Prayer and Closed Doors

[Editor's Note: All scripture used in this sermon are from the KJV.]

Introduction

Acts 12:1-5 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth [his] hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put [him] in prison, and delivered [him] to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

Let us consider how God moves when we pray:

The angel fetched Peter out of prison, but it was prayer fetched the angel. Thomas Watson

"You can do more than pray, after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed." (John Bunyan)

In its early days, Dallas Theological Seminary was in critical need of $10,000 to keep the work going. During a prayer meeting, renowned Bible teacher Harry Ironside, a lecturer at the school, prayed, "Lord, you own the cattle on a thousand hills. Please sell some of those cattle to help us meet this need." Shortly after the prayer meeting, a check for $10,000 arrived at the school, sent days earlier by a friend who had no idea of the urgent need or of Ironside's prayer. The man simply said the money came from the sale of some of his cattle! Today in the Word, MBI, January, 1990, p. 36.

Things looked bleak for the children of George Muller's orphanage at Ashley Downs in England. It was time for breakfast, and there was no food. A small girl whose father was a close friend of Muller was visiting in the home. Muller took her hand and said, "Come and see what our Father will do." In the dining room, long tables were set with empty plates and empty mugs. Not only was there no food in the kitchen, but there was no money in the home's account. Muller prayed, "Dear Father, we thank Thee for what Thou art going to give us to eat." Immediately, they heard a knock at the door. When they opened it, there stood the local baker. "Mr. Muller," he said, "I couldn't sleep last night. Somehow I felt you had no bread for breakfast, so I got up at 2 o'clock and baked fresh bread. Here it is." Muller thanked him and gave praise to God. Soon, a second knock was heard. It was the milkman. His cart had broken down in front of the orphanage. He said he would like to give the children the milk so he could empty the cart and repair it. Source Unknown

I. We See the Opportunity of Prayer

The setting of this story shows us that the early church was being persecuted due to political pleasure and posturing. The leaders of Jerusalem found it to be popular to kill Christians. The thirst for popularity could be achieved by publically persecuting church leaders.

A. The Annihilation of James

Acts 12:1-2 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth [his] hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

B. The Apprehension of Peter

Acts 12:3-5 - And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put [him] in prison, and delivered [him] to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

C. The Anticipation of Christians

Acts 12:5 - Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

Upon Peter being imprisoned the church realized that this was an opportunity for prayer. It was one thing for Herod and his soldiers to display their power, but even more when the church banned together to display their power. I love how the little word “but” is interjected into this passage. If we could only realize that it’s not over until prayer has had its opportunity to work.

When we are facing areas of great distress and difficulty we are never without hope if we are willing to boldly pray. It is one thing to hear from a doctor, but even more to hear from God through unceasing prayer. It is one thing to receive a report from a specialist but another to run to God in bold prayer. I feel good when people tell me various answers to my struggles and heartbreaks, but nothing compares to the power of answered prayer. If you can do anything for me, you could do nothing greater than choosing to pray for me. The boldness of prayer can quickly open doors that look closed.

II. We See the Opponents of Prayer

If we didn’t have opposition I dare say most of us we slight our time in prayer. How many of us would testify that the times we felt closest to God was in times of great opposition and tears bathed in prayer. The early church was to experience growing pains, but their real growth would come due to heated opposition and overbearing persecution.

A. The Instruments of Satan

The early church knew what it was to have political pressure and religious pressure. The very King himself led the charge against the early church. A church that is not doing anything doesn’t have to worry about the instruments of Satan. It is those churches that choose to be busy for God’s glory that will face the instruments of Satan. The early church didn’t have to look very far to see how Satan would come at them. I wonder why we think it will be any easier on us during these times.

B. The Influence of Satan

The influence of Satan grew mightily as the church grew mightily. In Acts 2 we see 3000 people added to the church. Later on another 2000 converts were added to the church, do you think Satan would sit back allow this to continue? In Acts 4 the influence of Satan roared like a mighty lion against the church. Then in Acts chapter 5 Satan slithered in like a subtle serpent, trying to infect the church from within.

1 – The Influence of Persecution

In many occasions Satan tried to minimize the church through outward persecution. Some were killed, some were beaten, and many were imprisoned, but overall Satan turned the heat upon the church.

2 – The Influence of Pollution

In other occasions Satan chose to minimize the churches power by inwardly infecting the church through spiritual pollution and sin. We find this vividly in reading Acts 5 as we read the story of Ananias and Sapphira.

3 – The Influence of Preoccupation

In Acts 6 we see that Satan used schism to preoccupy the church, in doing so the church just might suffer. We should realize that Satan is often behind schisms within the church for one purpose, and that purpose is to minimize the churches impact on society. We must not underestimate Satan’s influence.

C. The Incapability of Satan

As Christians we must fully acknowledge Satan and his power, but we must realize that he is limited by God and prayer.

Ephesians 6:11-12 - Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]."

In the book of Job, Satan is our adversary and accuser of the brethren.

Job 1:6-12 - Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath [is] in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

In Job 2 we also see Satan as the accuser of the brethren.

Job 2:1-7 - Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he [is] in thine hand; but save his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

Revelation 12:9 - And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Revelation 20:2 - And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

Ephesians 2:2 - Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

John 12:31 - Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

John 14:30 - Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

2 Corinthians 4:4 - In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Matthew 12:24 - But when the Pharisees heard [it], they said, This [fellow] doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

2 Timothy 2:26 - And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

2 Corinthians 2:11 - Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

James 4:7 - Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Hebrews 2:14 - Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

III. We See the Outcome of Prayer

The outcome of prayer is an awesome thing for Christians to witness.

A. The Peace that Prayer Provides

Acts 12:6 - And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

B. The Power that Prayer Produces

Acts 12:7 - And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon [him], and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from [his] hands.

C) The Path that Prayer Proposes

Acts 12:8-10 - And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

D. The Praise that Prayer Promotes

Acts 12:11 - And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and [from] all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

IV. We See the Obligations of Prayer

The church so needs to pray, prayer will open closed doors. The Lord wants us to pray, regardless of how difficult the situation may seem, we are to pray as if God will answer us immediately, and he could do that. The Lord wants to give us the desires of our hearts. He wants to do what is best for us, he loves us more than we love him.

A. Time of Inspiration and Testimony

Acts 12:12 - And when he had considered [the thing], he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

B. Time of Exhortation and Thrill

Acts 12:13-14 - And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

C. Time of Hesitation and Trouble

Acts 12:15 - And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

D. Time of Determination and Trust

Acts 12:16 - But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened [the door], and saw him, they were astonished.

E. Time of Explanation and Traveling

Acts 12:17 - But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

F. Time of Confusion and Turmoil

Acts 12:18 - Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

Conclusion

Don’t ever give up on God answering your prayers, press on and trust him, for God is well able to answer your prayers and open doors.

Roger Simms, hitchhiking his way home, would never forget the date - May 7. His heavy suitcase made Roger tired. He was anxious to take off his army uniform once and for all. Flashing the hitchhiking sign to the oncoming car, he lost hope when he saw it was a black, sleek, new Cadillac. To his surprise the car stopped. The passenger door opened.

He ran toward the car, tossed his suitcase in the back, and thanked the handsome, well-dressed man as he slid into the front seat. "Going home for keeps?"

"Sure am," Roger responded.

"Well, you're in luck if you're going to Chicago."

"Not quite that far. Do you live in Chicago?"

"I have a business there. My name is Hanover."

After talking about many things, Roger, a Christian, felt a compulsion to witness to this fiftyish, apparently successful businessman about Christ. But he kept putting it off, till he realized he was just thirty minutes from his home.

It was now or never. So, Roger cleared his throat, "Mr. Hanover, I would like to talk to you about something very important." He then proceeded to explain the way of salvation, ultimately asking Mr. Hanover if he would like to receive Christ as his Savior. To Roger's astonishment the Cadillac pulled over to the side of the road. Roger thought he was going to be ejected from the car. But the businessman bowed his head and received Christ, then thanked Roger. "This is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me."

Five years went by, Roger married, had a two-year-old boy, and a business of his own. Packing his suitcase for a business trip to Chicago, he found the small, white business card Hanover had given him five years before. In Chicago he looked up Hanover Enterprises. A receptionist told him it was impossible to see Mr. Hanover, but he could see Mrs. Hanover. A little confused as to what was going on, he was ushered into a lovely office and found himself facing a keen-eyed woman in her fifties. She extended her hand. "You knew my husband?" Roger told how her husband had given him a ride when hitchhiking home after the war. "Can you tell me when that was?"

"It was May 7, five years ago, the day I was discharged from the army."

"Anything special about that day?" Roger hesitated. Should he mention giving his witness?

Since he had come so far, he might as well take the plunge. "Mrs. Hanover, I explained the gospel. He pulled over to the side of the road and wept against the steering wheel. He gave his life to Christ that day." Explosive sobs shook her body. Getting a grip on herself, she sobbed, "I had prayed for my husband's salvation for years. I believed God would save him."

"And," said Roger, "Where is your husband, Mrs. Hanover?"

"He's dead," she wept, struggling with words. "He was in a a car crash after he let you out of the car. He never got home. You see, I thought God had not kept His promise." Sobbing uncontrollably, she added, "I stopped living for God five years ago because I thought He had not kept His word!"