Divine Escapes: God's Protection and Salvation

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the theme of "Escape" and how it applies to our spiritual lives. We began by acknowledging God's presence and His power to transform our lives. We delved into Acts 27, where Paul and other prisoners faced imminent danger during a sea voyage. Despite the soldiers' plan to kill the prisoners to prevent their escape, God's intervention through Paul ensured that everyone survived. This story serves as a metaphor for our spiritual journey, emphasizing that God provides a way of escape from the traps and plans of the enemy.

We discussed two primary escapes: escaping hell and escaping the wicked plans of the enemy. Hell was not created for us but for the devil and his followers. God has provided a plan for us to escape hell through salvation in Jesus Christ. Accepting this salvation means we are no longer under the threat of eternal damnation. We also explored how God helps us escape the enemy's plans, using Psalm 124:7 to illustrate that our souls can escape the snares set by our enemies.

We touched on the importance of being watchful and prayerful, as emphasized in Luke 21:36. Being alert and constantly in prayer makes us worthy of escaping the trials and tribulations that come our way. Hebrews 12:25 reminds us not to refuse God's word, as doing so would prevent us from escaping His judgment. We also looked at the story of Esther, who was in a position to save her people from Haman's wicked plans. Her story teaches us that sometimes our escape is tied to the escape of others, and we must act selflessly.

Finally, we emphasized the importance of applying the blood of Jesus for protection, as seen in Exodus 12:13. The blood of Jesus is our ultimate shield against the enemy's plans. We concluded with a call to develop an intimate relationship with God, be covered by the blood of Christ, heed godly counsel, and be watchful and prayerful.

### Key Takeaways

1. God Provides a Way of Escape: Just as Paul and the prisoners were saved from shipwreck and death, God provides a way of escape from the traps and plans of the enemy. Our faith in God ensures that we are not left to fend for ourselves in times of trouble. Trust in God's intervention and remain steadfast in your faith. [12:43]

2. Escape from Hell through Salvation: Hell was not made for us but for the devil and his followers. God's plan for our escape is through salvation in Jesus Christ. Accepting this salvation means we are no longer under the threat of eternal damnation. This is a profound reminder of God's love and the importance of accepting His gift of salvation. [16:51]

3. Be Watchful and Prayerful: Luke 21:36 emphasizes the need to be alert and constantly in prayer. Being watchful and prayerful makes us worthy of escaping the trials and tribulations that come our way. This is a call to live a life of vigilance and constant communication with God. [33:09]

4. Heed Godly Counsel: The story of Esther teaches us the importance of heeding godly counsel. Sometimes our escape is tied to the escape of others, and we must act selflessly. Listening to wise and godly advice can be the key to overcoming challenges and ensuring collective safety and success. [42:15]

5. Apply the Blood of Jesus: Exodus 12:13 shows us the power of the blood of Jesus as a shield against the enemy's plans. Applying the blood of Jesus in our lives provides protection and ensures that we escape the enemy's traps. This is a powerful reminder of the significance of the blood of Christ in our spiritual warfare. [01:01:08]

### YouTube Chapters

1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [10:41] - Introduction and Opening Prayer
3. [11:45] - The Goodness of God
4. [12:14] - Escape: The Theme of the Day
5. [12:43] - The Story of Paul and the Prisoners
6. [16:18] - Escaping Hell
7. [19:26] - The Importance of Salvation
8. [23:04] - Escaping the Enemy's Plans
9. [29:17] - God's Faithfulness in Temptation
10. [33:09] - Be Watchful and Prayerful
11. [36:52] - Do Not Refuse God's Word
12. [40:40] - The Story of Esther
13. [47:20] - Acts 27: Paul's Warning
14. [54:04] - God's Assurance of Safety
15. [01:01:08] - The Power of the Blood of Jesus
16. [01:11:13] - Final Prayers and Declarations
17. [01:18:41] - Closing and Offering

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Acts 27:42-44: "The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way, everyone reached land safely."
2. Psalm 124:7: "We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped."
3. Exodus 12:13: "The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt."

