Acts 16:16-24 – Living in A Hostile World (2021) – Bible study

Acts 16:16-24 Living In A Hostile World It is difficult to do right in a world that does so much wrong. You probably wont find that written on any fortune cookies, but it is a true saying. The world has its set of values and they seem to be ever falling. Yet, there are decent, clean, moral people too. These two forces often come into conflict, normally with those who lack morals taking advance of those who have them. How are the moral supposed to live in a world where morals are constantly slipping? Lets notice the text. I. There are forces that seek to pull you down. A. \#16\ There are demons at work. 1. The Bible makes it very clear that demons are real. a. I suppose that one of the things that is good about our present age is that there seems to be, among the common man, more and more an awareness of spiritual powers. b. Between horror movies, ghost stories, and other paranormal television, the public at large at least accepts the possibility that there are forces at work beyond our understanding. c. The problem is that most do not realize that all such forces of demonic. d. People are hunting for ghosts, spirits, magic, spells, and paranormal activities like they are good things. e. They arent! They are all part of the devils spiritual army and regardless of how they manifest themselves, they are evil. 2. I have said, even recently, that the days that we are facing are filled with the symptoms of demonic activity. a. drugs b. violence c. rebellion d. sexual immorality e. suicide 3. As the symptoms of demonism increase, we can assume the power and influence of demons are increasing. a. It is true that most of us are sheltered from direct demon activity. b. However, just because we dont see it, that doesnt mean it isnt out there. 4. Unfortunately, even as these symptoms increase, people keep doing the kinds of things that give demons their power over people. a. Ignorance (1) People are being suckered into demonism with even realizing it. (2) There are only two powers – Satan and God. (3) Ghost hunters, fortune tellers, mediums, and all the rest are either deceived by the powers they play with or willing instruments for them. (4) Ignorance does not offer any protection. b. Invitation (1) Many people are inviting demons to either attack or possess them. (2) Wicca, Ouija boards, occultic movies, music, and interestseven the worlds fascination with the worlds religions today. (a) When these religionists speak of their dreams, visions, knowledge of the other side, what force do you think is backing them? (b) When you dabble in demonic things, you are giving the demons permission to influence you. c. Intense sinfulness (1) Doing wrong attracts demons. (2) They figure the more like them you behave, the of them you want for friends. (3) Immorality, drug abuse, violent behavior, perversions of every sortthese draw the forces of darkness to you like a beacon in the dark. 5. Demons were around in Pauls day, and they are making a comeback in America and the world today. B. There were devilish people at work as well. 1. In this account, the Bible only mentions the young damsel as being demon possessed, but there are a lot of people behaving in devilish ways. a. Some people dont need the help of a demon to act devilish. b. They are enough like the devil already. 2. \#18\ Notice, that all Paul did was help a young lady be free of a demon. Acts 16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. a. From my perspective, that is a very good thing to do. (1) I dont know that this woman was tormented by the demon that was in her because the Bible doesnt say. (2) However, I have never heard of anyone who was possessed who was not also tormented. (3) But even if she were not tormented, it is not right for a spiritual power to take possession of a human. (a) A person under demonic control is not going to be able to think or act on their own. (b) A demon will never allow a person to accept Christ as his/her Savior. (c) Neither are they apt to abstain from sin and do right. b. Paul did this woman no harm. He did her much good. 3. \#19-24\ However, Paul was seized, beat, arrested, and thrown into a dark prison pit for his aid. a. Sometimes, good and right deeds dont produce good and right results! b. Here were men who had found a way to make money off this womans sad condition, and they were angry, enraged, that Paul had cast the demon out of her. c. On top of that, a whole town joined on their side! d. Were there no righteous people in that city or did everybody see through the blinders of profit? e. Then I notice that the Bible doesnt even tell us that the woman who was delivered spoke up for Paul! II. \#25-31\ What is a person to do? Notice Paul and Silass actions. A. Notice some things they did not do. 1. He did not fight. 