This message will focus on the Gospel proclamation and healing by Peter and John at the beautiful gate in Jerusalem, and the resulting pressure that came on the early Christians. This reflects our mission to “proclaim and embody the love of Jesus Christ.”
(Acts 3:1-4:31)
Sermon Outline
Now a man who was lame 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. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:2-6)
Our ability to see how God is moving depends on what we are paying attention to.
It’s harder than ever for us to see what’s HAPPENING beyond what’s happening.
Peter & John had plans, a schedule, but they welcomed the disruption of what the Spirit of God might be doing.
The “Beggar” sees the people walking by and assumes the best thing that can happen is some change in his cup.
- God was doing something bigger.
- But before he receives what God is doing, he gets disappointed.
Witnesses to the miracle were impressed with Peter and John but couldn’t see what was HAPPENING (God’s movement) beyond what was happening (observable circumstances) until Peter told them.
The religious and political leaders were preoccupied with their desire for power and control, so they could not see what God was doing.
Peter invites everyone to not just see how God is moving but to participate in it!
- Repent: Turn from what’s keeping you from the life God created you for.
- Refreshed: Experience the refreshing of Christ’s work in your life.
- Receive: Jesus Himself.
Beyond what is happening in our lives (easily observable), what is HAPPENING (what God is doing) is that He is restoring ALL THINGS.
We, too, are invited to be caught up in what He is doing.
What are you paying attention to?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When have you sensed that God was doing something that wasn’t obvious to others?
- Has God ever disrupted your plans to send you in a different, meaningful direction? What happened?
- Have you ever desired something, asked God for it, and then not received it, only to find out God was working out something more meaningful? What happened?
- What keeps you from paying attention to what God is doing in your everyday activities?
- What does it mean to repent? Why is repentance described as a positive, refreshing thing in the Bible?
- Why is life with God refreshing?
- What does it look like to invite Christ to be on the throne of your life?
DIG DEEPER
Exploring Faith
- What do you find most attractive or interesting about the story in Acts 3?
Growing in Faith
- Commit Acts 3:19-20 to memory. Reflect on these verses this week.
- Consider the parts of your day when you do not look for what God is doing. What would it look like to start paying attention to what He is doing?
- What do you sense God is doing in your life that may not be immediately obvious?
Centered in Faith
- How might God be calling you to be more bold in how you talk about your faith? Who could you pray and talk with about this?
- Consider asking someone this question this week: “Who do you think Jesus was?” Then listen and thank them for sharing. If they return the question, be honest.