### Observation Questions
1. What was the soldiers' initial plan for the prisoners during the shipwreck in Acts 27:42-44? How did the centurion's decision change the outcome? ([13:21])
2. According to Psalm 124:7, what metaphor is used to describe the escape from danger? How does this relate to the theme of the sermon? ([23:04])
3. In Exodus 12:13, what was the significance of the blood on the houses, and what did it protect the Israelites from? ([01:01:08])
4. How does the story of Esther illustrate the importance of heeding godly counsel and acting selflessly for the escape of others? ([42:15])

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Paul and the prisoners in Acts 27:42-44 serve as a metaphor for God's intervention in our lives? What does this teach us about God's protection? ([13:21])
2. Psalm 124:7 speaks of escaping from the fowler’s snare. What are some modern-day "snares" that believers might face, and how can they find escape through faith? ([23:04])
3. The blood in Exodus 12:13 provided protection for the Israelites. How does the blood of Jesus provide protection for believers today? ([01:01:08])
4. In what ways does the story of Esther demonstrate that our actions can impact the deliverance of others? How can this understanding influence our daily decisions? ([42:15])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt trapped by a difficult situation. How did you experience God's intervention or escape? How can you apply this experience to future challenges? ([13:21])
2. Psalm 124:7 describes escaping from a snare. Identify a "snare" in your life that you need to escape from. What steps can you take to seek God's help in breaking free from it? ([23:04])
3. The blood of Jesus is described as a shield against the enemy's plans. How can you actively apply the blood of Jesus in your daily life for protection and deliverance? ([01:01:08])
4. Esther's story shows the importance of acting selflessly for the benefit of others. Can you think of a situation where your actions could help someone else escape a difficult situation? How can you act on this? ([42:15])
5. Luke 21:36 emphasizes being watchful and prayerful. What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to stay alert and in constant communication with God? ([33:09])
6. Hebrews 12:25 warns against refusing God's word. Are there areas in your life where you might be ignoring God's guidance? How can you become more receptive to His word? ([36:52])
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of godly counsel. Who are the godly advisors in your life, and how can you seek their counsel more effectively? ([42:15])

Devotional

Day 1: Trust in God's Intervention
God provides a way of escape from the traps and plans of the enemy. Just as Paul and the prisoners were saved from shipwreck and death, our faith in God ensures that we are not left to fend for ourselves in times of trouble. In Acts 27, despite the soldiers' plan to kill the prisoners to prevent their escape, God's intervention through Paul ensured that everyone survived. This story serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey, emphasizing that God is always present and ready to intervene on our behalf. Trust in God's intervention and remain steadfast in your faith. [12:43]

Acts 27:22-24 (ESV): "Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’"

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt trapped or in danger. How did you see God's intervention, and how can you trust Him more in future challenges?

Day 2: Salvation as Our Escape from Hell
Hell was not made for us but for the devil and his followers. God's plan for our escape is through salvation in Jesus Christ. Accepting this salvation means we are no longer under the threat of eternal damnation. This is a profound reminder of God's love and the importance of accepting His gift of salvation. By embracing this gift, we secure our eternal destiny and escape the horrors of hell. This truth should fill us with gratitude and a sense of urgency to share the message of salvation with others. [16:51]

2 Thessalonians 1:9-10 (ESV): "They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed."

Reflection: Have you fully accepted the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ? If not, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you share this gift with someone who needs it today?

Day 3: Vigilance in Prayer
Luke 21:36 emphasizes the need to be alert and constantly in prayer. Being watchful and prayerful makes us worthy of escaping the trials and tribulations that come our way. This is a call to live a life of vigilance and constant communication with God. By staying spiritually alert and maintaining a strong prayer life, we can navigate the challenges of life with divine guidance and protection. This practice not only strengthens our relationship with God but also equips us to face any adversity with confidence. [33:09]

1 Peter 4:7 (ESV): "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers."

Reflection: How can you incorporate more vigilance and prayer into your daily routine? What specific steps will you take to ensure you remain spiritually alert?