2. He did not quit. 3. He did not even get angry. B. Notice some things they had already done. 1. They had done some things before this situation ever began. a. Those things were important. b. What they had done before they got there made it possible for what they were going to do. 2. What did Paul and Silas do before they got here? a. They had gotten saved. b. They had studied the Word. c. They had surrendered to the will of God. d. That includes: (1) Following Him in believers baptism. (2) Studying His Word to learn truth. (3) Surrendering to whatever God wanted for them. C. So what will they do now? Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 1. They will enjoy the presence of God. a. They were praying and singing praises to God. b. Sometimes all you can do is leave this world for a time and go visit your Father. (1) It may sound funny to some, even some who have professed to be Christians, but enjoying Gods presence is not a bad thing. (a) It is a good thing. (b) It is a refreshing thing. (c) It is an encouraging thing. (d) It is a helpful thing. (e) It is a blessed thing. (2) Sadly, it is the last thing that some Christians think about doing when this world has turned against them. 2. Believe it or not, thatd what we are SUPPOSED every opportunity that we have! a. That is what we are supposed to be doing right now. (1) Not just listening to another boring sermon. (2) Not just sitting in another church service. b. We are supposed to be enjoying the presence of God. 3. The Bible gives us examples of those who were having a blessed time in the presence of God. a. The church was birthed in such a meeting. Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (1) What were they doing in that Upper Room? (2) Chapter 1 tells us. Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication. Acts 1:15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, AND (3) The text goes on to day that Peter spoke to that group concerning the Word of God. (4) It does not use the word "preach" but that is what that is. b. Paul and Silas were called to be missionaries in such a meeting. Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. c. The Bible was pinned by people who were enjoying the presence of God. Rev 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lords day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. 4. You ask, "Why then do we have church with a preacher preaching, choirs singing, and a few folk praying? a. The answer is that these things we do in an attempt to make us available (clean enough) for Gods presence to come! b. Just like there are things one can do to attract demons, so there are things we do to make ourselves attractive to God. c. The Bible tells us what makes us attractive to God are things like singing hymns and spiritual songs, preaching His Word, praying, fasting. 5. Your next question might be, "How come it doesnt work today?" a. My answer is that it WILL work if we will clean ourselves up and seek the Lords presence! Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. b. The sad truths is we must not be doing a very good job making ourselves attractive to God. c. Churches have existed and worshipped like we are today for two thousand years, but now they thing we need to change. (1) They have brought in music to stir the flesh and watered down the preaching which if that is what they want to do, that is their business. (2) But making the church more worldly is not the way to attract the Spirit of God. (3) I dont think it is the service that needs changing as much as it is the servants! (a) We need to want God to show up here! i. Quit worrying about time, ball games, eating lunch, and what you want to do this afternoon. ii. Just concentrate on God. (b) Sin and haste will hinder God from joining with us. i. While I am preaching, you be praying. ii. Ask God to show you want hinders Him from filling this building with His presence. iii. Confess whatever God shows you. (c) We need to worship. i. Talk to God. ii. Sing, praise, glorify Him. iii. Get on a first name basis with God and ask Him to fill this place and us with His presence. iv. Enjoying the presence of God is our only recourse for living in a hostile world. III. Notice the two results from what Paul and Silas did. Acts 16:26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every ones bands were loosed. A. \#26\ There was divine intervention. 1. God showed up and opened the doors of that prison. 2. If we want God to show up (in our lives, the lives of our friends, our situations, or our nation), perhaps we need to go to church less and enjoy His presence more. B. \#27-30\ The guard got saved. Acts 16:27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? C. Conclusions: 1. I am not going to tell you that every time you and I, as Christians, are done wrong, God is going to send an earthquake to make things right. 2. I am going to tell you that every time you and I, as Christians, are done wrong by a hostile world AND we enjoy Gods presence, that God is going to show up. a. Maybe there will be an outward manifestation of His presence, maybe there wont. b. But, friend, God will show up in your soul and He will knock your prison off its foundation.