Swift Kick and Taking Dominion

Sermon: Acts 12:6-10. Peter was in prison with not much hope. His hands were chained to two guards, and there were guards at the door. Like Jesus in the boat on the stormy sea, Peter was sleeping. An angel gave him a “swift kick,” telling him to arise quickly, and his chains fell off his hands. He told him to get dressed and to follow him. Peter did what he was told to do. When they got to the city gate, it opened for them, and the angel departed. God will not do for you what you can do for yourself. God will do what you cannot do. God did for Peter what Peter could not do, but Peter had to do what he could do. Sometimes we need a “swift kick.” Apostle Dale told of a salesman he discipled who was miraculously delivered from cocaine, but because he could not get delivered from cigarettes, he thought it was all a waste. Remember, your problems are not unique, and you are not special. We are all King’s kids. Understand Jesus more than your problems. Worship Him and not your problems. Do not worship your suffering. Bring your problems to Jesus, because He is faithful. He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to handle. If the chains do not fall off, you can make it on your own. Baby chicks must peck through their egg shells in order to strengthen their neck muscles. Otherwise, they will die. You will come out better when you come through a struggle. God gives you to the problem to teach the problem. Are you bringing peace to the storm? You are a product of what you do when things happen to you. Change the environment and take dominion (Genesis 1:26). Be diligent. God never blesses lazy people. Be diligent. Prosperity is connected to diligence. There are things to be acted on today. The blessing is in Genesis 1:28. Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue it, and have dominion. Say no to circumstances and weak areas. Take what belongs to you. Being a Christian means taking dominion, changing things, saying no, and taking a bold stand. Sometimes we just need a “swift kick.” Offering message: Be quick to obey a word from the Lord. It will quicken the reaping of what you sow. God wants to use what you have for His ministry. Simon Peter, in Luke 5:1-8, repented to Jesus when he saw the miracle He did when Peter obeyed, even though it would have been easy not to obey. Your efforts are not good enough. If God directs you to do something with your finances, obey.