Clinging to Christ: The Power of Repentance

 

Summary

In reflecting on Peter's second recorded sermon in the book of Acts, we delve into the profound implications of the miraculous healing of a man who had been crippled from birth. This event, which took place at Solomon's Porch, serves as a powerful testament to the divine authority and power of Jesus Christ. The healed man, who clung to Peter and John, symbolizes the gratitude and awe that should fill our hearts when we experience God's transformative power in our lives. The crowd's amazement at the miracle is met with Peter's rhetorical question, challenging them to recognize the true source of the miracle: not the apostles themselves, but the God of their ancestors who glorified His servant, Jesus.

Peter's sermon is a call to recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, identifying Him as the servant of the Lord, the Holy One, and the Prince of Life. This identification is not just a theological assertion but a call to repentance and acknowledgment of the grave sin of denying and crucifying the Messiah. Peter's words are a stark reminder of the gravity of rejecting Christ, yet they also offer hope through the possibility of repentance and forgiveness.

The sermon also addresses the issue of ignorance. While Peter acknowledges that the people acted in ignorance, he emphasizes that this ignorance is not an excuse before God. The ignorance was vincible, meaning it could have been overcome through diligent study and understanding of the Scriptures. This serves as a warning to us today to not be complacent in our understanding of God's word and to seek the truth earnestly.

Ultimately, the sermon is a call to cling to Christ, recognizing Him as the only source of life and righteousness. Just as the healed man clung to Peter and John, we are invited to hold fast to Jesus, the Holy One, who alone can save and sustain us.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Source of Miracles: The miraculous healing of the crippled man is a testament to the power of Jesus Christ, not the apostles. It challenges us to recognize the true source of divine power and to give glory to God for His works in our lives. [05:11]

2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Peter identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, emphasizing His role as the servant of the Lord and the Holy One. This recognition calls us to see Jesus as the promised Messiah and to respond with faith and repentance. [08:02]

3. The Gravity of Denial: The sermon highlights the seriousness of denying and crucifying Jesus, the Prince of Life. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting Christ and the need for repentance. [10:58]

4. Ignorance is No Excuse: While Peter acknowledges the ignorance of the people, he emphasizes that it is not an excuse before God. This challenges us to diligently seek understanding and truth in God's word, rather than relying on ignorance as a defense. [18:34]

5. Clinging to Christ: The healed man's clinging to Peter and John symbolizes our need to hold fast to Jesus, the only source of life and righteousness. We are called to cling to Christ with gratitude and faith, trusting in His power to save and sustain us. [23:21]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Opening Prayer
- [00:35] - Introduction to Peter's Sermon
- [01:14] - The Spirit of Political Correctness
- [01:34] - The Miracle of Healing
- [02:40] - The Crowd's Amazement
- [03:13] - The Literary Formula of Miracles
- [04:00] - Peter's Rhetorical Question
- [05:11] - The True Source of Power
- [06:00] - The God of Our Fathers
- [07:11] - Jesus as the Servant of the Lord
- [08:54] - The Denial and Betrayal of Jesus
- [10:58] - The Murder of the Prince of Life
- [13:16] - Witnesses of the Resurrection
- [15:24] - Faith in His Name
- [18:34] - Ignorance and Accountability
- [21:37] - The Call to Marvel at God's Glory
- [22:25] - The Unvarnished Truth
- [23:21] - Clinging to Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Acts 3:11-26
2. Isaiah 53:3-5
3. Romans 1:20

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the crowd's reaction to the miraculous healing of the crippled man, and how did Peter address their amazement? [02:58]

2. How does Peter identify Jesus in his sermon, and what Old Testament prophecies does he reference to support this identification? [08:02]

3. What does Peter say about the ignorance of the people regarding their actions against Jesus, and how does he differentiate between vincible and invincible ignorance? [19:48]

4. How does Peter describe the role of Jesus in relation to life and righteousness, and what does he urge the people to do in response? [23:21]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does Peter emphasize that the miracle was performed in the name of Jesus rather than by the apostles' own power or godliness? How does this shift the focus of the miracle? [05:11]

2. In what ways does Peter's sermon challenge the listeners to reconsider their understanding of Jesus as the Messiah? How does this relate to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies? [08:02]

3. How does Peter's acknowledgment of the people's ignorance serve as both a warning and an invitation? What does this suggest about the importance of understanding Scripture? [19:48]

4. What does Peter mean when he calls Jesus the "Prince of Life," and how does this title relate to the call to repentance and faith? [10:58]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced something miraculous or transformative in your life. How did you respond, and did you recognize the true source of that power? [05:11]

2. How can you actively seek to understand and recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in your daily life? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of Scripture? [08:02]

3. Consider areas in your life where you might be acting out of ignorance. What practical steps can you take to seek knowledge and understanding in those areas? [19:48]

4. In what ways can you "cling to Christ" in your daily life, especially during challenging times? How can you ensure that your faith remains strong and unwavering? [23:21]

5. How do you respond when confronted with the gravity of denying or rejecting Christ in your own life? What actions can you take to align your life more closely with His teachings? [10:58]

6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to repent and seek forgiveness. How can you take steps towards genuine repentance and transformation? [10:58]

7. How can you share the message of Jesus as the "Prince of Life" with others in your community? What practical ways can you demonstrate His life-giving power to those around you? [10:58]

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing the True Source of Power
The miraculous healing of the crippled man at Solomon's Porch serves as a profound reminder that the true source of divine power is Jesus Christ, not the apostles. This event challenges us to look beyond human instruments and recognize the hand of God in the miracles and blessings we experience. When we witness or experience something extraordinary, it is an opportunity to give glory to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace in our lives. The healed man's gratitude and awe should inspire us to respond similarly, with hearts full of thanksgiving and recognition of God's work. [05:11]

Acts 3:12-13 (ESV): "And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: 'Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.'"

