Text: Phil 4—written from prison.
It is easy to talk about it but can you walk it?
Acts 16:24-34
Title: Thankful Christians have “Unusual” Approach
Eph 5:20 “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Should not be considered unusual to be thankful, but that is getting to be the case.
I. PRISONER IN AN UNUSUAL TRIAL
1. Why they were Persecuted.
A. Praying Faithfully vs 16
B. Helping others vs 16
C. Financial Reasons vs 16
2. Why they were Punished.
A. Public Accusation vs 19-21
B. Stripped vs22
C. Beaten vs 22-23
3. Why they were Prisoners
A. Fear--stocks
B. Failure—inter prison
Ro 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
II. PRAISE IN AN UNUSUAL TIME VS. 25
Midnight is “unusual”.
Midnight is, literally, "the middle of the night". In most systems it is when one day ends and the next begins: when the date changes
To the world all times of praise are unusual but unfortunately it is getting to be unusual for the Christian.
(COL 4:2) "CONTINUE IN PRAYER, AND WATCH IN THE SAME WITH THANKSGIVING;"
Heb 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Ps 116:17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
1. Thanksgiving Place-- prison
2. Thanksgiving Prayer
3. Thanksgiving Praise
4. Thanksgiving Profit—heard by the lost!
III. PEOPLE SEE AN UNUSUAL TESTIMONY
(MAT 6:33) "BUT SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD, AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS; AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED UNTO YOU."
1. Rattled-- Shook Up Vs 26
2. Revived-- Awakened out of sleep vs 27
Christians and Lost alike got woke up!
3. Regenerated-- Made a difference
The Jailer wanted Light
Physical and Spiritual
Psalms 126:5-6 “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
Closing:
Vs 34 “Unusual” will make a difference! The Jailer and his family is now rejoicing.
Interesting that when they get out of prison that they “comfort” the church! Vs 40 God is looking for some Thankful Christians.
There will be a cost involved!
2Sa 24:24 And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
