Acts 12 The Futility of Warring Against God

Introduction: There is a problem in the church: Political Persecution!

Introduction: Acts 12:1-25

Introduction: Herod Agrippa I Born 10 B.C. Proverbs 16:12 It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness. Ruled A.D.

Introduction: Herod Agrippa I Acts 12 Herod the Great Ruled 37-4 B.C. Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.

Introduction: Herod Agrippa I Acts 12 Herod the Great Matthew 2:16 Herod Archelaus Ruled 4 B.C.- 6 A.D. Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there.

Introduction: Herod Agrippa I Acts 12 Herod the Great Matthew 2:16 Herod Archelaus Matthew 2:22 Herod Antipas Ruled 6-39 A.D. Matthew 14:10 So he sent and had John beheaded in prison.

Introduction: Herod Agrippa I Acts 12 Herod the Great Matthew 2:16 Herod Archelaus Matthew 2:22 Herod Antipas Luke 9:7-9 Luke 13:31-32 Matthew 14:10 Luke 23:11 Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate.

Herod Agrippa: Pretender Pretender Acts 12:1-3 Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also.

Herod Agrippa: Pretender Pretender Psalm 73:6-12 Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment. Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish. They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; They speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth. Therefore his people return here, And waters of a full cup are drained by them. And they say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?” Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches.

Herod Agrippa: Pretender Pretender Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

Herod Agrippa: Denier Denier Acts 12:4-6 So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison.

Herod Agrippa: Denier Denier Acts 12:18-19 Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death.

Herod Agrippa: Denier Denier Acts 5:38-39 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”

How are we like Herod? Christians: Christians: Acts 12:12-16 So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, “It is his angel.” Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.

How are we like Herod? Application: Application: Acts 12:14-15 When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” Yet she kept insisting that it was so. Be like Rhoda!

Herod Agrippa: Usurper Usurper Acts 12:20-23 Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king’s personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king’s country. So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God.

Herod Agrippa: Worm fodder Worm fodder Acts 12:23 Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.

Application: Don’t war against God!  Don’t play games with God  Don’t rely on religious appearances Be encouraged; we win!

Application: Don’t war against God!  Don’t play games with God  Don’t rely on religious appearances Be encouraged; God wins!  When life seems hard:  When unbelief seems overwhelming:  When politicians betray you: