Jailhouse Joy

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – June 4, 2017

Series Title: “Philippians: Return to Joy!” – Rediscovering joy and giving it away!

Today’s Title: “Jailhouse Joy!”

Today’s Text: Acts 28:16-20 & 30-31

 

PAUL WAS A PRISONER WITH A JOYOUS PASSION FOR THE FREEDOM OF OTHERS

 

FREEDOM FOR GENTILES – Acts 22:17-22

-          He was in the Roman jail because he did what God called him to do (Acts 23:11)

-          He helped convince the church to fully welcome the Gentiles (Acts 15)

 

FREEDOM FOR WOMEN – Acts 16:12-15 & 40

-          Lydia - A prominent person (purple clothe dealer, home owner,

-                        household servants)

-          First woman convert specifically named in Acts

-          One of only a few woman quoted in Acts (16:15)

-          Just after Comes the Jerusalem Council freeing the Gentiles of the Law (see above)

 

FREEDOM FOR THE CAPTOR – Acts 16:16-40

-          Praising God at midnight, in prison!  (Acts 16:25)

-          God frees them through an earthquake (Acts 16:26)

-          A jailer and his family become believers (Acts 16:34)

 

FREEDOM FOR THE LOCAL CHURCH

Paul wrote several letters from Rome, while “in chains”

-          Philippians 1:12-14 – (God used suffering for His glory)

-          Colossians 4:10 & 18 (greetings)

-          Ephesians 4:1-6 – (unity) 6:18-20

 

FREEDOM FOR THE SLAVE

-          Set this man free - Philemon 1:1 & 1:8-13

            (see also Colossians 4:9)

 

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1