The Up-Standing Citizen

The UP-STANDING Citizen

Acts 3:1-11 - Psalm 3:3

Introduction:

It is important to know that the man’s name is not given, which tells me this could be anyone at anytime in any one of life’s circumstances.

1. HE LOOKED UP VS.4

This man no doubt had a posture that was continually down.

1. His HEALTH kept him down….lame

2. His WEALTH kept him down…..begging

3. His LIFE kept him down…..daily laid

2. HE ROSE UP VS.6

Sometime in life we have to just say I’m going to get over the circumstances of life, get over the cards I have been dealt, and make something better than what and where I presently am.

This man had found that moment.

1. Saints of God took time with him….talked with him

2. Spoke words of encouragement….nothing for your cup, but something for your soul

3. Spoke in authority….in the name of Jesus Christ

4. Spoke with assuredly…rise and walk

3. HE WAS LIFTED UP VS.7

Some where along life’s road we may need someone to reach down a hand and lift us up.

1. It may be physically….took him by the right hand

2. It may be by words…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me Phil 4:13

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Romans 8:37

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Cor.15:57

4. HE WAS LEAPING UP VS.8

When the chains have been broken we will find ourselves leaping for joy

Philippians is the book of JOY. In 4 chapters the word JOY appears 14 times. Paul was trying to get a point across to the reader, there is JOY in knowing Christ.

Rejoice or Joy means three things

1. To have a good look

2. To turn or spin around

3. To leap up.

This “certain man” had all three qualities of JOY.

A. He was not doubt depressed and didn’t have a good look

B. He was unable to turn or spin around, someone brought him each day

C. He was lame from his birth

After speaking to Peter and John and meeting Jesus he went form ABC to 123

5. HE WENT UP VS.8

He entered into the Temple, people that are not right in their hearts with God would not be praising and entering into the Temple of God with the people of God

This was the natural and appropriate expression of his feelings on this meeting with the Lord Jesus Christ.

His heart would be full; and he could have no doubt that this blessing had come from God alone.

It is remarkable that he did not even express his gratitude to Peter and John. They had not pretended to restore him in their own name; and he would feel that man could not do it.

It is remarkable that he praised God without being taught or entreated to do it. It was instinctive-- the natural feeling of the heart. Albert Barnes Commentary

Closing:

These actions are very naturally described. He walked, in obedience to the command of the apostle, rise up and walk: he leaped, to try the strength of his limbs and to be convinced of the reality of the cure: he praised God, as a testimony of the gratitude he felt for the cure he had received.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary

His joy was too great for him to go at an ordinary pace. When souls are healed by grace they overflow with enthusiasm. If we remembered our obligations to the Lord Jesus for making us whole, we also should often tread his courts with rapture, and feel as if we must dance for joy. Spurgeon Devotional Commentary

For the Cause

Rev. Jerry Stepp

6/9/10