Pastor Nate Brosher
Jun 22, 2025
Acts 16:22-24 NLT - 22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn't escape. 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.
1. Anointed, but Hindered.
The anointing is the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence and gifts.
R.C. Sproul: The “baptism of the Spirit” refers to being equipped or empowered by God’s Spirit to carry out the task that Jesus has given the church. When the Spirit equips us or baptizes us, we are immersed, as it were, in the Holy Spirit.
What hinders the anointing in our lives?
Sin & Disobedience
Romans 6:23 ESV - 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1Samuel 15:23 NLT - 23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols
Fear & Timidity
2Timothy 1:7-8 NLT - 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, either, even though I'm in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.
Pride & Self-Reliance
Philippians 2:3-5 NLT - 3 Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Unforgiveness
Mark 11:25 ESV - 25 “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."
Hebrews 12:15 ESV - 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.
2. It’s a New Day!
Acts 16: 25-26 NLT - 25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!
Why did they wait until the midnight hour?
3. Your storm isn’t always about you!
Acts 16: 27-33 NLT - 27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, "Stop! Don't kill yourself! We are all here!" 29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household." 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. 33 Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized.
Act 16:24 NLT - 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.
Are we demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives?