A Compelling Inquiry At Midnight! Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. The Question is Personal

2. The Question is Participative

3. The Question is Profitable

Introductory Remarks.

1. In today's lesson, we will discuss a man who asked the most compelling inquiry of his lifetime. A question having eternal implications! A question all men will ask if they are unaware of God’s terms of salvation. Not everyone has or will receive the same answer, as this man and his entire family. We are not talking about some man's theology! Or someone’s philosophy! We are talking about eternal things, divinely ordained, before the foundation of the world. Many are looking for an answer in all the wrong places. It’s not found in the Old Testament; it foretells the one who shall come, the Messiah. It cannot even be found in the Four Gospels; they reveal unto us the Lamb of God, who came to take away the world's sins. The answer we seek must be found in the Book of Conversions, The Acts of the Apostles, as revealed by the Holy Spirit. I know this introduction requires further explanation. But as we proceed, let's consider...

2. First of all, this question is personal. The jailer asked only for himself: "What must I?" - making this question personal. He did not ask for his mother, daddy, wife, or children. He desired to be saved himself. Perhaps fear generated this question. Fear for his life. But, somehow knew these men could give him the answer he needed. We need to understand this for ourselves, for each of us must stand before the judgment seat of Christ: by ourselves, for ourselves! Most importantly, however, we cannot help others find the way if we don’t know it ourselves. It is important to find out what we must do, first do it, and then instruct others on how to obey God.

3. Secondly, this question is participative. "What must I DO?" It implies participation on the part of the jailer. It is active in response and not passive. One must do something - to be saved. Unlike the Universalist who says, "Ye need not do anything – it has all been done for you." Or like the Calvinist who says, "You can't do anything if you are not one of His Elects." But Paul told the man to have faith in Jesus, and he could be saved, as well as his entire house. God desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. However, each must do something to be saved, and what is required is taught in this act of true conversion - by faith in Christ Jesus. From this example, we will see what God requires of us all to be saved.

4. Lastly, this question is profitable. Salvation was the desired end of his question. Jesus asked: “For what is a man's profit if he shall gain the whole world and lose his soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” See Matthew 16:26. He was not trying to deceive or attempting to distract them from escaping that night. He truly wanted to be saved. Like so many today! If one would ask this same question, would the answer be the same? I think not. However, God's terms of pardon and salvation have not changed since this man's conversion experience! He is the "same yesterday, today, and forever." In the same hour of the night - this man's life was saved both from suicide and sin by these men of God. He and his entire household heard, believed, and obeyed the Gospel! I want everyone here today to do the same! Let’s consider our first point: the question is personal.

BODY OF LESSON

I THE QUESTION IS PERSONAL

A. Paul and Silas called into Macedonia. They made their way to Philippi, a Roman city and colony. The gospel was now being preached in Europe about A.D. 50.

1. The vision of Paul. The Macedonian Call, Acts 16:9-17.

a. Paul’s vision in Corinth, Acts 18:9-10.

b. They perceived that God had called them to preach in Macedonia.

2. Paul’s similar visions of preaching in Rome, Acts 28:23-24, Acts 28:31.

3. Lydia and her house became the first converts in Philippi.

a. Paul joined a bible class down at the river. He preached: "The Lord opened her heart...as she attended unto the things spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household," Acts 16:13-15.

b. How was her heart opened? Through Paul's preaching and teaching! He wrote, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God," Romans 10:17.

c. The tender words of Jesus’ love and grace touched her heart.

d. She and her entire house obeyed the gospel of Christ on Saturday, down at the riverside in Philippi.

4. Foolishness of preaching: “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God,” 1 Corinthians 1:18.