Confidence in God or Man?
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Peter’s Perseverance
Peter’s Perseverance
His Confidence was in Christ
His Confidence was in Christ
Though he might be put to death like James, Peter slept with the confidence of a man sure of his eternity.
19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
We’re not supposed to live in misery. We look toward a day with no hardship, pain, or misery. Because of the hope we have, we can persevere through trouble.
His Deliverance came from Christ
His Deliverance came from Christ
Whether the trouble we find ourselves in is of our own doing or whether it is no fault of our own, in both circumstances, Christ is the solution. He is our deliverance.
Romans 4:25 (KJV 1900)
25 [Christ] was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Power over sin comes only through Jesus.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: 10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
He can deliver also from those who would attempt to silence the Gospel.
1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
The Church’s Prayer
The Church’s Prayer
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
It was Instant
It was Instant
There was no hesitation in where to go for help. There was only One who could intervene in this situation.
We have a tendency to think that this is only true in the worst circumstances. That is not true. The only One who can truly make a difference is God.
It was Serious
It was Serious
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
It was Unified
It was Unified
You find as you read, that the church was gathering together for prayer meetings, not just praying in their own homes.
19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Unity in prayer is oft neglected but essential. This is why we need a church family. It is why we share requests together. Remember to pray for one another.
Herod’s Pride
Herod’s Pride
Chris Edwards said, “When we pray we show our dependence on God. When we neglect to pray, we show our independence from God.”
We find Herod a fearful man doing what the masses demand, but also a man so full of pride that he would exalt himself above all else.
We must be willing to humble ourselves. God can do it for us, but it will not end well.
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Another man experienced God humbling him. Nebuchadnezzar.
37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
These problems can be easily avoided by a simple attitude adjustment.
17 And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed thee king over Israel?
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
CONCLUSION:
Is your confidence in Christ? Do you think you have the answers?
Does your prayer show your dependence on God or independence from Him?
Are you regularly humbling yourself in your own sight?