The Spirit That Sets Us Free
(Acts 16:16~34)

All people want to live freely. But, due to various problems of life such as sins, poverty, diseases and death, they are living their lives by carrying laborious and heavy burdens. If we believe in Jesus, we can gain freedom and liberation from those problems and live in the midst of joy and hope.

1. Persecution of those who do not believe
1) Paul went through much persecution during his missionary journeys. He was met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. By driving out the spirit from her, a commotion took place. (Acts 16:16~18)
2) When the owners of the slave girl realized that they were no longer making money, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them to the authorities. After Paul and Silas had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison. (Acts 16:19~23)

2. The attitude of Paul and Silas
1) Paul and Silas still praised God in the midst of a painful night. (Acts 16:25)
2) Suddenly, there was such a violent earthquake and everybody’s chains came loose. God listened to their praise and loosen all things that were binding them. (Acts 16:26)

3. The response of God
1) Due to this event, the jailer and his whole family had come to believe in God. (Acts 16:27~34)
2) The Holy Spirit frees us. If the Holy Spirit comes, everything that is binding life comes loose, and we can live by enjoying freedom and liberation. (Lk. 4:18~19)

Conclusion
When the night of sufferings comes, we must give thanks to God with dreams and faith. Psalm 50:23 says, “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.” If we move forward with thanksgiving and praise even in the midst of sufferings, God will be joyful and do amazing things for us.