Day 4: Heeding Godly Counsel
The story of Esther teaches us the importance of heeding godly counsel. Sometimes our escape is tied to the escape of others, and we must act selflessly. Listening to wise and godly advice can be the key to overcoming challenges and ensuring collective safety and success. Esther's willingness to listen to Mordecai and act courageously saved her people from destruction. This story reminds us that our actions can have a significant impact on others, and we must be open to receiving and acting on godly counsel. [42:15]

Proverbs 11:14 (ESV): "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."

Reflection: Think of a time when you received godly counsel. How did it impact your situation? Are there areas in your life where you need to seek wise advice today?

Day 5: The Power of the Blood of Jesus
Exodus 12:13 shows us the power of the blood of Jesus as a shield against the enemy's plans. Applying the blood of Jesus in our lives provides protection and ensures that we escape the enemy's traps. This is a powerful reminder of the significance of the blood of Christ in our spiritual warfare. The blood of Jesus is our ultimate shield, offering us divine protection and victory over the enemy. By embracing this truth, we can walk confidently in the assurance of God's protection and deliverance. [01:01:08]

Revelation 12:11 (ESV): "And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death."

Reflection: How can you apply the power of the blood of Jesus in your daily life? What specific areas of your life need the protection and deliverance that comes from the blood of Christ?

Quotes

1. "There are some things we need to escape. But before that let me read the main text for today's message Acts chapter 27. If you have your bible just turn your bible today. You are going to be reading opening your bible yourself. Acts chapter 27 Verse 42 to 44. Acts chapter 27 verse 42 to 44. Acts chapter 27 verse 42 to 44. It says And the soldiers planned to kill the prisoners. And the soldiers planned And the soldiers planned was to kill the prisoners. You don't know who is planning something against your life. This was the plan of the soldiers. And their plan was to kill the prisoners. Lest any of them should swim away and escape. Lest The enemy does not want any escape. But the centurion Wanting to save Paul kept them from their purpose. So because of Paul. Because Paul was with them. You know. Because Paul has been called by God. To do the work of God." [13:21] (78 seconds) (Download raw clip | | )

