How Jesus Sets the Captives Free

Recap:  Paul and Silas = 2nd. Missionary journey to check in with churches previously established, to strengthen their faith, as well as expand the territory.    Were seeking to go other places.  Holy Spirit directed them to Macedonia - city of Philippi.  They met with a women's prayer meeting at first and that meeting came to be the first church established in Philippi. 

How Jesus Sets the Captives Free

Acts 16:16-17 - possessed slave girl - had Spirit of Divination.  God's people forbidden to do this.  Was spiritual warfare going one.
Divination (Deut. 18:9-10) - the worship of other gods.  Paul connects to demons in 1 Cor. 10:20.  These things are making a comeback.  Young people,beware of this stuff on Tik Tok.  You are not messing around with this.  It is messing with you.  (witchcraft, the occult, spells)  -  All are connected to the worship of other gods (demons).

This slave girl proclaiming that Paul and Silas were sharing how to be saved.  On the outside, seems like a good thing.  However, demons know who Jesus is.  Her spirit knew Jesus.  They all do.  Mark 5, Mark 1:24
Demons believe in God (James 2:19) but they do not want to serve God.  They work against Him. The can not stand.  Phil. 2:10 = everybody

Acts 16:18 - Why did Paul cast out the demon? 
Possible reasons:  didn't want the association, disturbance, hindrance, annoying, not everything is brought on by a demon.  Often times because of our own selfish desires - James 4

Paul given that authority like the other disciples, Matt. 10:8, Luke 10:17
However, there were pretenders - Acts 19:14-16
We are all in bondage to our own sinful desires - Rom. 6:15-23
However, God has enough grace for even you - Rom. 6:20-23
Jesus sets us free to be what we are created to be.

Was a weird blend in Philippi - wealthy business woman (Lydia), demon-possessed girl, and a suicidal prison guard.  All with great testimonies. 

Every believer has a testimony.   

Acts 16:19-24 - magistrates violated their own law:  no trial or opportunity for defense, then whipped Roman citizens (1 Thess. 2:2 "Shamefully treated")

Note:  the Gospel can affect profits.  Examples:  Simon the magician in Acts 8, Demetrius - silversmith in Acts 19.  Wouldn't it be great if this happened in America where the lucrative, sinful businesses were just shut down because people were changed and following the Gospel.
Paul and Silas messed with the money, and thus the great opposition.  

Note:  Sometimes it looks like the enemy is winning.  HE IS NOT!! 
Examples:  Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Joseph, the Cross, Peter, Satan, Satan and Judas
Even things meant for evil, God can use for good.  Rom. 8:28

Use Prayer, Praise, Proclamation - to fight off attacks of Satan.

These 2 had a tough day - beaten, bruised, blood, chained, can't sleep..... so what to do after a day like that??
Acts 16:25 - Phil. 4:4,  Col. 3:15-17 - Paul practiced what he preached.  Do you?
His life and his attitude were great testimony to the Lord Jesus.  Is yours?  Matt. 5:16

Your life is a testimony for Jesus.  Is it a good one?  at school?  work? ball field?  basketball gym?  business?

Some things to think about:

Acts 16:26-28 - Were the other prisoners believers ant this point?
Acts 16:30 - Their life did the majority of the work
Acts 16:31 - the Gospel
Acts 16:32-34 - Was it the same pool?  Jesus not only reconciles us to God, he also reconciles us to each other.  

Challenges: 
1)   Be reconciled to God
2)  Pray for enemies to be reconciled to God
3)  let your light shine before men.