2013 Acts #19: an exposition of Acts 12:1-24. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, September 29, 2013.
Intro:
Without a doubt he is an egomaniac. Those who observe him closely wonder if he is, in fact, insane. Drunk with power he will stop at nothing to ensure his own glory. He will step on anyone, crush any opposing voice, and grandstand to win the applause and adoration of the ignorant and uniformed. He thinks nothing of aligning himself with religious groups if it serves his purpose. It is clear he has no conscience. Without question he views himself as having godlike qualities. His name is Herod. Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great and the ruler of Judea. Herod sought to make political gains among the Jews by striking at the heart of the young church. In our text this morning, Dr. Luke gives us a glimpse into Herod’s political maneuvering and some insight into living out our faith in the midst of testing times. Our text this morning is found in Acts chapter 12.
Text: Acts 12:1-24
The young church is experiencing exciting and disturbing times.
Exciting in that the Lord is adding to their number daily.
The church is experiencing explosive growth.
Yet the opposition is mounting.
Threats and warnings have given way to persecution and martyrdom.
And now this powerful political figure is joining forces with the Jewish establishment.
It is true, politics makes strange bedfellows!
The Jews hated Herod – Herod didn’t care for the Jews – but an alliance could benefit them both.
Herod executes James, the brother of John and imprisons Peter, intending to execute him as well. This must have been a devastating blow to the church. The Lord Jesus suffered an agonizing death – but then was reported to be alive. The Spirit came with power and enabled the young church to speak and act with great boldness. Then Stephen was murdered by mob action. Now James, one of the apostles, is executed as a political prisoner. Peter, a key figure in the church, is now set for execution. Persecution has already driven many of the followers of the Way out of Jerusalem into Judea, Samaria and beyond. What will happen to the church? Is this the beginning of the end? Why is it that evil seems to triumph? Is God in charge or not? Luke’s answer is a resounding, “Yes!” This passage is often used in a way that focuses on Peter. That is a great story. There are powerful lessons to be drawn from Peter’s miraculous deliverance. But I’m convinced that this passage is about God and Herod. Further, I’m convinced there is a powerful lesson for us in this passage. How do we, as believers, live in the midst of uncertainty? What do we do when evil seems to triumph? How are we to react when it seems that wickedness advances at the cost of the church of the Lord Jesus? The answer is that we are to respond in faith. Faith is the Christian response to uncertainty. Faith is the response of the people of God when evil seems to march on and righteousness apparently stumbles. In spite of the struggle, the people of God believe. In fact:
Thesis: Biblical faith rest unwaveringly on God’s sovereignty.
In times of war, in times of great distress, in times of uncertainty the people of God have consistently clung to the precious doctrine of the sovereignty of God. The sovereignty of God is not a relic of the past that we trot out on special occasions and give a customary salute. It is a living, vital reality in which we are to glory.
There are two great, fundamental principles related to this truth reflected in our text.
- The apparent advance of the wicked does not unnerve biblical faith. (12:1-5; 20-22)
- Biblical faith confidently trusts in the ultimate triumph of God. (12:6-19, 22-23, 24)
Conclusion:
Such is the sovereign power of our God. Though at times it seems that the wicked prosper and the arrogant go unchecked the church marches on confident that God will ultimately triumph. In times of uncertainty and heartache – we cling to the sovereignty of God by faith.