TURNING YOUR PAIN INTO PRAISE – ACTS 3

Icebreaker: What is something you did or someone has done for you that you thought was exceptionally kind or thoughtful?

Acts 3:1-8

Going to the temple at the time of prayer – Now a man crippled from birth (over 40 years old – Acts 4:22) was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk.

     Times of prayer: (verse 1)

9:00 am, – Acts 2:15 – aka Third Hour

12:00 pm, – Acts 10:9 – aka Sixth Hour

3:00 pm, – Acts 3:1 – aka Ninth Hour

 

1. Why do you think individuals continued to attend the “temple” (for us today – churches, religious gatherings, meetings, etc.) in spite of experiencing difficult and troubling times?

2. How do you encourage others toward being a part of religious meetings?

3. How do we react when confronted by people with needs; such the homeless, disabled and less fortunate? How did Peter and John change the conversation from meeting his money needs to meeting his real needs?

4. Sometimes the needs of others are evident, but often there are needs below the surface. How can we speak to their needs to introduce them to Christ?

5. What do you think was significant about Peter’s commands? (1) Look at us! Acts 3:4, and (2) Why do you stare at us? Acts 3:12.

6. What happen to the beggar? What was his response?

7. Can you think of a time when you became elated by what God had done in your life?

Acts 3:9-12

9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11 While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?

8. The miraculous healing generated a tremendous interest from those in attendance. What do you think these people were looking for?

9. When God performs a miracle in the life of an individual, how should we respond to the miraculous act and what then becomes our responsibility(s), if any, to pass on what we have witnessed?

Acts 3:13-16

13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.

10. What was the Gospel message Peter taught in verse 15?

11. What made the testimony of Peter so powerful?

12. What are the two elements of Peter’s message that provided evidence as to how this miracle took place? (verse 16)

13. Where should your speech (talking points) be focused after personally experiencing or being a witness to a miracle?

14. How can our witness to God’s resurrection power be used to share our faith with others?