Life or Death?

Acts

The ancient historian Josephus tells of a striking scene. Herod Agrippa appeared before the people of Tyre and Sidon wearing a robe woven entirely of silver. As the morning sun rose, its rays caught his garment and blazed with brilliance. The crowd, awed by the sight, began to shout, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” Herod drank in their praise. Yet in that very moment, his body was struck with pain. Worms consumed him from within, and the king who sought his own glory was brought to ruin.

Luke records this very event in Acts 12, contrasting Herod’s end with the triumph of God’s Word: “But the word of God increased and multiplied.” While the proud man perished, the living Word went forth with power. This is the story of Scripture again and again. Those who exalt themselves are humbled, while those who humble themselves under God’s Word are exalted. Pride always leads to destruction, but humility leads to life.

In Jesus Christ, we see the perfect example of this truth. Though He was in the form of God, He humbled Himself, took on the form of a servant, and gave His life for sinners. And therefore God has highly exalted him and given him the name that is above every name. Life is not found in self-exaltation but in self-denial. To follow Christ is to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him to life.

To prepare for worship, spend time reading and meditating on Acts 12:19-25, Deuteronomy 30:15–20, Psalm 7:11–17, Proverbs 16:18–19, Daniel 4:28–37, Luke 9:23–25, and Philippians 2:3–11.

As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Give to Our God Immortal Praise,” the Acclamation of Praise “To God Be the Glory,” and the Hymn of Response “Jesus, Lover of My Soul.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!

Sermon Information

Text: Acts 12:19-25

Title: Life or Death?

Outline:

1. The Way of Death: The Word of a “god” (vv. 19-23)
2. The Way of Life: The Word of God (vv. 24-25)

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