The Power of Sin and Money

Acts 16:16-24

Introduction:

Q: How important is money to you? Is it worth sinning to get it?

Lesson: Whenever you have a spiritual victory, get ready for Satan to provide spiritual persecution.

Three Main Points:

I. The Power Of Human Sin - L– v.16,17

A. A slave girl possessed a spirit of divination. - L– v.16

/“Spirit of Divination” literally means a spirit, a Python./

Q: Why would someone trust fortune tellers?

A: Because they wouldn’t trust God.

I Samuel 15:23 “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the Word of the Lord…”

I Chronicles 10:13 “So, Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he committed against the Lord…because he consulted a medium for guidance.”

"Medium” someone who talks, he thinks, to the dead.

Philippians 4:6,7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God that passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ.”

B. There were men who possessed the spirit of greed.- L– v.16;

I John 4:4b “…because greater is He Who is in you than he who is in the world.”

C. The slave girl had an evil spirit of deception. - L– v.17

1) Her testimony had truth in it. - L– Mark 5:5-7

2) It’s God’s Spirit Who proclaims all truth.

Revelation 12:9 “So, the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth and his angels were cast out with him.”

II. The Power Of Jesus’ Name. - L– v.18

A. The false witness’ statements lasted many days

B. Paul was deeply grieved - L– v.18

“Annoyed” here means grieved.

C. Paul calls on Jesus to heal her. - L– v.18

Lesson: Jesus Christ’s power can change anyone.

III. The Power Of Money and Greed. - L– v. 19-24

A. The business of the masters was gone. - L– v.19; L– John 16:33

B. Money and greed caused false charges. - L– v.20-22

1) Paul and Silas were dragged to authorities. - L - v.20

2) The masters claimed Paul and Silas caused trouble. - L– v.20

3) The masters said Paul and Silas taught unlawful customs. - L– v.21

C. Money and greed caused corruption. - L– v.22,23

D. Money and greed caused evil treatment. - L– v.23,24

Conclusion: Four Points of Interest

1. Satan and his demons know Jesus Christ. - L– v.17

2. Evil people love money more than people. - L– v.19

3. Don’t expect the government to protect Christians. - L– v.22

4. There are times we get punished for doing the right thing. - L– v.23

Fact: If we would hold onto Jesus Christ first, we will have all we need.

Matthew 6:33 Jesus said, “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.”

Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”