He Knows My Name

• God knows us intimately and completely; He sees our every thought and hears us when we call.
• Following Jesus does not guarantee a life free from trials or suffering; believers may face difficult circumstances, even death.
• God sees our trials and is present with us in our suffering.
• Prayer is powerful and effective; God hears the constant prayers of His people.
• God’s wisdom and mercy are unbelievable, often demonstrated through miraculous intervention and deliverance.
• God’s mercies are new every morning.
• God’s judgment is inevitable for those who do not give Him the glory He deserves.
• God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours, and He always knows what is best, even when we don’t understand His timing or actions.
• Despite persecution and opposition, the Word of God continues to grow and multiply.

Icebreaker

Which Winnie the Pooh character do you most identify with and why? (Referencing the Eeyore and Tigger examples from the document)

Introduction

Summary: This study explores Acts 12, focusing on Peter’s experience in prison and highlighting four assurances from God for navigating difficult times.

The messge begins by mentioning the song “He Knows My Name” and the comforting truth that God knows our every thought, sees our tears, and hears us when I call. It sets the stage for looking at an event in the life of Simon Peter, an Apostle and close friend to Jesus, in Acts 12.

• Imagine waking up and literally having an Angel from Heaven poking you in the side. That is what happened to Peter in Acts 12 when he was in prison for the third time, awaiting his trial and certain death. Peter was in a deep sleep.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the idea that “He knows my name” and “He knows my every thought” impact you personally?
2. Can you relate to Peter being in a “deep sleep” despite being in a life-threatening situation? What do you think this tells us about his state of mind?
3. Share a time when you were suddenly and unexpectedly alerted to a difficult or chaotic situation.

Application Questions:

1. How can remembering that God knows you intimately bring comfort in your current circumstances?
2. In what areas of your life do you need to be reminded that God sees and knows what is happening?

1. God Sees Our Trials

Scripture: Acts 12:1-4

Summary: This section covers Herod’s persecution, the death of James, and Peter’s imprisonment, showing that God sees the trials of His people and remains with them even through suffering.

• Herod Agrippa 1 had James killed by the sword (Beheaded) trying to please his constituency and it worked.
• James shattered the illusion that by walking close with Jesus we get special exemptions from tough times.
• In our most difficult situations God will either take you through or take you home. It’s a win, win situation.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the reality of James’ death challenge any ideas that following Jesus means an easy life?
2. What does it mean to you that “God sees our trials,” even in seemingly hopeless situations like Peter’s imprisonment or the deaths of James and Stephen?
3. Discuss the “win-win situation” described: God taking you through or taking you home. How does this perspective affect your view of difficult circumstances?

Application Questions:

1. How can you find comfort in knowing that God sees the specific trials you are facing today?
2. How does the example of the apostles enduring difficult deaths encourage you in your own struggles?

2. God Hears Our Prayers

Scripture: Acts 12:5-9

Summary: This section details Peter’s miraculous release from a heavily guarded prison in answer to the constant prayers of the church, emphasizing the power and purpose of persistent prayer.

• But prayer was made without ceasing – “Ecktenes” to stretch out.
• It brought Peace and Confidence to Peter and it brought Hope and Purpose to the Church.
• Never Underestimate the Power of a Praying Church.

Discussion Questions:

1. Despite being in a “maximum security” situation, Peter was sleeping deeply. What does this suggest about his trust in God or perhaps his exhaustion?
2. The church was offering “constant prayer” for Peter. How do you think their prayers contributed to the miraculous outcome?
3. Why do you think the document emphasizes that prayer brought peace and confidence to Peter and hope and purpose to the church?
4. Discuss the meaning of “praying without ceasing” (Ecktenes – to stretch out). What does this look like in practice?

Application Questions:

1. How has prayer brought you peace or confidence in a difficult situation?
2. How can you and your group more faithfully engage in “constant prayer” for one another and for specific needs?
3. How has being part of a praying community given you hope and purpose?

3. God’s Wisdom and Mercy are Unbelievable

Scripture: Acts 12:10-17

Summary: This section describes Peter’s miraculous escape from prison and his arrival at the house where believers were praying, highlighting God’s incredible intervention and the initial disbelief of those who were praying.

Discussion Questions:

1. What stands out to you the most about the details of Peter’s escape?
2. Why do you think the believers at Mary’s house had such a hard time believing it was actually Peter, even though they were praying for him?
3. How does this account demonstrate God’s “unbelievable wisdom and mercy”?
4. The document mentions God’s mercies being “new every morning”. What does this mean for you in your daily life?

Application Questions:

1. Can you recall a time when you experienced God’s intervention or mercy in an unexpected way?
2. How does the story of Peter’s release encourage you to trust in God’s wisdom and timing, even when things seem impossible?
3. In what situations do you need to remember that God’s mercies are new each morning?

