Powerful Praise (Acts 16:16-34)

This summer we’re in a message series called “Heroes of Faith.” What is a hero? The dictionary defines a hero as “somebody who commits an act of remarkable bravery or who has shown an admirable quality such as great courage or strength of character.” A hero is a remarkably brave person. A hero is someone who encounters a dangerous or difficult situation and who then exhibits great courage or strength of character. So, in order for a hero to be born, there is a necessity of an enemy of what kind or another. In order for faith to be proven, there is a necessity of a challenge to that faith. 

Therefore, rather than be discouraged by difficulties in life, we should embrace them, knowing that God has allowed them into our lives so that we could become His heroes. God wants you to be one of His heroes of faith. God wants Life Church to be filled with heroes of faith. Do we have to go around looking for enemies to fight or difficult situations to overcome in order to be heroes. No, the enemies and difficult situations will come and find you. Anybody figured that out already?

2 Timothy 3:12 (NIV) In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Who is “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus”? Well, I think that defines a believer doesn’t it. If you claim to be a believer but don’t want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus, you’re really not a believer. So everyone who is a believer will be persecuted. Persecution is when evil people and evil spiritual forces attack you in order to neutralize you as God’s hero.

Let me just pause for a minute and define what persecution is not. You are not being persecuted if a policeman pulls you over and gives you a speeding ticket when you break the speed limit. You are not being persecuted when your doctor tells you you need to lose weight or start exercising or both. Persecution is not what happens when you reap the consequences of doing something wrong. Persecution is what happens negatively when you do something right.

What should you do when you are persecuted for living a godly life? Complain, grumble, get discouraged? Let’s see what Jesus had to say about what you should do when you are persecuted.

Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV) Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven …

First of all, Jesus said that you’re blessed when you’re persecuted because of Jesus. Secondly, you ought to rejoice and be glad because God has a great reward for you for being a hero of faith for him in the face of persecution.

Today, my message is entitled “Powerful Praise.” We’re going to look at two heroes who were severely persecuted but responded with praise. And God did something wonderful as a result of their being heroes of faith. Many of the difficulties that we face in life are simply the result of living in a fallen, broken world. When something breaks on your car, it’s not persecution, but we still need to rejoice and be glad. Not that the car is broken, but that God is good despite the broken car and He will help you get it fixed. Other problems may be the result of persecution, in many forms. But our response should be the same, rejoicing and praise for a God who loves you.

Our story begins with our two heroes of faith, Paul and Silas on their way to a prayer meeting.

Listen to or watch my June 10, 2012 message Powerful Praise.