Untitled Sermon (5)

The Power of His Name: Healing and Hope

Bible Passage: Acts 3:11–16

Summary: In Acts 3:11–16, Peter and John heal a lame man at the Temple, demonstrating that the healing comes not through their power, but in the name of Jesus Christ. They use this miracle as an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel, emphasizing faith in Jesus as the source of healing and salvation.

Application: This passage encourages believers to place their faith in the name of Jesus, which has the power to transform lives. It reminds Christians that they are ambassadors of Christ's healing and hope in a broken world, prompting them to share the good news and allow Christ to work through them to meet the needs of others.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that true healing and restoration come through faith in Jesus Christ. It underscores the importance of acknowledging God's work in our lives and the power of His name, challenging believers to step out in faith and share the gospel with others.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Christ as the ultimate source of healing and restoration. As Peter and John proclaim the name of Jesus, it reflects the larger narrative of the New Testament where Jesus' name is above every name, showing His authority over sickness, sin, and death.

Big Idea: The name of Jesus is the source of healing and transformation, and believers are called to proclaim that power to a world in need.

Recommended Study: In your Logos library, consider exploring commentaries that delve into the context of Acts 3, particularly focusing on Peter's speech and the significance of miracles in the early church. Look into the linguistic nuances of the Greek terms used for ‘healing’ and ‘faith’ to understand their implications better. Additionally, examine the historical background of the temple settings and how it informs the audience’s response to this miracle.

1. Astonishment Redirected: God's Power

Acts 3:11-12

You could focus on how Peter redirects the astonishment of the crowd from himself and John towards God. This highlights the importance of recognizing God's power at work amid miraculous events, not attributing them merely to human agents. By acknowledging the source of true power, believers can better testify to the reality of Jesus' ongoing presence and work in the world.

2. Affirmation of Christ: Fulfillment

Acts 3:13-14

Perhaps delve into how Peter frames Jesus' death and resurrection within God's larger redemptive plan. By linking Jesus to the God of their fathers, Peter underscores Jesus' continuity with and fulfillment of God's promises, encouraging believers to see Jesus as the focal point of God's salvation history and to trust in His centrality to their own lives.

3. Authority of Faith: Transformative Impact

Acts 3:15-16

Maybe explore how Peter speaks to the transformative power of faith in Jesus' name, as the lame man’s healing evidences. This point can encourage listeners to place their faith in Jesus for their own spiritual and physical needs, reminding them that true transformation is found in Him and compelling them to bear witness to that transformation in the world.