Difference Makers for Christ and His Name
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
Introducing the Passage
Introducing the Passage
In His name says we don’t come in our own merit but in Jesus’ righteousness
In His name says we come as His representative to do His will
In His name brings glory to God and joy to our soul
And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
John 14:13-
John 14:
Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
John 16:
In His name brings glory to God and joy to our soul
In His name says we don’t come in our own merit but in Jesus’ righteousness
In His name says we come as His representative to do His will
In His name gives us His authority and power
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
In His name brings glory to God and joy to our soul
In His name says we don’t come in our own merit but in Jesus’ righteousness
In His name says we come as His representative to do His will
The Historical Narrative
The Historical Narrative
Making a difference by His name
Making a difference by His name
Practicing good deeds
Practicing good deeds
Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
3:1 Peter and John heading to prayer time at the Temple
“Went up together” = Prayer partners
“Hour of prayer” = Part of their routine (3PM)
Prayer at 3PM
3:2 A lame man asking alms = A miserable life
“From his mother’s womb” = from birth
“Carried and laid daily” at temple = a helpless daily routine with no hope it will ever change
Gate “called Beautiful” = ironic
Did he ever enter the temple?
Was he forbidden because of his deformity?
“ask alms from those who entered the temple” = Again how ironic and even cruel he couldn’t go in but had to in humility ask from those who could
3:3 The man asks alms of Peter and John
Alms is asking for pity and mercy hopefully to be shown in a tangible way
John and James both
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
1 John 3:18
If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
James 2:15
He didn’t see them as difference makers. They looked like everybody else
He saw them as he saw the others hoping they might be kind and give him silver or gold to help sustain him
3:4 Peter and John look upon the man
Fixing his eyes on him = to stare, to look intently
Difference makers see circumstances and people differently than the rest of society
They see people as Jesus sees them
Look at us = A command with a commitment we can help. We have something to offer
3:5 The man obeys them by giving them his attention
Gave them his attention = They got his undivided attention
Expecting to receive something = They got his hopeful expectation
3:6 Peter commands the man to stand up and walk
Silver and gold I do not have = I’m poor too
A temporary help of money will keep you lame tomorrow. You’ll still be wondering where you’ll get more money to buy food
But what I do have I give you = I have something far better and it is so good I can’t keep it to myself. I want to share it
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk
The source of your healing
The requirement to receive the gift is obedient faith
3:7 Peter reaches down and helps him up
The man was entering an unknown territory so Peter helps his faith by taking his right hand and pulling him up
The act of faith by both resulted in an instant healing to both the man’s feet and ankle bones with both becoming strong
3:8 The man upon realizing his ankles and feet have been healed goes into the temple praising God
He had been raised to praise
From almost total immobility to leaping and walking
3:9 The people saw him
The man’s miracle and praise got the attention of those worshipping in the temple
3:10 The people knew him
They knew his past condition
They were amazed and filled with wonder at what had happened to him
Proclaiming the Good News
Proclaiming the Good News
Explaing the miracle Acts 3:1
Explaing the miracle Acts 3:1
3:11 The miracle gathered a crowd
Good deeds must be accompanied with sharing the Gospel
The man refuses to let Peter and John go and a crowd gathers around
The lame man who was healed
The lame man who was healed
The man was changed by the act of compassion done by John and Peter
held on to Peter and John
The man refuses to let Peter and John go and a crowd gathers around
The man refuses to let Peter and John go
Hold on to is to control, grab, seize, arrest, to be strong
Hold on to is to control, grab, seize, arrest, to be strong
all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed
all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed
Greatly amazed is to be utterly astounded
The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.Greatly amazed is to be utterly astounded
The crowd in silence looked for an answer and explanation
Peter explains the why and how of the miracle
Peter explains the why and how of the miracle
The crowd in silence looked for an answer and explanation
Peter responds
Peter responds
3:12 Peter responds to the wrong assumption about the miracle
So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people:
Peter wants to correct the misconception of the crowd concerning the miracle
3:12 Peter sees an opportunity to share the gospel
Peter seizes the opportunity to share the Gospel
So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people:
Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?
Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?
The message was coming from the mouth of a humble servant
3:12 The message was coming from the mouth of a humble servant
The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.The message was coming from the mouth of a humble servant
Addresses the crowd
He and John take no credit for the miracle
It wasn’t our power or our righteousness
3:13 Peter responds with the correct explanation for the miracle
God did this - The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers,
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers,
The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.First the miracle was done by God
3:13 The miracle came from God
First he states the source of the miracle
This was in a language they would understand
This was the God they said they believed in
God did this to glorify His Son who came as a Servant - glorified His Servant Jesus
Next he sates the purpose of the miracle
The Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles Peter and John Heal the Cripple in the Temple
This παῖς is the great Ebed Yahweh of Isaiah, chapters 40–66, the mighty “Servant” of Jehovah, who is his Son, indeed, but the Son who by his incarnation became “his Servant” to work out our salvation.
