THE MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS
ACTS 9:32-35
The passage tonight turns from the dramatic changed life of Saul to a story in the life of Peter. Since the churches had rest from persecution, the apostles began to make use of this interval of quiet to visit the different congregations in order to build them up on the faith. This shows that their emphasis was on discipleship.
Of Saul, we hear no more until Acts 11:30, which is said to be about five years after his conversion.
Notice these words in verse 32 - “Peter passed through all quarters.” They are going to serve as the basis for our thoughts tonight.
Peter comes down to Lydda which is near Joppa. Lydda was an important commercial city. In this verses, we read of the power of Christ to make men whole.
I. The Discovery of a Problem (vs. 32-33)
When you go "through all quarters," you will see a lot of
problems. We will see people with needs and problems. Every church should exist for people in all quarters. The idea of targeting only a certain segment of society is not
Biblical.
We are to take the gospel to ALL the world. As Peter passed “through all quarters” he became aware of a need. May I suggest to you that as he went thorough all quarters he was looking for people with needs. The writer of Acts, tells us that Peter "found" Aeneas. It suggests he was looking for him. It suggests that Peter was seeking to minister to someone who had a need or a problem. Peter was willing to get involved in a need or a problem.
A. A Hopeless Man
The Bible tells us that Aeneas had been bedridden for eight. Eight years is along time to be sick in bed, day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year with no end in sight. No doubt he had tried every medical cure available in his day, but nothing had improved his condition. He was probably very discouraged and had no hope for a better future.
B. A Helpless Man
He could not help himself; he could not improve himself.
Men cannot save themselves. The lost need someone to share the good news of Jesus Christ with them.
III. The Declaration of a Person (vs. 34)
“Jesus Christ maketh thee whole” - Jesus Christ is everything that any man needs for time and for eternity. Colossians 2:10 “And ye are complete in him.”
Peter claimed no power to do it himself! He was Christ exalting. Believe me, any kind of ministry that is going to bear any fruit and have any kind of effect on anybody is going to be that one which lifts up Jesus Christ.
Don’t ever exalt yourself. Don’t ever credit yourself with the victories. Don’t ever lift up yourself in conversation, in your wisdom, in your ability to teach the Bible, and your ability to handle their problems, and yours and yours and ... always ... always, always exalt Christ.
A. It Was Through The Name of Jesus
The focus is on Jesus and His power.
The man had to put his faith in the power of Jesus.
Peter did not heal Aeneas; he was only used by the Holy Spirit to bring the healing to him. A proper focus on God would cure many of the ills of the charismatic movement with its unhealthy and misguided focus on sign gifts.
Peter, unlike many of our day, did not attempt to take any credit for this great miracle. He makes it clear, "Jesus Christ maketh thee whole." Why? Because Christ was only One who had the power to make this man whole.
This was really power! Just one word and this man took up his bed, while some of us for years have been saying, to our teenagers, ’Arise and make your bed,’ with no result.
B. It Was Thorough
There was no need for follow-up treatments for Aeneas! In the name of Jesus, he was completely cured.
Peter tells him to make his bed. What does that mean? Once and for all, it’s over with. Make that bed up.
God has power beyond any need that we
might have.
For a moment, let us step back from the story to observe Peter’s method of healing. For a moment, let’s step back from the story to observe Peter’s method of healing compared to that of modem faith healers. First, we notice that Peter “found” Aeneas. Aeneas did not have to come to Peter or to a meeting for his healing. Second, there was no large
gathering or big spectacle; no hysteria or hype. Third, the healing was immediate and complete; the result of one simple sentence. Fourth, Jesus was the focus. Peter made it clear that was Jesus Christ who would makes him whole
Restoring strength to the legs of a paralytic is incredible, but God’s healing power is even greater than that.
III. The Decision of the People (vs. 35)
The healing of this man became a platform for others.
A. They beheld a man
Up and down the plains of Sharon the news flashed. People came to see what had happened to this man.
On a cold winter day, Thomas Carlyle was sitting near his fireplace when the door opened and the new pastor
of a nearby church came into his house. After they had
exchanged a few words, the young preacher asked the philosopher, “What do you think our community needs more than anything else?”
Without hesitation Carlyle answered, “What our community needs more than anything else is a man who knows God experientially, not simply from what he has learned from others.”
What the world needs today is Christians who know God the power of God personally in their life!
B. They believed in the Man
Aeneas became a channel for the wonder working power of God. Many people came to witness what God had done in the life of this one man, and when they saw what God had done they “turned to the Lord.”
A really effective personal ministry beloved is based upon a total absorption and preoccupation with the exaltation of Jesus Christ. And a good way to do it is to continually disclaim anything of your own verbally as Peter did. We need to remember that we have nothing to offer, but He has everything. They “turned to the Lord.” Aren’t you glad they turned to the Lord? Aren’t you glad that nobody’s gotten messed up with Peter. They didn’t because Peter made it clear as to who they were to follow and turned to by not exalting himself
The healing of the sick man was not an end in itself, but a means to another end - the salvation of many. Peter became involved with one and all that dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw the one and turned to the Lord. Never underestimate the power of one whose life is transformed by the grace of God.
Conclusion
Your greatest need and my greatest need is not physical healing. A man’s greatest need is spiritual healing. Physical healing does not last forever, but spiritual healing does. Christ can—and wants to—heal your soul.
Never discount the value of one person whose life you can touch
