“The Inner Prison” – Acts 16:23-28
Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.
Prison for God’s followers was a platform for God to perform in power.
Proverbs 27:1b For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
Acts 16:17b These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
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.
I. God’s Help.
Acts 16:23-25a And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed.
Victory in life is not found in seeking to avoid all the battles. Victory is learning to lean into Jesus when battles come and to go through it with Him.
Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.
II. Out.
Acts 16:25b And sang praises unto God.
Philippians 1:20-23 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
III. Bright.
Acts 16:25c And the prisoners heard them.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Your life is being watched even when you are not aware, and when you are in a prison season, your actions can direct others to Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
When you seek God’s help and sing out while you are in prison you are showing the way for those behind you. Your test becomes your testimony, and your mess becomes your message.
IV. the Course.
Acts 16:30-31 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
When life sends you into a season that you do not understand, realize that God always knows what he is doing. He can use pain for progress. He can use our prison for a purpose.