A. KNOCK MEANS YOU ANTICIPATE ENTRANCE
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you” (Matt. 7:7, NLT).
1. Definition: To strike a sounding blow, seeking admittance, calling attention or giving a signal.
2. What is involved in knocking?
a. Your initiative to contact.
b. Your signal to someone.
c. Communicating your desire.
d. For entrance or response.
3. What is prayer?
a. You initiate a relationship with God.
b. You have a message to give to God.
c. Using communication.
d. To get a response from God.
B. WHAT ABOUT DELIVERANCE
1. The problem. “King Herod . . . persecuted some believers . . . the apostle James . . . killed with a sword . . . arrested Peter . . . Peter was in prison” (Acts 12:1-2,4).
2. How did the church pray? “While Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him” (Acts 12:5).
3. God didn’t deliver James, but He delivered Peter.
a. Secure in solitary confinement. “Fastened with two chains between two soldiers” (v. 6). “In a cell” (v. 7). “First and second guard post” (v. 10). “Iron gate that led to the city” (v. 10).
b. Peter slept soundly. “Suddenly . . . a bright light in the cell . . . an angel of the Lord struck him on the side to awaken” (v. 7).
c. Bondage released. “The chains fell off” (v. 7).
d. Instructed. “Quick get up” (v. 7). “Get dressed” (v. 8). “Put on your coat” (v. 8).
e. Freedom. “The iron gate . . . opened . . . all by itself” (v. 10).
f. Now what? “They passed through and started walking down the street . . . suddenly the angel left him” (v. 10).
C. WHAT ABOUT THE KNOCKING?
1. Went to Mary’s house where the church prayed. “He went to the house of Mary . . . where many were gathered for prayer” (Acts 12:12).
2. Went to Christians. “Where two or three are . . . I am there” (Matthew 18:20).
3. The act of obedient knocking. “He knocked at the door in the gate” (Acts 12:13).
4. What did the door represent?
a. Fellowship.
b. Safety.
c. Acceptance.
d. God’s answer.
5. Why didn’t Rhoda open the door?
a. Excitement.
b. Not realize danger.
6. What was the response of those praying?
a. Unbelief.
b. Doubt.
c. Belief in Herod’s justice.
d. Doubted an answer prayer.
e. Believed the worst, i.e., Peter was dead (angel).
7. What was greatest act of obedience? “Peter continued knocking” (v. 16).
8. Response:
a. “They were amazed” (v. 16).
b. Testing. “He told them” (v. 17).
c. “Go tell (other) James” (v. 17).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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