One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 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 do 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.
This morning I would like us to go through the verses of this passage and look for ways that God might work in our walk as He worked in the disciples' walk.
1. Find a prayer partner. Acts 3:1 1 NOW PETER and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour (three o’clock in the afternoon), Jesus had Peter, John and James. Paul had Silas. I believe God works most through two or more people, perhaps it keeps them humbled and Him glorified. This Cripple had friends too- everyday they took him to beg, but they’re help was limited…help him for the moment, but the next day he was just as needy as he had always been…for the people of that day it was the ninth hour or 3:00PM. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put everyday to beg from those going into the temple. Acts 3:4; 3:1 not about me, it is “us” – look at us. It has always been this.
2. Set a time and place to meet with God. Acts. 3:1 – ninth hour or 3 PM. Be at the meeting place you and God have set aside.
3. Be a person of faith. Acts 3:3 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter , he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us”. So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
Without faith we cannot please God. In Life's Journey – Why do we need faith ?
A. Challenges are inevitable. Those who avoid challenges will fail in life.
B. Challenges are unpredictable.
C. Challenges are temporary.
D. Challenges have a purpose.
How can I increase faith –“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17). Hearing – how – listening- by attending services, small groups,bible studies...Hearing – what – Word of God.
4. Look for those in need. They will be where you least expect. (at the gate of beautiful with an ugly problem.). You might find them in the mall or restaurant, wherever there is a group of people who are in need of you. Good Samaritan- Levi saw a problem and walked away, priests saw a problem and walked away but the Samaritan looked again – how can I help. There starts the ministry. … Your “calling” (God’s calling on your life) lies where there is a need… If God brings you somewhere and there is a need , it is your presence and your ministry will that can make an impact there.
5. Respond to the needy Acts 3:7 7 Then he took hold of the man’s right hand with a firm grip and raised him up. And at once his feet and ankle bones became strong and steady.
The crippled are all around us. They are looking for someone to extend a hand to help lift them to their feet. Sometimes it’s a smile or a kind word. Sometimes you have to get more involved and reach out and help pick them up and sometimes the stink of sin might get on your clothes.
Years ago I was part of a team that went to the apartments where the poor and disadvantaged live. Every Saturday we were there playing ball and other games with the children, and on Sunday we would go back to hold a Sunday school class for the kids. When Sunday school was over, we went back to our church to be there for service. It was amazing that when the team sat down you could easily tell who we were. Our friends sat away from us because we had the smell of the children on our clothes and they didn’t smell like us.
Sometimes you are not going to be successful until you are close enough to smell like them. It doesn’t mean you don’t take a shower when you get home. But it does mean you have to go and be that different smell where they live, so they will want what you have. And if you say Pastor, that is not for me… then I’m sorry. Because these are the people Jesus loves. And if you can’t love them, then you must not love Him.
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