Acts 16-2- Victory through trials

Rejoice in the Lord Always!

Jesus spoke these words, John 16:33

John 16:33 NLT

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

The key to our Peace is in Christ-

He has overcome

Living in this world will bring many trials- but Christ is our peace

When we go through trails - We are still united with Christ

Jesus says right before this encouraging word for His followers, John 16:32

John 16:32 NLT

But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me.

I am not alone- The Father is with me!

There is an assurance that no matter what we may face God is always with us!

Hebrews 13:5–6 NLT

Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

God is the source of victory-

Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Suffering and Trials in light of Christ Victory

As someone who knows and understands the Word of God, and our salvation through Jesus , and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit:

THERE IS A PROPER WAY TO RESPOND TO SUFFERING

Acts 16:18–24 NLT

This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her. Her masters’ hopes of wealth were now shattered, so they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities at the marketplace. “The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!” they shouted to the city officials. “They are teaching customs that are illegal for us Romans to practice.” A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.

This is the Trouble that the enemies tries to cause in the Life of Paul and Silas

We experience troubles or trials

Joseph experienced troubles and trials

Daniel experienced troubles and trial

Most people of the Bible faced trouble and trails

There is an enemy-

John 10:10 NLT

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

the whole purpose of the devil and his demons is to

Steal

Kill

Destroy

But There is more power in the blood of Jesus!!

And God’s word is Greater then any word spoken or action taken by the Devil to keep you bound

You need to understand -

The devil is always trying to steal, kill and Destroy!

2 Corinthians 11:12–15 NLT

But I will continue doing what I have always done. This will undercut those who are looking for an opportunity to boast that their work is just like ours. These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.

Even right now the Enemy is trying to take you out, your loved ones out

So what do you do?

Acts 16:25 NLT

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.

understand that you are an overcomer-

The enemy can attack but you overcome because of the Blood of Jesus which is Greater

Romans 8:37 NLT

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

Deliverance is the expectation of the Righteous

Psalm 34:19 NLT

The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.

3. Perseverance produces a breakthrough mentality

James 1:2–4 NLT

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Hope flows from a knowledge of God and His Word

Ephesians 1:17–19 NLT

asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power

the Bible never says you wont face troubles, trial, and tribulation

But we are called to Hope in Lord and Rejoice in the Face of opposition

Philippians 4:4 NLT

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!

there is an outcome to our faith and it is always Salvation

1 Peter 1:9 NLT

The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.

What is the Soul?-

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 26.4 ψυχή, ῆς

the essence of life in terms of thinking, willing, and feeling—‘inner self, mind, thoughts, feelings, heart, being.

the word is Psuche- which we get the word psyche from

Notice that the salvation or the deliverance is for the inner person- You Peace of Mind

Most battle of faith are caused by opposition but that place in the inner man- The Mind

That is why we are called to trust with all our heart- The Mind is under attack but the heart is where faith flows from!

Acts 16:26–31 NLT

Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.”

Can i just say- This is not the Outcome the Enemy was expecting!

Psalm 34:17–20 NLT

The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!