ACTS 3
- 1. ACTS 3 LOOKING FOR A MAN TO STAND IN THE GAP
- 2. Acts 3:1-26 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer — at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11 While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go.
- 3. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. 17 "Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ a would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you — even Jesus. 21 He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.' b 24 "Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. 25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, 'Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.' c 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."
- 4. OUTLINE 1. HEALING THE LAME BEGGAR (1-10) a) THE PERSONALITY b) THE PLACE c) THE PATIENT 2. PETER’S SECOND SERMON (11-26) a) THE PRAISE b) THE PREACHING c) THE PARDON 3. REFLECTIONS
- 5. 1. HEALING THE LAME BEGGAR (1-10) We were told in general (chapter. 2:43) that many signs and wonders were done by the apostles, which are not written in this book; but here we have one given us for an instance. As they work miracles, not upon every body, but as the Holy Spirit gave direction, so as to answer the end of their commission; so all the miracles they did work are not written in this book, but such only are recorded as the Holy Ghost thought fit. MHC
- 6. THE PERSONALITIES Look at them all, note that you do not have to be a supper man or woman to perform or receive miracle. Not by your works of righteousness but by your availability to the Holy Spirit by Faith. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things…Christ
- 7. THE PLACE/TIME In working with Jesus, one most learn to be at the right place at all times. It is not going to be easy, for some times you will have to drag or be drag by others; but what matters most is to be where it is schedule to take place. Hanna 1Sam. 1:7, David Psalm 23:6, 27:4 And now this lame from birth, do you ever think anything can stop from coming to the place he experienced the miracle?
- 8. THE PATIENT There is a proverb that says, “only a fool will keep doing the same thing and expect a different result.” This scripture or the testimony of this Lame from birth, have proved that that Wiseman is wrong and Spiritually ignorant. Gal. 5:22-23 fruits of the Spirit
- 9. 2. PETER’S SECOND SERMON (11-26) After he had cured the lame man. Peter saw these: 1. When he saw the crowd, he took that opportunity to preach Christ to them, especially the temple being the place of their concourse, and Solomon's porch a big space: let them come and hear a more excellent wisdom than Solomon's. 2. When he saw the people affected with the miracle, and filed with admiration, then he sowed the gospel seed in the ground which was already broken up, and prepared to receive it. 3. When he saw the people ready to adore him and John, he stepped in immediately, and diverted their respect from them, that it might be directed to Christ only.
- 10. THE PRAISE There is a great joy that follow a miracle; both as the performer or the receiver. To whom do you direct all the glory? Ps 108:5 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth.
- 11. THE PREACHING A boy came back to Nigeria after his studies in Malaysia and testified thank God they never knew I was a Christian… “preached the gospel if necessary use words”- Unknown Our mandate is go into the World and make disciples. Mt. 28:19-20 We are called into a life of multiplication not even addition.
- 12. THE PARDON As Israelites, they had the first offer of the grace of the New Testament. Because they were the children of the prophets and the covenant, therefore to them the Redeemer was first sent. Rom. 5:8 …while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
- 13. REFLECTIONS 1. How faithful am I in my relationship with Christ? 2. Am I where God needs me all the time? 3. What is the strength of my testimony compared to normal? 4. Where in my life do I need to give praise and glory to God? 5. Do I know I am saved by grace to save