College Sunday School

What are different ways society views those who are poor or those who beg for help?

ignore

think they are taking advantage of people

think they are just lazy

What did Jesus say about the Poor in Matthew 26:11?

Matthew 26:11 ESV

11 For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.

Some may hear this and hear defeat in Jesus’ voice.

The truth is that Jesus is just being honest about the affects of Sin and brokenness.

How should Christians respond to this reality?

God’s People serve others to display God’s works

Someone Read

Acts 3:1–3 ESV

1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms.

Social Concern - Key Doctrine Pg.102

Fight Against

Fight for

Influence

Love with Loyalty to Jesus

Verse Breakdown

“Beautiful Gate” would have been one of the main thoroughfares of the town. It would have been high traffic, and right in front of the Temple. Why

How is our social concern a testimony of our love of for Jesus?

We love others because He love us first

we are the hands and feet of Jesus

Jesus love the Marginalized as Jesus did

Loving those who can’t love us back is a testimony of the way Christ loves us.

Someone Read:

Acts 3:4–7 ESV

4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.

Big Point

As we are called to social concerns, our ultimate goal is to display God’s work and point to Jesus.

The Got his attention first! Then God performed a miracle, then we see Verse 8

Acts 3:8 ESV

8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

Just like in Acts 2, we see a miracle then a Sermon

In this Sermon Peter taught that:

God’s people challenge others to recognize God’s Son

Someone read Acts 3:11-12

Acts 3:11–12 ESV

11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?

What does Peter display in this moment? How should his example mold how we live?

We take no credit for any success or victory in our lives. (Because it’s not ours to claim.)

Why can it be hard to remain humble in success?

How can we remain humble when the Lord grants us success?

You Read:

Acts 3:13–16 ESV

13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. 14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.

What can we learn from Peter in how we should share the Gospel today?

Contextualization

Boldness

The Death and Resurrection

and our need for Faith in Him

Think about it:

These were people who had been witnesses of Jesus’ remarkable life, yet denied Him. (Context)

He did not shy away from their decisions. (Boldness)

But He closed with the Hope that still remained, even in the midst of their Destructive decisions

How can our service point more directly to Jesus?

God’s people Invite others to Experience God’s Presence

Someone Read Acts 3:17-20

Acts 3:17–20 ESV

17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,

Peter Reiterates the people guilt, but shows them that

“Jesus’ forgiveness extends to all when they repent.”

How can we help lead others to repentance?

Tell them:

of the Gift of Forgiveness

of God’s love and Mercy

that God’s desires a real relationship with them

that eternal life comes only through Him

that there is a better way of life waiting for them

Why do Christians sometimes feel weighed down instead of refreshed?

How can we find and give the peace of Jesus this summer?