1. Peter -- Freed Indeed How The Lord Frees us from Bondage Acts 12:1-16 John 8:36

2. Physical Imprisonment & Bondage Represent a Spiritual Condition Simon was “bound by iniquity” (Acts 8:23) False teachers try to “bring us into bondage” (Galatians 2:4; 2 Peter 2:19) Sin is slavery (John 8:32-34) The Lord can set us free!The Lord can set us free! (John 8:36; Isaiah 61:1)

3. Paralleling Acts 12 to the Spiritual Bondage of Christians Herod (like Satan) harasses the church Acts 12:1-2; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:17 Peter is imprisoned (like Christians who fall prey to Satan) Acts 12:3-4; 2 Timothy 2:26; Romans 6:20-21 God’s people pray for the prisoner’s deliverance. Acts 12:5; Hebrews 13:3; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:1 The Lord arranges Peter’s escape (like He arranges our escape from sin) Acts 12:6-7; Romans 7:24-25

4. Paralleling Acts 12 to the Spiritual Bondage of Christians Peter had to follow directions (like we do) (Acts 12:8-9; 8:22-23; 1 John 1:9-10) Peter realizes what has been done for Him (Acts 12:10-11; 2 Corinthians 9:15) Christians need to be ready to recognize what God can do and has done. (Acts 12:12-16)

5. “Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You; According to the greatness of Your power preserve those who are appointed to die.” -- Psalm 79:11 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” -- Isaiah 61:1 “Today, this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” -- Luke 4:18-21