4. God’s Judgment is Inevitable

Scripture: Acts 12:18-25

Summary: This section contrasts Peter’s deliverance with the swift judgment on Herod for his arrogance, demonstrating that God’s judgment is certain for sin, while His word continues to spread.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does Herod’s reaction to Peter’s disappearance and his subsequent death reveal about his character and his view of himself?
2. How does the contrast between Herod’s death and the growth of God’s word (Acts 12:24) speak to the ultimate triumph of God’s purposes?
3. The document asks why God didn’t prevent James’ death. How do you reconcile God’s sovereignty and knowledge with the suffering and death of believers?
4. Discuss the examples of inevitable judgment given (Pharaoh, Haman). What do these examples teach us about God’s justice?

Application Questions:

1. How does understanding that God’s judgment is inevitable shape your perspective on sin and righteousness?
2. In what areas of your life do you need to be careful not to take God’s glory for yourself, as Herod did?
3. How can remembering God’s ultimate justice provide comfort or strength when you see injustice in the world?

Final Application Question:

Which of these four assurances is most meaningful to you right now, and why? How can you live in light of that truth this week?

Day 1: Known by God

• Scripture: Psalm 139:1-6
• Key Focus: God’s intimate knowledge of us.
• Reflection: There is a powerful and comforting truth: God knows everything about us – our thoughts, our actions, our emotions. Psalm 139 beautifully illustrates this, describing a God who has searched us and known us completely. This isn’t a distant, unaware deity, but one who is intimately acquainted with all our ways. This deep knowledge forms the foundation of our relationship with Him and provides immense comfort.
• Life Application: How does knowing that God knows everything about you – your past, present struggles, and even your future – make you feel?
• Prayer Prompt: Thank God for His complete and intimate knowledge of you. Ask Him to help you live in the awareness of His presence throughout your day.

Day 2: God Sees Our Trials

• Scripture: Acts 12:1-4
• Key Focus: God’s awareness of our suffering and difficulties.
• Reflection: This passage introduces us to a time of intense persecution for the early church. Herod, seeking to please others, takes action against believers, even executing James. This reminds us that following Christ does not exempt us from trials and suffering. However, the document emphasizes that God saw James’s death and the struggles of the disciples. Even when circumstances are dire, God sees what we are going through. His awareness doesn’t always mean immediate rescue from the trial, but it assures us we are not invisible to Him in our pain.
• Life Application: What trials are you currently facing that you need to trust God sees?
• Prayer Prompt: Pray for strength to endure your current trials, trusting that God sees you and is with you.

Day 3: God Hears Our Prayers

• Scripture: Acts 12:5-9
• Key Focus: The power and impact of prayer, even in impossible situations.
• Reflection: While Peter was imprisoned under heavy guard, the church was praying “constant prayer” for him. Despite the seemingly impossible circumstances, God heard their prayers and sent an angel to release Peter miraculously. The document notes that prayer brought peace to Peter and hope and purpose to the church. This highlights that our prayers are not insignificant, and God actively listens and responds according to His will.
• Life Application: How has prayer made a difference in a difficult situation in your life or the lives of those you know?
• Prayer Prompt: Thank God that He hears your prayers. Bring a specific request before Him today, praying with persistence and faith.

Day 4: God’s Wisdom and Mercy

• Scripture: Acts 12:10-17
• Key Focus: God’s surprising and gracious intervention.
• Reflection: Peter’s escape unfolds with divine precision – gates opening on their own, the angel leading him out. When he arrives at the house where believers are praying, their astonishment highlights the unbelievable nature of God’s intervention. This section, coupled with verses on God’s rich mercy and new mercies every morning, emphasizes that God’s ways and timing are often beyond our understanding, yet marked by incredible wisdom and grace. He delivers in ways we might not expect.
• Life Application: Can you recall a time when God’s intervention in your life demonstrated His wisdom or mercy in a surprising way?
• Prayer Prompt: Praise God for His unbelievable wisdom and mercy. Ask Him to open your eyes to see His hand at work in your life today.

Day 5: God’s Judgment is Inevitable

• Scripture: Acts 12:18-25
• Key Focus: God’s ultimate justice and the triumph of His Word.
• Reflection: While Peter is miraculously delivered, Herod faces swift and severe judgment for accepting praise meant only for God. This stark contrast demonstrates that God is sovereign and righteous; He will not share His glory, and His judgment for unrepentant sin is inevitable. However, amidst human actions and consequences, the narrative concludes with the powerful truth that “the word of God grew and multiplied”. God’s plan continues to advance regardless of opposition.
• Life Application: How does understanding God’s inevitable judgment influence your respect for Him and your view of sin?
• Prayer Prompt: Pray for a deeper understanding of God’s holiness and justice. Ask for boldness to share the multiplying word of God with others.