2013 APRIL WEEK ONE LESSON

Study 17: Praise, A Powerful Weapon for Warfare 1

Main Text: Acts 16:22-31

Memory Verse: 2 Cor. 10:4

Introduction

The Christian is in a spiritual warfare with the Devil. The Devil uses many means for example, false doctrines, wrong thoughts and arguments (e.g. twisting the Word of God to make it doubtful as in the case of Adam & Eve-Gen. 3:1-4).  Sometimes the Devil incites people to physically attack the Christian as in the case of Paul and Silas. However, the Christian has powerful weapons that are able to demolish the strongholds of the Devil. One of these weapons is praise and worship. In this study, we will learn about how praise and worship can be used to overcome the activities of the Devil. Praise is an expression of thanks to God for what he has done in the form of songs and adoration. As the Christian sing to thank and praise God for what He has done, He does greater things.

Study Questions

1.       Why were Paul and Silas kept in Prison? Acts 16:17-19

2.       How were Paul and Silas kept in the Prison? Acts 16: 23-24

3.      What will be the natural attitude for people thrown into prison for no wrong done?

4.      At about midnight, what did Paul and Silas do? Acts 16:25

5.      Why were they praising God in that bad situation? What can you find to still praise God even in trouble?

6.      What were the result of the praises of Paul and Silas? Acts 16:26-30

7.      What lessons do you learn from the example of Paul and Silas?

Conclusion

Though Paul and Silas were put in prison for no wrong done, they still found a cause to give praise to God. They were not crying out for deliverance, they were not calling down fire to consume the place. They were simply praising God for suffering for the cause of the gospel. God was pleased with their attitude towards suffering and caused an earthquake that opened the gates of the prison leading to their deliverance. It even led to the salvation of the Jailer andhis household. Indeed, there is power in praise and so praise the Lord at all times.


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