Reflection: Think of a recent blessing or miracle in your life. How can you intentionally give glory to God for it today?


Day 2: Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy
Peter's sermon emphasizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, identifying Him as the servant of the Lord and the Holy One. This recognition is not merely a theological assertion but a call to faith and repentance. By understanding Jesus as the promised Messiah, we are invited to respond with a heart of belief and a willingness to turn away from sin. This acknowledgment of Jesus' divine role challenges us to align our lives with His teachings and embrace the hope and redemption He offers. [08:02]

Isaiah 42:1 (ESV): "Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations."

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your understanding of Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy, and how might this shape your response to Him today?


Day 3: The Seriousness of Denying Christ
The gravity of denying and crucifying Jesus, the Prince of Life, is a central theme in Peter's sermon. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting Christ and the need for repentance. This message calls us to reflect on our own lives and consider whether there are areas where we have denied Christ through our actions or inactions. The hope offered through repentance and forgiveness is a powerful invitation to turn back to God and embrace His grace, acknowledging the seriousness of our choices and their impact on our relationship with Him. [10:58]

Hebrews 6:4-6 (ESV): "For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt."

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you have denied Christ? How can you seek His forgiveness and make a change today?


Day 4: Ignorance is Not an Excuse
Peter acknowledges the ignorance of the people in denying Christ, yet he emphasizes that this ignorance is not an excuse before God. This serves as a warning to us today to not be complacent in our understanding of God's word. We are called to diligently seek the truth and deepen our knowledge of Scripture, recognizing that ignorance can be overcome through intentional study and reflection. This challenge invites us to take responsibility for our spiritual growth and to actively pursue a deeper relationship with God through His word. [18:34]

Hosea 4:6 (ESV): "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to overcome spiritual ignorance and deepen your understanding of God's word?


Day 5: Clinging to Christ
The image of the healed man clinging to Peter and John symbolizes our need to hold fast to Jesus, the only source of life and righteousness. We are called to cling to Christ with gratitude and faith, trusting in His power to save and sustain us. This act of clinging is not passive but an active, daily commitment to seek Jesus and rely on Him in every aspect of our lives. By holding fast to Christ, we find strength, hope, and the assurance of His presence with us, guiding us through life's challenges and joys. [23:21]

Hebrews 10:23 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."

Reflection: How can you actively cling to Christ today in a specific area of your life where you need His strength and guidance?

Quotes


The first thing I want you to notice about this sermon is the peculiar Spirit of political correctness and sensitivity in which it was delivered to its ears. This is the kind of sermon that would cast people in jail if they preach this way today. [00:01:00]

The god of Abraham, the god of Isaac, the god of Jacob, the god of our fathers, who glorified his servant Jesus. Stop. Notice what Peter didn't say. He didn't say who glorified his son Jesus. In this case, he doesn't say who glorified the prophet Jesus. [00:06:09]

Peter says God glorified the one you denied, the one you betrayed in front of Pontius Pilate, the one who is the Holy One and the just one or the righteous one. See, Peter's trying to communicate to these people something about the one they had crucified. [00:10:01]

You killed him. You put to death the very Prince of Life. How many of you remember where you were and what you were doing when you heard the news of the assassination of John Fitz Kennedy? Let me see your hands. Get them up there. [00:11:00]

The assassination of a president is nothing compared to the murder of the Prince of Life himself. Remember, John begins his gospel: in him was life. I am the way, the truth, and the life. I am Alpha, I am Omega. Here he is called the Prince of Life. [00:12:36]

Brothers, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, he has thus fulfilled. Now do you see the acceptive clause here that's in this text? [00:15:46]

The sin of man is not that we don't know him; it's that we refuse to acknowledge Him even though we do know him. And when Paul says in Romans that they will be without excuse, what excuse do you think they'll be resting upon? [00:17:53]

Paul warns that ignorance is not going to be an excuse on the day of judgment because it's not true. We are not ignorant. We are not without knowledge. We are not arenosas. And yet in the early days of Christendom, the reality of a certain kind of ignorance plays a role. [00:18:34]

Peter is saying to this crowd you murdered him, you killed him, you betrayed him, you denied him, but I know you did it in ignorance. Then he goes on to say but it was not an invincible ignorance, the kind that does excuse. [00:19:29]

God has raised Christ from the dead, certifying him as his only son. But our ignorance, we say it doesn't matter what you believe, you just take whatever religion you like. You can trample the blood of Christ into the ground, hang on to Confucius, hang on to Mohammad. [00:20:37]

The last thing I want to say about this sermon, you may think that what Peter said to these people was insensitive. You may think that it was harsh. You may say that it was offensive. But what you can't say is that it was false because he spoke the unvarnished truth. [00:22:30]

We by extension are a part of that mob until we, like the man healed, cling to Christ like he was clinging to Peter and John, praying that he will never let us go and we will not lose our grip on him because he alone is the Holy One. [00:23:12]

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Transcript
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