Acts 16 1-40

IDOP: International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

TEXT:  Acts 16:1-40

OBJECTIVE:  It is my objective to show that when we are dealt with suffering and pain even when we are sure we are in God’s will, we can have proper and God honoring reactions.

INTRODUCTION:

1.  Who is watching you?

2.  Who saw you leave your home today?

3.  Who knows that you leave every Sunday to come to Church?

4.  Who knows you are a Christian?

5.  Does being a Christian have any effect on your life?

6.  Quick travel in Acts 16

I.  Paul meets and disciples Timothy  16:1‑5

A.  Timothy has been saved and has a good reputation

B.  Paul has him circumcised because of the Jews

1.  Deal with the problem of circumcision

a.  Why have him circumcised?

b.  He was a Jew

c.  Did not have to do with salvation

d.  Did have to do with ability to reach the Jews.

1 Corinthians 9:22 ESV To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.

2.  Gave up personal rights so that others would benefit

C.  They were able to reach out to many with the Gospel

D.  How Paul mentored Timothy—2 Timothy  2:1‑7

D.  How should we teach others?

      Discipling

E.  Our job as a church-Umbrella—Evangelism‑Edification

1.  Acts 16:5 ESV So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.

a.  Established--strengthened

b.  Increased in faith

2.  Are we ready for new believers?

3.  Is the hospital ready for new patients?

II.  How do you know God’s call?

 A.  Read Acts 16:6-11

B.  Seeking to do God's will

1.  Where should we go next?

a.  v. 7‑‑Spirit suffered them not

--Kept moving--Tried to do God's will

--Do something--God can change your direction

--Example of car in parking lot

b.  v. 8  Headed in another direction

c.  v. 9‑‑Vision

2.  Immediately followed the vision

C.  Finding God's will

1.  Does it violate Scripture?

2.  Is it wise?

3.  Is it practical?

4.  Am I willing.

2 Corinthians 8:12 ESV For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.

5.  God will not reveal to us what we are unwilling to do.

III.  Went to Philippi 12-21

A.  What was Philippi like  v. 12

1.  Chief city of that part

2.  Abiding in that city certain days

--Looked over the city

--Abiding has idea of dwelling

B.  What was done on the Sabbath?

1.  No longer going to the Synagogue?

2.  Synagogue located outside the city wall

3.  Place where prayer was made

4.  Place of worship to God

C.  Lydia Saved  14-15

1.  Well to do--Wealthy

2.  One who worshipped God

3.  Lord opened her heart

4.  Baptized--

5.  Began to minister immediately

      D.  Girl with demon cast out--16-21

1.  Demon possessed girl fortune telling

2.  Became a nuisance

3.  Demon cast out immediately

4.  Girl could no longer make money for her masters

5.  Riot started

6.  Demon possession

      --Demonic activity on rise in America

      --Word for sorcery in Bible—Pharmacia

      --What is our power over Satan

1 John 4:4 ESV Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

            Ephesians 6:10-18

      --Satan will attack in every way possible

IV. Salvation of the Philippian Jailer  22-46

      A. Paul and Silas imprisoned 22-30

1.  Magistrates tore off their outer clothing

2. They were beaten with rods

3.  They were THROWN into prison

4.  They were commanded to be kept securely

--feet put in stocks

5.  Paul and Silas begin to sing hymns and pray

--Could not sleep

--Left very uncomfortable

--What else can they do?

6.  God sends an earthquake

7.  All doors of Prison immediate opened

8.  All were in chains

9.  Application

--When persecutions come

--Mistreated for Christ

--Why are we so special that we have not been mistreated

--How do we react when trials and tests come

--What happens when our modern electronics are lost

--What would you do in prison placed there unjustly

      a.  Just because you serve God does not mean it will be easy

      b.  Our proper reaction to adversity is essential

      c.  We are a testimony to others around us

      d.  What about the jailer types—had us beaten

      e.  Bless those who curse you, bless and curse not

      f.  Example is Joseph in Genesis

      g.  Example is Daniel in Daniel

      B.  Philippian Jailer Converted 31-34

1.  Initially is going to kill himself

2.  Paul and Silas call for him to not hurt himself

3.  Comes and invites them home

4.  What must I do to be saved?

5.  Believe—Baptized

6.  Great Knowledge is not necessary, only knowing Jesus Christ,

7.  Baptism takes place as an outward confirmation of salvation

8.  Have you been baptized since you were saved?

      C.  Humbling of the city officials  35-40

1.  Magistrates sent their policemen to release them

2.  Paul--"You come yourself and release us."

3.  Went to Lydia's house, encouraged the brethren, departed

Application:

1.  God is the one who opens hearts

      --Application--Pray for unsaved

      --Next obvious step after salvation--BAPTISM

2.  Who are you witnessing to

--Are you ready to tell someone how to be saved?

1 Peter 3:15-17.  15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. NASB 95

IDOP—International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Slides and Video