What if the biggest difference between a life of routine and a life of impact is one moment of obedience? Acts 3:1-10 shows us more than a miracle. It shows us what happens when ordinary believers refuse to walk past an opportunity to serve in Jesus’s name. Peter and John were on their way to the temple during their normal prayer time. It was part of their daily rhythm. But while they were headed to worship, God placed an assignment right in front of them.

At the temple gate sat a man who had been paralyzed from birth. For over forty years, his life had been defined by limitation. He was near the temple, but he never entered it. He was close to the place that represented God’s presence, but he had not yet experienced transformation. Then, two good men showed up. Peter and John did not ignore the opportunity in front of them. Instead of giving him the money he was begging for, they gave him what they had – Jesus Christ.

That moment changed his life and opened the door for thousands to believe. This passage calls us to live on both sides of the miracle. We must be believers who seize opportunities to boldly speak the name of Jesus when the door opens. We must also be honest enough to admit when we are the lame man – sitting at the gate, close to God yet not fully walking in freedom. The question for us today is this: will we boldly speak the name of Jesus and faithfully live like we believe it?

Getting Started

  1. What is one routine you follow every week without thinking much about it?
  2. Is there a small act of kindness from someone that has stuck with you over the years?

Let’s Get Personal

  1. Has there ever been a moment where you felt led to share your faith, but you didn’t? What stopped you?
  2. Peter and John noticed the man instead of ignoring him. What distractions might be keeping you from seeing the needs around you?
  3. Is there an area of your life where you feel like you are still sitting at the gate instead of walking in freedom? What might it look like for you to take a step of faith?

Take the Next Step

  1. Identify one routine in your spiritual life (church attendance, Bible reading, prayer). How can you approach it this week with intentionality?
  2. As you close your time with your group, pray together and ask God to show you one person you each can intentionally encourage and share the Gospel with.
  3. Want to dig deeper? Take a look at the following passages: Acts 3:1-10; Act 4:22; Acts 16:16-19; Luke 5:1-11; Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 5:37; Mark 14:33.

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