Healing a Lame Man

Walking in History: The Power of God in the Present

Bible Passage: Acts 3:1–11

Summary: Acts 3:1-11 recounts the miraculous healing of a beggar by Peter and John at the temple, illustrating how God's historical acts of power continue in the lives of believers today.

Application: This passage encourages individuals to recognize that God's power is still active in the world. When Christians face struggles or doubts, they can find hope in the belief that God is still performing miracles and transforming lives today, just as He did in biblical history. It challenges them to be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in their own lives and the lives of those around them.

Teaching: The sermon could teach the importance of living in expectation of God's ongoing work. It highlights that history is not just a record of past events but an invitation to engage with the living God who continues to heal, restore, and empower His people to be agents of His miracles.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the Scriptures, this passage emphasizes the continued work of Christ through His disciples post-resurrection. It points to the fulfillment of Jesus' promise that He would empower His followers with the Holy Spirit, thereby allowing them to act in His name and perform miraculous deeds.

Big Idea: God's historical acts remind us of His present power, calling us to trust in His ability to transform our lives and our world.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon, consider examining the historical context of the early church in Acts, particularly the role of the temple and Jewish customs in healing narratives. Use your Logos library to explore commentaries that discuss the theological implications of this miracle and any text-critical issues concerning the original manuscripts. Additionally, investigating the cultural significance of beggar theology in the early church context could provide deeper insights into the application of this passage.

1. Attention to Divine Opportunities

Acts 3:1-3

Perhaps, the first lesson to draw from the opening verses of Acts 3 is the importance of being aware and attentive to opportunities where God’s power may be demonstrated. Peter and John walk into the temple, and the beggar, seeing them, asks for alms. This interaction sets the stage for a miracle. You could suggest that, just as Peter and John encountered a moment where God’s power would unfold, believers today should cultivate awareness of where God might act in our everyday lives.

2. Expectation of the Unexpected

Acts 3:4-6

In verses 4-6, there's a tremendous shift from what the beggar expected to what God provided. Peter's words, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you," highlight faith's crucial element: expectation of the unexpected. Maybe this part of the passage serves as a reminder for us to raise our expectations of God’s work in our lives, allowing Him to transform our ordinary into extraordinary. In modern faith practice, this encourages believers to see beyond material aid to spiritual awakening and healing.

3. Action Born of Faith

Acts 3:7-8

In these verses, Peter takes action by lifting the beggar up, resulting in his miraculous healing. This could suggest that faith often requires action and boldness, trusting in God’s promise to empower us. You might emphasize that divine encounters often call us to step out in faith, believing that God will back our actions with His power. This kind of faith challenge can encourage believers to trust in Christ’s presence and power to bring about real change in circumstances that seem hopeless.

4. Astonishing Witness to the World

Acts 3:9-11

The passage concludes with a powerful testimony of God’s work, as the healed beggar praises God, drawing the attention of those around. Perhaps, this suggests the transformative impact that witnessing God’s miraculous power can have on a community. When God acts, the natural response is worship and testimony, leading others to faith and wonder at His goodness. Encouraging believers to not only pray for personal miracles but also the opportunity to use these miracles to glorify God publicly could further His work in the world.

Questions

What does Peter's statement about not having silver or gold teach us about material possessions versus spiritual fulfillment?

What lessons can we learn from Peter and John's encounter with the beggar?

What are some practical examples of how Christians can apply the teachings of this passage in their everyday lives?