North Charlottesville church of Christ

Play

The Conversion of the Philipian Jailer (The Power of Knowing God)

Larry Rouse
10/16/22 - Sun AM

The Conversion of the Philippian Jailer (The power of knowing God) www.ncvchurch.com Introduction: Where should one turn when their live falls apart? A. What causes a man to open his heart to God? 1. Each man knows within himself that there is a God! (Ecc 3:11; Acts 17:24-27) 2. Sometimes God allows a man to “crash and burn” as a step to open a heart. 3. How can one find this God? More importantly can I trust this God? 4. There are many counterfeits in the world. Satan, the master of deceit, has created many “gods” for man to worship! (1 Cor 10:20-21) 5. Satan’s “gods” dwells on the flesh and acts like men! (Ex. New Age quotes) B. The power to open a heart and then find change comes from knowing God. 1. Our God lets us know that He seeks what we really need. (Jn 3:16) 2. When life is turned upside-down, I need to know whom I can trust and turn to. I. How was Paul able to reach others as he responded to the “Macedonian Call?” A. God directly told Paul to preach in Macedonia. (Acts 16:9-10) 1. What might have Paul expected to find? What did he actually find? (Acts 16:13-14) 2. Why would this opportunity be a priority over others? What doors may God give us? B. Paul was then severely beaten and then thrown into prison! (Acts 16:22-24) 1. How many scars resulted from this? (Gal 6:17) 2. Do you think Paul may have had some doubts? ... second thoughts? 3. Even in prison his wounds are left unattended and his position made difficult. 4. God commonly will put us into difficult and discouraging places for a purpose! II. How God used Paul and Silas to open hearts A. How did Paul and Silas respond to an unjust trial and a severe beating? 1. There are times in life where one can see what is actually in another’s heart. One can “fake” a speech but in adversity our real self can be exposed. 2. There were other occasions where God used Paul this way! (2 Cor 12:9) 3. Both the jailer and the prisoners could see exactly how they responded! (Acts 16:25) 4. This is exactly how any Christian should respond! (1 Pt 2:21-23) B. What would be the content to the prayers and hymns of these men? 1. How did Christ think and pray when He was on the cross? He exalted God and remembered His nature and of His past actions. (Ps 22:3-5) 2. Consider some possible Psalms they could have sung! (Ps 109:3-5; 29-31) 3. How did the Apostles pray after being publicly beaten and threaten? (Acts 4:29; 5:40-42) 4. Even the corrupt Sanhedrin could see something very different in these men. These men knew God and that got the attention of even hard hearts! (Acts 4:13) III. Opening the heart of the Philippian Jailer A. There are occasions in one’s life where God providentially opens hearts. (Acts 16:26-27) 1. The earthquake was a terrifying event with the jailer. He was abruptly awakened out of sleep. (Ex. Short circuited electric heater) 2. He also was hit with a far greater fear. What if the prisoners escaped? 3. Rome had a gruesome practice if a guard let even one prisoner escape! They were highly motivated to never let that happen. (Acts 12:19; 27:42-43) 4. Why would a grown rationally thinking man decide to take his life? When one lives without God, they will have a low view of life and especially their own. 5. The culture of Satan leaves men bitter, empty and without anyone to care. There is an alternative view of life! (Titus 3:3-4; Jn 10:10) B. The jailer opens His heart to Paul and Silas. (Acts 16:27-30) 1. It took the initiative of Paul to show he cared for the jailer and his fears. Those that think little of themselves and are moved by genuine concern. 2. Later a Roman centurion would come to trust Paul in similar circumstances. (Acts 27:22-25) 3. Did the jailer understand what salvation meant? He soon would! (Acts 16:31-32) 4. The jailer brings his whole family for this midnight study! 5. There was no delay in his entire household being baptized! The jailer now shows concern for Paul and Silas and washes their stripes. (Acts 16:33) 6. Why was the jailer baptized immediately? He trusted God and wanted to have a relationship with Him. (Acts 16:34; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38) IV. What can we learn from this great example? A. When we know God we will think and live differently. (Mt 5:11-16) 1. How we respond to hatred and false accusations will show if we yet know and trust God! What does it mean to be a “child of God.” (Mt 5:44-45) 2. How much do I think about God? This will give me purpose, peace and perspective. We must major in keeping our thoughts here! (Heb 11:6) 3. This is the essence of Bible study and the renewing of our minds. (Rom 12:2) B. Respond with grace to those that hurt you. (1 Pt 2:11-12) 1. When someone sees a different kind of heart they will pause. (Rom 12:20) 2. I clearly saw this as a non-Christian! C. Let the certainty of salvation transform our lives. (Rom 8:18, 24-25) 1. The example of Paul also opened my heart as a teenager. 2. When we truly know God, we will constantly be dwelling our thoughts on Him. (1 Jn 3:2-3; 1 Pt 1:7-9) 3. We do not know how to live until we know how to die! Conclusion: How will God use us to open hearts?