Three Immovable Powers (060924)

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Scripture Reading: Acts 16:6-12.

Title: Three “Immovable” Powers

Message: Three “Immovable” Powers

Paul’s Second Missionary Journey

In Acts chapter 16, we have the first leg of Paul and Silas’ second missionary journey.

The Call (vv. 8:12)

In vs. 6, Paul attempted to go into Asia. They were forbidden.

In vs. 7, Paul attempted to go into Bithynia. The Holy Spirit suffered them not.

In vs. 8, they find themselves in Troas.

Two things happen in Troas.

Paul has his vision.

Luke joins the team.

Acts 16:10 KJV 1900

And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

Lesson: God uses people in our lives.

Lesson: God would not have sent Paul to Macedonia unless there had been a need. God would not have established SCBC if there was not a need.

Lydia’s Salvation (vv. 13-15)

Lydia - Paul couldn’t go to Asia so God brought Asia to him.

Lydia was a hard working business women who was seeking to provide for her family and who was sincere in her “religion.”

She worshipped God but that wasn’t enough.

God had prepared her heart.

She responded to Paul’s message.

A Certain Damsel (vv. 16-18)

This woman was physically enslaved and she was spiritually enslaved.

Only Jesus Christ could deliver her - from both.

Colossians 1:13 KJV 1900

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

The “Masters” & The Politicians (vv. 19-24)

Acts 16:19 KJV 1900

And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,

It is here that we have a collision between three seemingly immovable powers…

The Power of the “Almighty Dollar”

The Power of Politics

The Power of God

Question: How would you have illustrated the power of God?

Which won? The Power of the “Almighty Dollar!”

1 Timothy 6:6–11 KJV 1900

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Then…

1 Timothy 6:17–19 KJV 1900

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Proverbs 1:17–19 KJV 1900

Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. And they lay wait for their own blood; They lurk privily for their own lives. So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; Which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

Proverbs 1:32 KJV 1900

For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, And the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

It’s “interesting” to note that, here in Philippi, the only ones who did not respond positively to the Gospel message were the politicians and those who were “greedy of gain.”

The Philippian Jailer (vv. 25-34)

The hard working, blue collar worker in Philippi. Possibly a former Roman soldier.

Acts 16:30–31 KJV 1900

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

The Departure (vv. 35-40)

Acts 16:37 KJV 1900

But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

Question: Why didn’t Paul appeal to his Roman citizenship before, when he was originally brought before the magistrates, in vv. 20-24? He could have saved himself and Silas a lot of pain and suffering.

I know that some of you may say something along the lines that Paul would have never met the Philippian jailer who likely would have never been saved had Paul and Silas not spent a night in jail.

I would agree with you, but Paul didn’t know what was going to happen.

So, I believe it goes deeper - although much simpler - than that.

1 Peter 4:19 KJV 1900

Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Proverbs 3:5–6 KJV 1900

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.

Paul could have trusted his citizenship; instead, he decided to trust God.

How many of us would have trusted our citizenship?

In the end, what - or Who - won?

The Power of Money?

The Power of Politics?

The Power of God?

Hopefully, we understand that God ultimately won the battle and - at the same time - accomplished everything that He desired to accomplish!

Acts 16:40 KJV 1900

And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.