The New King James Version Chapter 3
whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go.
The New King James Version Chapter 3
whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go.
You did this - whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go.
They turned Him over to Pilate
They refused Him when Pilate was willing to let Him go
3:14 He repeats their denial of Jesus and that they chose a murder over Him
You did this - But you denied the Holy One and the Just
3:14-15 Peter points to their rejection of Jesus Christ
You did this - and asked for a murder to be granted to you,
3:15 He reminds them of their choice and God’s sovereign power
to have Jesus killed
You did this - They chose - and killed the Prince of life
The listeners heard their sin and guilt
God did this - whom God raised from the dead
We saw what God did - of which we are witnesses
3:16 He gives the main cause for the miracle
The New King James Version Chapter 3
And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong,
And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong
whom you see and know
Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Peter offers a second opportunity
Peter offers a second opportunity
3:17 Peter reveals that their spiritual blindness was the reason they rejected Jesus
5 Times in Jesus refers to the Pharisees as blind
Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.”
having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;
Yet Jesus offered them forgiveness
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
And they divided His garments and cast lots.
Now here they are again confronted with the truth about Jesus Christ and an opportunity to repent
3:18 Peter reveals God’s sovereign plan foretold all of this in their Scriptures
The prophets were the mouthpiece of God
The prophets all spoke in agreement
The prophets all told of the suffering of God’s Messiah
Jesus God’s Messiah fulfilled the word of the prophets
3:19 Peter calls for repentance and conversion which results in:
Forgiveness
Times of refreshing coming from the presence of the Lord
If they believed and turned away from rejecting Jesus Christ their sins would be forgiven
3:20 National conversion will be in conjunction with the coming of the Jesus Christ whom they have had heard preached before
3:21 This same Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father
Possibly Peter learned a little more about the return of Christ than in
Jesus is there as all things are being restored
The prophets spoke for God these words since the world began
He is referring to Genesis and now turns to it’s writer Moses who also wrote what he is about to speak on in the book of Deuteronomy
3:22 Moses spoke to their fathers about a Prophet who would come and be like Moses
3:23 Moses gave a warning to those who would hear the words of this Prophet
3:24 All other prophets beginning with Samuel spoke of the Messiah and these days, Peter’s time
3:25 He reminds this generation of their identity
You are the sons of the prophets
You are the elect nation of the God made in covenant of God
3:26 He reminds them of the blessing and privilege of this identity
Jesus God’s Servant came to you first
A resurrected Servant
A blessed Servant that can take away your sins
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
Making enemies because of His name
Making enemies because of His name
Persecuted for the gospel
Persecuted for the gospel
Mixed response
Mixed response
4:1 Shutting down the meeting
Spoke to the people
Priests
Captain of the temple
Sadduccees
4:2 They were greatly offended they taught and preached to the people
The main point was the resurrection of Jesus confirmed the truth of the resurrection of the dead
4:3 They arrested them
4:4 However some believed the word and trusted in Jesus Christ
5000 men
Men to step out and believe
Meeting the ruling religious body
Meeting the ruling religious body
Relying on Jesus’ promise
But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
“Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Matthew 10:16-
4:5-6 Those present and the location
Rulers
Elders
Scribes
Annas, the high priest
Caiaphas
John
Alexander
Family members of the high priest
Jerusalem
4:7 They place Peter and John in their midst and ask the main question
What power performed this miracle?
What name performed this miracle?
4:8 Peter will be the spokes person
He was aided by the Holy Spirit
4:9 Why we do good deeds - Peter asked are we being judged for how the good deed was done?
4:10 Let everyone know the answer
The name is Jesus Christ of Nazareth
The One you crucficed
The One God raised from the dead
This man can now stand whole because of this One, Jesus
4:11 Peter says it’s not my personal opinion it’s what the Bible says
The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.
Therefore thus says the Lord God:
“Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation,
A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation;
Whoever believes will not act hastily.
Isaiah 28:
Sharing the Good News leads to being arrested
Sharing the Good News leads to being arrested
This religious body was the spiritual guide for the nation of Israel
Their’s was the responsibility to prepare them for the coming of the Messiah.
