Acts 3:1-12
Introduction
Over time, homes develop issues that must be repaired, or the style of the home becomes outdated. These homes need improvements and upgrades. Just like homes, people may require a transformation. Even after we trust in Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will have times in our lives when we require a remodel to break free of bad habits and mindsets that keep us from growing and developing. Becoming stagnate can lead to frustration, disappointment and hurt.
Similar to the lame man begging at the temple gate in Acts 3, some Christians begin living a lifestyle of dependency and defeat. The man was sitting at the temple gate but there had been no change even though he was in the vicinity of God. Many people today are having problems that aren’t changing. And look to others for a quick solution. The lame man outside the temple did not need the temporary assistance of money or scraps. What he needed was a spiritual transformation. As Christians, we are responsible for bringing hope and healing to the hurting through the power of Jesus’ name.
When the people of God came upon the hurting man, they came with the compassion of God and the power of God. They exercised their authority to evoke a spiritual transformation. This is what the Kingdom of God should be doing through the people of God. Lame people need spiritual people who possess the power and compassion of God to not just go to the temple, but be focused on the transformation of others’ lives. This is what Kingdom people are about. And after the lame man’s spirit was restored, a celebration ensued and he testified publically. His testimony impacted those who heard it and in return, those people were saved. With this in mind, we don’t just help people for them, we help people for the impact that the transformation can make that God uses us to participate in.
Getting Started
- Older homes need renovations and sometimes an entire transformation. Have you ever had renovation done on your home? Share your experience with your group.
- When might a temporary solution cause more harm than good?
Let’s Get Personal
- In what ways are you currently living a lifestyle of dependency or defeat?
- When have you missed an opportunity to participate in someone else’s spiritual transformation? When did you listen to God’s leading and get to help someone with a spiritual transformation?
- What would it look like for you to come alongside people with compassion and the power of God rather than temporary relief?
Take the Next Step
- What steps do you need to take to depend on the Lord rather than on others? How can you help people at your church grow in their dependency on the Lord?
- How can you celebrate publicly God’s transforming power in your life? Who can you help this week to celebrate what God is doing in their life?
- Want to go deeper? Take time to look at the following passages: Acts 3:1-10; Ephesians 3:20; 2 Corinthians 1:3-11; Matthew 11:25-33; Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 10:19-20; Matthew 28:16-20; Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Peter 2:9-12.
Renew Your Mind
“But Peter said, ‘I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!’”
Acts 3:6
