Introduction

(Scripture reference Acts 12:1-19)

THE DEVIL DESIRES TO DESTROY THE CHURCH

A. Jesus is persecuted - Herod

1. Luke 9:9 - Acknowledging beheading John; desired to see Jesus

2. Luke 13:31 - Pharisees tell Jesus that Herod wants to kill Him

3. Luke 23:11 - Pilate sent Jesus to Herod who treated Him with contempt and mocked Him

B. The church is persecuted - Herod

1. Acts 12:1 - He persecuted believers in the church

2. Acts 12:2 - He had James (John's brother) killed with a sword

C. Peter is persecuted

1. Herod is emboldened after killing James - pleasing the people

2. Herod has Peter arrested, and placed in prison

3. Peter is guarded by 4 squads of 4 soldiers each (16 soldiers)

4. He intended to bring Peter out of public trial after the Passover

D. Today...

1. Believers and the Church are being persecuted

2. The world is becoming more emboldened

3. The devil desires to imprison and destroy us

PRAYER PROVIDES POWER OVER THE DEVIL'S PLANS

A. Peter was kept in prison, but...

B. Constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church

C. Characteristics of the prayer...

1. At least, a couple of days (the Passover was 7-days)

2. Well into the night (Peter is sleeping; the church is praying)

3. Constant (Ektenēs = stretched)

D. What are the characteristics of our prayers?

E. The power the prayer produced...

1. Note: Peter is bound with 2 chains between 2 soldiers, with other soldiers (14) guarding the door

2. An angel appeared to Peter, and a light shined in the cell

3. Peter's chains fell off

4. They passed the first and second guard posts undetected

5. The iron gate opened by itself (automatos)

6. Peter rescinded from Herod, and what the Jewish people expected

F. What power is produced from our prayers?

CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK: THAT I WILL PRAY FOR AND WITH MY CHURCH, AND THE CHURCH