARD TIMES.

THEME:FIGHT A GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH

Text:   Acts 16:16-29.

21ST JANUARY, 2024

AIM:

• To understand the importance of praise in challenging times
• To know that praise brings God into the scene of hard times and can turn around even the worst day and makes the heart feel light.
• To appropriate praise as a supernatural power that breaks chains and opens doors

INTRODUCTION

Praise is a weapon that is very effective in pushing back the forces of evil. It is also very effective in helping us to better focus on God in hard times, with Him and in our daily lives. Praise helps us to focus on God and thus have better intimate communication with Him and to hear God’s voice. Hearing God’s voice is the most important part of our fellowship time with Him. Praise also helps us to know God in real and personal ways, rather than just knowing about God. When we praise God in hard times, we gain new hope, as we remember that God is in control and He is working for our good Palm 22:3. Praise dissipates worry and dilutes concern and fear, tarnishes sadness and magnifies goodness.

Paul and Silas were stripped, beaten, and placed in stocks in the inner cell. Despite this dismal situation, they praised God, praying and singing as the other prisoners listened. No matter what our circumstances, we should praise God. Others may come to Christ because of our example.

DISSCUSSION/QUESTIONS:

1. How do you understand praise as weapon and what is the Biblical meaning of praise? Heb.13:15; Luke 15:25 and Rom. 12:1
2. What happens when we praise God in hard times? Psa.22:3; 150:1-5; 149:1-3;1Chro. 20:20-25

3. Discuss the power of praise from Psalm42:5-6; 140:13; 69:30;Acts16:26;Josh.6:1-27
4. What are the benefits of praising God in challenging times? Psa.100:4, 103:1-5.

1. Give Biblical examples of those who praised God in Hard times. 1Chro. 20:20-25. To what extend has praise acted as weapon in Nigeria situation

CONCLUSION

Praising God in the hard times doesn’t minimize or deny heaviness of heart. Instead, it redirects our focus on who God is. He never changes. He promised never to leave or abandon his children, so we can count on his presence, even when our emotions can’t confirm it. He is near to the brokenhearted Psalm 34:18.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:Praise can heal and delivers, opens the floodgates of heaven to God’s people.

Memory Verses:Psalm 22:3. Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises.