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GOD ACTS! (Chapter 12) - He Proceeded to Seize Peter
God’s word brings light into our lives, gives us direction and points us to Jesus showing us where our hope and strength are found. Today’s story demonstrates this truth. Join us!   Chapter 12 is about some of the persecution Peter experienced and we will look at Peter’s writings in 1 Peter in conjunction with this story in Acts chapter 12 for additional insights.   THEN + NOW Persecution - Acts 12:1-4; 1 Peter 4:12-13 Herod Agrippa the First, encouraged by approval after arresting believers and putting the Apostle James to death, decides to arrest and imprison Peter. He has Peter under guard by four squads of four soldiers each. He is planning a public trial of Peter after the Passover.     1 Peter 4:12-13 - Peter tells us not to be surprised at persecution and to instead rejoice that we can participate in the sufferings of Christ.    There is a cost to following Jesus. The enemy desires to stifle our witness and to destroy the plans and purposes of God.   Prayer - Acts 12:5; 1 Peter 3:12 (Psalm 34:15) While Peter is imprisoned the believers are praying for him.   1 Peter 3:12 Peter quotes Psalm 34:15 sharing that prayer is answered by God.    We are called to be faithful in prayer.   Peace  - Acts 12:6; 1 Peter 3:14, 1 Peter 5:7 The night before his trial we see Peter peacefully sleeping while under heavy guard.   1 Peter 3:14 Peter tells us not to fear threats because God is in control.   1 Peter 5::7 Peter tells us to cast all our anxiety on Jesus because He cares for us.   Provision - Acts 12:7; 1 Peter 3:21b-22 An angel appears in the jail and the chains fall off of Peter.    1 Peter 3:21b-22 Peter tells us that Christ who is at God’s right hand, has everything in submission to Him.     God is in charge and even when an evil ruler seeks to destroy God’s people, God knows and it is His plans that will succeed.   Praise -  Acts 12:8-11; 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 5:10-11 Peter gets dressed and follows the angel out of the prison. Peter thinks he is seeing a vision. He and the angel walk past the guards, out the gate and the angel leaves him. Then he realizes that it was all real and that the Lord rescued him from Herod’s clutches! We learn that our response to God’s deliverance is to be one of praise.   1 Peter 1:3 Peter tells us to praise the Lord for our new birth in the resurrected Christ. This gift is our motivation to praise Him.   1 Peter 5:10-11 tells us we are to praise God for His provision.    We are to praise Him in all circumstances.   Prepared - Acts 12:12—19; 1 Peter 3:15 Peter goes to the house where the believers are praying for him. He tells them how the Lord brought him out of the prison and then he leaves for another place.    The next morning there is chaos at the prison as they try to figure out what happened to Peter. Herod holds a thorough search, cross-examines the guards and orders them executed.    But what can we trust Peter shared with these guards as he was imprisoned? What do we know about Peter’s heart for sharing the Gospel message of Christ’s love for all including the soldiers holding him prisoner. Peter was prepared to answer all their questions and to give them the Good News of Christ.   1 Peter 3:15 Peter tells us to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have.    These guards died not through their own fault but simply because they were connected to Peter.    How did what Peter would have taught them about Jesus affect their last moments here on this earth?   How did what Peter would have shared about Jesus affect where they spend eternity?   Am I prepared with answers about who Jesus is?    Am I prepared to be used by God to affect where those I meet spend eternity?   In this life we will have persecution. How will we respond?  -With prayer, knowing God hears and answers.  -With peace, because God cares for us.  -With the assurance of His provision because He is in control of all. -With praise, because He is our Deliverer. -And we will be prepared to be used by God to share the Gospel message even to our persecutors.   This week’s READING ASSIGNMENT: Acts chapter 12-13.    Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/god-acts-then-now   Or watch from our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@AwakeUsNow/videos   Join us Sundays live or on demand from our website  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service
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