READ
Acts 3-4
CONSIDER
Interruptions are part of our daily lives. We are constantly being interrupted by family, friends, smart phones, emails, reminders, etc. How do we handle these interruptions in life?
Peter and John were heading to the temple for prayer at 3 pm. It was part of their rhythm of life. As they were about to enter the temple, a forty-year-old man who was lame interrupted them and begged them for money. Peter and John had a few choices. They could have given him money or ignored him. Instead, as Peter and John had learned from Jesus, they gave this man their full and undivided attention. The man expected to receive something from them. The apostles proceeded to heal the lame man in the name and power of Jesus. The man started to walk, jump, and praise God. Peter interpreted the miracle as the work of God in their midst and two thousand people came to faith that day.
God works in our interruptions. Instead of seeing the man as an interruption, they saw him as a human person, loved by God and worthy of dignity and respect. They saw an opportunity to love and heal and were able to witness the power of Christ. This Sunday, we will witness the interruption of Peter’s message by the captain of the guard and priests and how the apostles continue to handle interruptions in their lives. Please read Acts 3-4 in preparation for this sermon. It will help you to understand the context.
Pastor Paul Lam
PRAY
Heavenly Father, I praise and love you. As the early disciples were available to you, make me more and more available to you. Open up my eyes to see what you are doing. As interruptions come my way, help me to humbly receive your leadership and guidance. Help me to see the people that you want me to love as you love. In Christ’s Name, Amen.
DIVING DEEPER
Download the complete Acts sermon series study guide HERE.
What stood out to you from the sermon? How do you usually respond to the interruptions in your own life? The disciples learned to pay attention to people and give them their full attention from Jesus. Who is God calling you to give your full attention to?
A pattern through Acts is that the church grows in the midst of persecution (see v4). Why do you think this is the case?
Why have Peter and John been thrown in prison? (see Ch 3) By what power (v7) does Peter begin to speak in v8?
Why does this surprise the leaders of the day (see v13)? Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit and his actions are bold in comparison to when Jesus was arrested.
We, the church, live in the power of the Spirit. Read these other verses about the Holy Spirit in Scripture and discuss as a group. Acts 1:8 Acts 4:31 John 16:7; 12-14 Gal 5:22-23