Earthquakes Do not matter
The Earthquake Does not matter
Acts 16:25-26, II Tim 4:6-8,10,14,16-18
n Introduction
o Charged with sedition
o Beaten with many stripes
o Backs bruised and bleeding and unwashed
o Cast into the inner prison where light was excluded and very little air
o Feet were placed in stocks
n Their occupation
o Praying and singing hymns
o The word for prayer here – speaks of worship, asking for gifts, rendering adoration, offering of thanksgiving
o Hymning the praises of God
o It was expression of the gladness of their hearts
o They did not ask for anything , they gave
What was it that made them glad? They’re respond why do you think we are sad?
n The prisoners were listening
o Translated attentive and enjoyable listening
n Victory of the soul over adverse circumstances
o Transforming of your opposing source of friction into your dearest ally
o Listen to Paul
§ Tribulation worked patience, therefore rejoice in tribulation (Rom 5:3, James 1:2) Count it all joy!!!
§ Afflictions work a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, therefore we will rejoice in our afflictions (2 Cor 4:17) For our light affliction which is but for a moment….
§ Godly sorrow worketh repentance (2 Cor 7:10)
§ Tribulation, afflictions and sorrow works as our allies to the glory of God
§ WHY – Out of tribulations comes patience
§ Afflictions are dismissed – light and for a moment - in view of the weight of glory
§ Sorrows works towards the changing of mind which means transformation into perfect harmony with the mind of Christ Himself
§ THIS IS THE CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE
n Secret of this experience – their knowledge of God
o Our experience is part of the cure
o Tribulations has a strange way of making us strong and lead us to victory and the final glory.
o We must cooperate with the process so that joy and triumph can come.
n TWO MEN IN PHILIPPI IN PRISON, INNER PRISION, IN STOCKS, IN SUFFERING, IN SORROW - ALL TRUE - BUT YET THEY WERE IN GOD.
o Their consciousness was not on the prison or pain but God!
n AT Midnight
o The translation is “about or around” midnight
o We focus on the hour – but it was not definite moment at all for Paul. Not a stopping place.
o Where there is but darkness – time is transfigured
o No agony of darkness but traveling in the light in the spirit.
n What do we learn about our midnight?
o Men who sing while they suffer have learned the profound secret that suffering is the method by which joy is perfected in human like and history
o Men who sing in prison, are men who cannot be imprisoned
§ Not matter how it looks – they are not in prison
§ Bodily presence – Yes – but spiritually with God
§ Fast the feet if you want…but they sitting with Christ in heavenly places
o Men who sing at midnight are citizens of that city where there is no light of sun nor moon, for the Lord the Lamb it the light
o Men who sing when their work appears to have stopped are men whose work cannot be stopped
§ Stopped the preaching but the message continued in the singing
§ Best way to reach a prisoner is have another prisoner reach him – I’ve been there
§ At least one got saved – look what the same one who put them in prison does -
· Brings them light
· Wash their stripes
· Gives them meat
n CONCLUSION
o The earthquake does not always come
o I don’t need it to be happy – STOP THE STORY HERE!!
o Yes, God delivered him this time but not all the time
o Wrote back to the Philippians from prison – Rejoice and again I say Rejoice
o Wrote back to timothy…I’m in prision but listen to my song…I have fought a good fight……Alexander the copper smith did me wrong…at my first trial, everyone left me…listen to my Anthem…. To whom be glory for ever and ever.
o Prison does not matter