PETER SAW HIS OPPORTUNITY
Acts 3:12-26
GETTING STARTED:
- A great miracle has taken place – A man lame since birth – over 40 years – is powerfully healed by Jesus through the ministry of Peter and John.
- Verse 12 starts with this powerful observation that we should focus on today. Peter saw his opportunity. This miracle could be used by God to proclaim the Good News about Jesus. Today – and this week – may the Holy Spirit lead us and empower us to see the opportunity. To realize – this is a moment to lift up Jesus.
- From verse 12 – through verse 26 – Peter will lift up Jesus. He is the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham. Paul declares in Galatians – that Jesus is the seed – singular – of Abraham. All who are in Christ are heirs of the promises of God.
2 truths for this week.
THIS IS THE SAME JESUS. Look at verses 13-16.
NOTICE 3 KEY CONTRASTS.
- Jesus is the one you rejected – but Pilate wanted to release him. In Peter’s preaching – he always wants the hearer to know that Jesus is on the Cross for the listener’s sins. He is paying the price for our sins.
- You rejected the holy and righteous one and instead demanded the release of a murderer.
- Finally – You killed the author of life – BUT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD. NOW – THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS – THIS MAN IS HEALED.
YOUR RESPONSE TO GOD – AND GOD’S RESPONSE TO YOU. verses 17-23.
- Your response – As faith also fills your heart – Repent of your sins and turn to God. You can also have a miracle in your life greater than the miracle of this man. You can be made new through faith in Jesus.
- God’s response – Times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord. This is absolutely one of my favorite expressions in all of scripture. Let’s face it – we need God to renew us and refresh us on a regular basis. Time in His presence is never wasted. It brings renewal and refreshes our soul.
TODAY – LET GOD RENEW YOU AND REFRESH YOU – SO THAT – YOU WILL SEE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOMETHING THAT LIFTS UP JESUS.