What Must I Do To Be Saved?

Acts 16:19-34

August 10, 1997

Strange evangelism:

- Accosted v. 19

- Accused v. 20-21: note the political overtones, using law as a pretence (here political or

economic) as the high priest had done with Christ

- Suffering physically, humiliated, beaten, imprisoned, shackled...most would say, "Tragedy!" "Unfair!"

I. God at Work in Preparation

1. In His servants (v. 25)

What do your actions and attitudes convey, particularly when you've been wronged? E.g. Judson after death of Nancy and son, Roger - low, depressed, but raised up by the Lord so that he had great fruitfulness in ministry.

2. In natural circumstances (v. 26)

The Lord is on the throne!

3. In awakening a sinner (vv. 27-30)

Why the sudden interest? Significance of his question!

a. Shows conviction of sin

b. Recognition of lostness

c. Sees his own helplessness and inability to save himself

d. Knows that he does not have the answer

II. God at Work in Declaration

Salvation is not just an odd feeling you get in a religious gathering. It involves truth, stated propositionally, grounded in God's Word. But it is more than knowing facts. It is experiential, acting upon revealed truth. See I Thessalonians 2:13; I Peter 1:23-25.

1. The responsibility of man (v. 31)

2. The amplification of the message (v. 32)

- No quick answers given

- Detailed explanation of the gospel

- Truth of gospel must affect you mind before you will be able to embrace it with the heart

- The emphasis is never simply upon a doctrine, but upon doctrine which leads to the person, Jesus

Christ.

III. God at Work in Salvation (vv. 33-34)

1. His work, not ours

2. Evident work

- Response to Paul and Silas

- Rejoicing

- Baptism

- Testimony to others

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