SPIRITUAL POWER
Acts 3:1 19
When we come to Acts 3 we see the church rejoicing in Christ, they are witnessing to everyone they touch, and winning many souls to Christ. As we go through this passage we want to notice the way the spiritual power is manifested in God’s people.
I FIRST, THE FAITHFULNESS GOD'S SERVANTS. 3:1
A. Peter and John (leaders) went up to the temple to pray.
B. These men were teaming up in God's work "went up together" they were vastly different in many ways (age, temperament) but they were willing to work together. Why? Because in their hearts they both loved Christ.
**It hadn't always been this way. Peter at one point was jealous of John (John 21: 20 23). Peter at this point still very self-motivated and immature. But not long after this incident the Holy Spirit was given and Peter finally came into his own.
John MacArthur calls Peter, “the Apostle with the foot-shaped mouth.”
II. SECOND, THE CONDITION OF THE SINNER. 3:1 3
A. Acts 3:2 tells of a crippled man, who is the very picture of the sinner in many respects.
B. Note the comparisons:
1. First, he was lame from birth; we are sinners from birth.
2. Second, he was helpless (was carried). The sinner is helpless in that he cannot save himself
3. Third, he had lived a dreary life. So it is with the sinner. Isaiah 57:20 says that there is no peace for the wicked.
C. This man asked for help. Acts 3:3. Many sinners today are asking for and wanting help. They are saying to the world, "My heart is empty and I'm hungry for peace and joy."
1. The world does not have the answer.
2. We, who know Christ, have the answer. The world turns to temporary satisfaction for peace and joy, we as His children turn to the eternal for everlasting peace and joy.
III THE MESSAGE PROCLAIMED. 3:4 6.
A. "Look on us" these men had something to offer because they knew Christ. They could point him to Christ.
**What do looks matter? Quite a lot in this world!
B. They had power to heal. Acts3: 5 7. They were channels of God's power.
**Sometimes the words Baptist and Healing don't go together.
IV. THE TESTIMONY PRESENTED. 3:8 19.
A. The crippled man entered the temple, the place of worship.
B. He was walking, leaping, and praising God. A new set of legs. We, who are saved, have something to rejoice about.
C. The people were amazed.
D. This gave Peter the opportunity to witness for Christ.
We can learn something from these early ministers, and sinners, that through time the message has not changed- ¬it's still Christ crucified and risen; and the need is still the same "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."
