Prayer that Shakes the World

Acts 4:23-31

Introduction

1.  The response of the Early Church to Persecution was not to cower in fear, but to go to the Lord in prayer

2.  Their powerful prayer meeting focuses on three themes

I. Trust in the Sovereignty of God

1.  Our God is in complete control over every single event that occurs in this world

• “Sovereign Lord” (v. 24)= ‘despotes’ (Greek) = one who has legal control and authority over persons, such as subjects or slaves
• The Sanhedrin was powerful, but they were under the authority of an infinitely greater power!

2.  Three verbs in this passage remind of us three important aspects of God’s power and authority:

• God “made” (v. 24)– He created all things and rules over them in His wisdom providence
• God “spoke” (v. 25) – He is the God of revelation and every word of prophecy will be fulfilled
• God “predestined” (v. 28) – He is the God of history who ‘works all things according to the counsel of his will’.

II. Reflection upon the Word of God

1.  The believers see their persecution as a partial fulfillment of Biblical prophecy (vv. 25-28)

• Psalm 2 in its original context was recited at the coronation of the King to encourage him in the face of enemies who wanted to overthrow him
• Psalm 2 points us toward the ultimate King of the Universe – Jesus Christ!
• Psalm 2 continues to be fulfilled in the Church Age as ungodly people oppose the righteous subjects of God’s Kingdom

2.  Psalm 2 reminds us that the persecution we face is part of a much larger battle that rages between kingdom of Satan and the Kingdom of God (cf. Genesis 3:15)

III. Advancement of the Kingdom

1.  The boldness of the Apostles in witness is mirrored by the boldness of the Church in prayer!

2.  The content of their prayer is surprising

• They don’t pray for deliverance from persecution
• They don’t pray for vengeance on their enemies
• They pray for the advance of God’s Kingdom!

3.  The results of their prayer are astounding

• The meeting place was physically shaken!
• The believers were freshly empowered by the Holy Spirit for the task of evangelism

Application

1.  When you face various difficulties along the road of life do you to trust that God is using these trials for your good and for His glory?

2.  Is your first impulse in a trial to go to God in prayer?  Do your prayers reflect the boldness and Kingdom focus of these early believers?