They should have known the scriptures well and been able to see the Messiah when he was revealed but they missed it
4:12 And along with His power to heal their is no other Savior
The heart of the message
All other ways and persons are eliminated from being able to offer a way to heaven
Trying to silence the message
Trying to silence the message
4:13 The difference in Peter and John was evident to their enemies
The miracle and now this persecution showed Peter and John were real
They equated the difference to their relationship and fellowship with Jesus
4:14 The visible evidence of the miracle stood with them
Had he been placed in custody with them verse 3?
He was standing now
He had been changed - He was standing now
He had been converted - He was standing with the Apostles
He silenced the critics - There is a time for a silent witness :)
He was visibly changed
4:15 The secret meeting of the skeptics
They had thought after the crucifixion they were done with Jesus
The world will never be able to get rid of Jesus or His followers
4:16 The big problem - What shall we do to these men?
This is not a small miracle - For indeed, that a notable miracle has been done
This miracle was done through them not by them - through them
This miracle is well known to all living in Jerusalem - is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem
The 5,000 men alone would be sharing the story with their family and neighbors
The evidence of this miracle is so strong and being spread in Jerusalem so much we can’t even deny it
Pray God would do something so strong for the gospel that even our enemies can’y deny it
4:17 Maybe we can quarantine and isolate their message
Go do your good deeds
Go have your private talks with each other in your home or church
But don’t tell anybody openly about Jesus. Don’t come out of your prayer closet into the public realm
They were hoping to intimidate them into silence with the threat of severe punishment
4:18 They gave their judicial decision and orders
Do not speak about Jesus Christ. Don’t mention His name
Do not teach about Jesus or speak in His name to anyone
Don’t represent Jesus anywhere to anyone
Would they have had to tell us that and threaten us?
Would their restrictions even effect what we were doing?
4:19 Peter and John respond together
The necessity of unity in the body of Christ
God is the final judge
He is you were most concerned about
God is watching all of us and He is waiting to see if we will listen to Him or to you and bow to your threats
You judge what you think our answer should be
4:20 We have to speak what we know by hearing and seeing
Aren’t you glad they took this stand
We can only speak what we know to be the absolute truth
We can only speak what we have seen and heard while being with Jesus
4:21 Their enemies hands were tied and let them go
They added more threats
They found no way to punish them
They were afraid of the people’s response since the people saw this an act of God, glorifying Him
4:22 The age of the man gave further evidence the miracle was real
Over 40 years he had been lame, from birth
Over 40 years he had lived a helpless life and didn’t expect it ever to end
That’s what the gospel can do to any age group
Praying for more good deeds to be done
Praying for more good deeds to be done
4:23 Peter and John respond by sharing with the church fellowship, with their own
They belong to each other
They were a close-knit group
They needed one another
They found encouragement in being able to share this event
They found
4:24 The church fellowship responds to the news by going to prayer together
They raised their one voice
Our prayers should be one voice
They raised their one voice to God
They raised their one voice to God with one accord
They were all on the same page - same mind
They were all in this together - same goal
They raise their one voice acknowledging God
God the Creator of heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them
4:25-26 They raise their one voice quoting scripture pertinent to their situation
The Scripture given from God through the Holy Spirit by the mouth of David
David our father and God’s servant
4:27
4:27 They raise their one voice declaring with confidence the fulfillment of the text
They identify themselves as ‘Your Servants’
The truth they came against Your holy Servant Jesus whom you anointed as the Messiah
The companions joined together in the deed
Herod
Pontius Pilate
Gentiles and Jews (people of Israel)
4:28 They simply fulfilled God’s sovereign plan
4:29 They raise their one voice to give them boldness
Lord see their threats
Lord grant to Your servants
Identifying themself with Jesus God’s Servant
Surrendering themself to God to be His servant. He owns them
Lord give us all boldness to speak Your word
Asking for boldness meant they didn’t have boldness, right?
All = They wanted boldness and to be filled up with boldness
4:30 They raise their one voice asking God to continue to work through them
The same hand that worked to bring to fruition His plan and purpose of redemption in verse 28
Stretch out that hand now
To heal
To bring signs and wonders to past through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus
4:31 Their one voice was heard
The actual place of their assembly was shaken
They were filled with the Holy Spirit
The spoke the word of God with boldness!
Lessons to be learned to be a difference making church
Lessons to be learned to be a difference making church
A difference making church lives by the word of God
And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.
Luke 24:
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
“Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
John 13:12
A difference making church is ruled by the Holy Spirit
A difference making church works through the name of Jesus Christ
Good deeds can be done by saved and unsaved but Peter and John gave him something that changed his whole life. That’s what real difference makers do. Life is more than food and clothing
The power of Jesus name
Difference making church where miracles are happening
Ultimately any valuable difference we make is those things done in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth
Peter and John were simply doing the things Jesus had taught them
Matthew 18
“If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.