2. "Escaping from hell. Because Hell was made for the devil and his cults. Hell was not made for you and I. And so God's intention is for us to escape hell. Hell. God's purpose is not for you to be in hell. God's purpose is not for me to be in hell. God wants us to be out of hell. So he wants us to escape hell. For that matter. Or for that reason. He has given us the plan. To escape hell. He has made provision. For us to escape hell. Now it is up to us to accept the plan that God has offered us. So that we can escape hell. And I believe that all of us that have gathered here. We have gathered here because. We have accepted God's plan. To escape hell. Praise the Lord. And we shall remain so. In the mighty name of Jesus." [16:18] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "How shall we escape. He also said the same thing. How shall we escape. If we neglect. So great salvation. So the way of escape is what. Salvation. How shall we escape. If we neglect. So great salvation. Salvation sometimes. We may take it for granted. But it is a great thing that God has done for us. Hallelujah. How shall we escape so great thing. You know. How shall we escape. If we neglect. So great salvation. Which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord. And was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him. Praise the Lord. So the salvation is the message that we preach. It is the message we heard. And we accepted God's plan. So that our sins are forgiven. So that we qualify to become the children of the Most High God. Hallelujah." [19:26] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Our soul has escaped. As a bird out of the snare of the foulest. Now the foulest is representing. The one that sets traps for you. And the one that sets traps for you. Is your enemy. Because your enemy wants you to fall into the trap. So that. He can squeeze you. So that he can mock you. So that he can laugh at you. Praise the Lord. And God has told. The Bible says that. Like Friday we were talking about. The enemy or the devil comes to steal. To kill. And to destroy. That is his objective. He does not want you to escape that. But thank God. Because of Jesus. We have escaped." [23:04] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "No weapon formed against you. Shall prosper. No weapon formed against you. Shall prosper. The devil don't like you. So he devises weapons. And the aim of those weapons. Is to destroy. Hallelujah. Is to harm you. Is to kill you. That's the purpose of the weapon. So that's why the scripture says that. No weapon formed against you. Will prosper. Which means. You will escape. Every weapon formed against you. You will escape. Every weapon against your life. In the mighty name of Jesus. No weapon formed against you. Will prosper. Every tongue. That rises against you in judgement. You shall condemn." [25:22] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Watch Therefore. And Pray. Always. Hallelujah. Watch Therefore. And Pray. Always. That You May Be Counted Worthy. To Escape. So It's Not Everybody. Who Will Escape. It's Not Anybody. That Will Escape. You Must. Be Counted Worthy. To Escape. Praise The Lord. Counted Worthy. To Complacent. Don't Be A Christian. Who Leaves Everything To Chance. Be A Christian. Who Is Very Watchful. About Every Step You Take. Be Very Watchful. About Everything You Do. Be Very Watchful. About Every Decision You Make. Be Very Watchful. About Your Relationships. To Keep. Praise The Lord. So Watch Therefore. And Pray. That's A King Jesus. And Pray. Always. Not Pray Sometimes. Pray Always. So The Prayerful Christian. Will Always Escape. The Plants Of The Enemy. Hallelujah. So You Need To Be Prayerful. To Escape. Tell Somebody. Be Prayerful. And You Will Escape." [33:38] (98 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "If you want to escape the devil. And his plans against your life. You must submit to God. When you submit to God. Then you will escape what the devil has planned against you. They try will not work. You must. The Lord. The Lord has taken side with you. Praise God. So don't refuse God and his word. In other words. You know. Live your life based on godly obedience. Godly obedience. That's what Hebrews is. If we told the same line. Then we will not escape. But thank God we have escaped. In the name of Jesus. I say we have. Escaped. In the mighty name of Jesus." [39:19] (75 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "There are times God puts you. In a certain position. Not just for you alone. Not just for your own or your only escape. But for the escape of others. And any wrong. Decision you make. You get destroyed with others. And that's what was happening here. In that place. But let me tell you. Let me warn you. You will not escape. If this plan that Herman have. You know materialized. Don't think that you are the wife of the king. And so you escape. Because you still have. The blood of the Jews in you. You are a Jew. They will come up against you. Amen. And so the message. There are some of us. Other people's escape depends on us. Other people's breakthrough depends on us. So the decision we make is very important. The step we take is very critical. Amen." [42:15] (73 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "The faithful God. Will make. A way. Of escape. My faithful God. Will make. A way. Of escape. Maybe you have. Come to a certain. Crossroad. In your life. And you don't. Know what. To do. You don't. Know. What. You know. How to go. About things. My prayer. Is that. God. The faithful God. That you serve. Will prove himself. Faithful. And make. A way. Of escape. Hallelujah. What that means. Is that. Even though. The devil's. Purpose. Is for you. To crash. Under temptation. Or fall. Into the temptation. God is on. A standby. And he will. Help you. Guide you. Out. Of that. Place. Praise the Lord. Out of that. Temptation. That's what. Happens. So the point. I want you. To take note. Is that. Your faithful God. Is always. Ready. To make. A way. Of escape. No matter. What comes. Your way. Hallelujah. No matter. What you face. There will be. A way. Of escape. In the name. Of Jesus." [31:29] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Develop an intimate relationship with God. Because your relationship with God qualifies you you know, to escape his punishment. Hallelujah. You escape his punishment and you enjoy his protection against the devil and his courts. So, develop an intimate relationship with God. Tell somebody, develop an intimate relationship with God. Take your devotional life serials, your prayer life serials, the word of God, you know. Take all those serials. Instead of complaining and murmuring. You know, desire that I want to know you more. I want to love you more. I want to draw closer to you. I want to be nearer to you. Nearer my God to thee." [01:04:24] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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