The fight against God all began when a great angel called Lucifer took a third of the angels and rebelled against the authority of God. Since the Garden of Eden, man has been shaking his fist in the face of God. There is futility in battling against God. You can’t find God and win. King Herod now seeks to fight against God. He has taken the life of James and now seeks to take the life of Peter. Sixteen soldiers to get one man! See Acts 5:18. They remembered what happened the last time they tried to lock Peter up! If you fight God, He will fight back. See Jeremiah 21:5. We have all fought against God. It is futile to fight against God. Here are three reasons:-

1 – You cannot stop God’s power (vs. 5-19)

The power of God is outside of human control.

• The intercession (vs. 5) – Peter was in prison but…. prayer was being made for Peter without ceasing. They were “stretched out with prayer”. It was earnest prayer. You can “groan” and “moan” in prayer. Pray for your church and pastor. Pray for one another. Pray for those who are not saved. There are plenty of things to pray for. You never know when you will need prayer.
• The interception (vs. 6-18) – We have seen the term used in rugby or American football. Herod is throwing the pass of persecution. It is intercepted by the power of God. Peter always seems to be having a sleep in the Bible! This sleep was one that trusted in God. It was like sleeping in the electric chair! Herod was going to kill Peter. We need to learn to trust God. See 1 Peter 5:7. The angel helped Peter and then left him. God was not going to help Peter do what he could do for himself. The disciples had been praying for Peter and were shocked when God sets Peter free. Finally they let Peter into the house! They are astonished that God has answered their prayer.

2 – You cannot stop God’s punishment (vs. 20-23)

Herod was punished by God for his pride. He saw himself as deity. His death was horrible. The worms eat him to death. You cannot fight God and win. What you sow, you will reap. See Galatians 6:7-8 and Proverbs 1:31. You sow the wind you will reap the whirlwind!

3 – You cannot stop God’s purpose (vs. 24-25)

The Word of God grew and multiplied. You can’t stop God’s work. There were those who were trying to stop God’s purpose. Nothing or no one can stop the purpose of God. Herod was a great King and he couldn’t stop it. Nothing can stop the purpose of God in your life. Instead of fighting God why not trust him? You can’t stop his power, you can’t stop his punishment and you can’t stop his purpose.

Categories: Acts