Empowered by Faith: Miracles Through Ordinary Lives

Summary

Acts 3 tells the story of Peter and John encountering a man who had been lame from birth, sitting at the temple gate called Beautiful, begging for money. Instead of giving him silver or gold, Peter offers what he does have: healing in the name of Jesus Christ. The man is instantly healed, his feet and ankles strengthened, and he leaps up, praising God. This miracle astonishes everyone who knew him as the beggar at the gate. The event is not just about physical healing, but about the power and presence of Jesus working through ordinary people who are willing to step out in faith.

The early disciples, after Jesus’ ascension, were given a mission but not a detailed manual. They had to rely on the Holy Spirit, learning to listen and act as Jesus did, even when they didn’t know exactly how things would unfold. Their lives became a living answer to the question, “What would Jesus do?” They didn’t have all the resources or social standing, but they had the presence and power of Christ. The miracle at the temple gate is a vivid example of what happens when believers depend on God’s power rather than their own abilities or resources.

This passage also highlights the importance of imitation and spiritual formation. The boldness of Peter and John before the Sanhedrin was not the result of formal education or status, but because they had “been with Jesus.” True spiritual leadership and transformation come from proximity to Christ, not just knowledge about Him. The call is to imitate Jesus, to let our lives be shaped by His example, and to be the kind of people others can follow as we follow Christ.

Practical steps for living this out include choosing the right friends who will encourage us toward Christlikeness, committing to a local church community, and making the daily decision to follow Jesus, surrendering control and trusting Him with our lives. Whether you are a father, a leader, or simply someone seeking to know God more, the invitation is the same: let your life be an open book for Jesus to write His story through you. There is more freedom and life in following Jesus than anywhere else.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Power Works Through Ordinary People
Peter and John had no wealth or social standing, but they offered what they did have: the power of Jesus’ name. The miracle at the temple gate reminds us that God delights in using ordinary people who are willing to step out in faith, trusting Him to do what only He can do. Our limitations are often the very place where God’s power is most clearly displayed. [45:17]

- The Mission Requires Dependence, Not a Manual
Jesus gave His followers a mission but not a step-by-step guide. The early church had to learn to listen to the Holy Spirit and act courageously, even when the path was unclear. This dependence on God, rather than on our own plans or resources, is essential for living out the calling of Christ in our generation. [48:29]

- Imitation Is the Heart of Spiritual Formation
The boldness and effectiveness of Peter and John came not from education or status, but from having “been with Jesus.” True transformation happens through proximity and imitation—spending time with Christ and letting His life shape ours. Leadership and spiritual maturity are caught more than taught, as we model our lives after Jesus. [01:02:14]

- The Call to Spiritual Fatherhood and Influence
Paul’s challenge to “imitate me as I imitate Christ” is a call to all believers, especially fathers and leaders, to live lives worth following. This means overturning generational patterns, pursuing Christlikeness, and being willing to let others see both our strengths and our failures as we pursue Jesus. The world is hungry for authentic examples of faith lived out with courage and humility. [01:07:39]

- Following Jesus Means Surrender and Availability
The invitation to follow Jesus is not about having all the answers or being perfect, but about daily surrender—letting go of control and trusting Him with our lives. This is where true freedom and life are found. Whether you are new to faith or have walked with Jesus for years, the call remains: “Jesus, what do you want me to do?” and a willingness to obey. [01:13:01]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[44:34] - Reading Acts 3:1-10
[45:17] - The Miracle at the Beautiful Gate
[46:51] - Escape Room Story & Disciples’ Uncertainty
[48:29] - Learning to Rely on the Holy Spirit
[49:43] - The Beggar’s Expectation and Peter’s Response
[50:56] - The Depth of the Miracle
[53:01] - The Power of Jesus’ Name
[55:01] - Jesus’ Promise: Greater Works
[56:25] - Our Dependence on Resources vs. God
[57:57] - Peter’s Testimony Before the Crowd
[01:01:07] - The Sanhedrin’s Amazement at Peter and John
[01:02:14] - Imitation and Spiritual Formation
[01:07:39] - The Call to Spiritual Fatherhood
[01:09:58] - Choosing Friends and Community
[01:11:06] - The Importance of the Local Church
[01:12:22] - The Simplicity of Following Jesus
[01:13:01] - Surrender and the Invitation to Follow
[01:15:44] - Responding to Jesus and Next Steps
[01:16:30] - Closing Announcements and Final Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Acts 3 – The Power and Presence of Jesus Through Ordinary People

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### Bible Reading

- Acts 3:1-10 (Peter and John heal the man at the Beautiful Gate)
- Acts 4:13 (“…they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus.”)
- 1 Corinthians 11:1 (“Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.”)

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### Observation Questions

1. What did Peter say to the man at the temple gate when he asked for money, and what happened next?
[[49:43]]

2. According to Acts 4:13, what did the Sanhedrin notice about Peter and John that made them stand out?
[[01:01:07]]

3. In the story, what resources did Peter and John say they did NOT have, and what did they offer instead?
[[49:43]]

4. How did the healed man respond after he was able to walk?
[[45:17]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Peter and John emphasized that the healing was done “in the name of Jesus” rather than by their own power?
[[53:01]]

2. What does it mean that the early disciples had to “rely on the Holy Spirit” instead of having a step-by-step manual for their mission? How might that have felt for them?
[[48:29]]

3. The Sanhedrin recognized that Peter and John “had been with Jesus.” What does this suggest about the source of their boldness and effectiveness?
[[01:01:07]]

4. Paul says, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.” What kind of responsibility does this place on spiritual leaders and parents?
[[01:07:39]]

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### Application Questions

1. Peter and John offered what they had—Jesus’ power—instead of money or resources. Are there areas in your life where you feel you have “nothing to offer”? How might God want to use you anyway?
[[49:43]]

2. The disciples didn’t have a detailed plan, but they listened to the Holy Spirit and acted in faith. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to trust God’s leading instead of your own plans? What would it look like to take a step of faith?
[[48:29]]

3. The sermon talked about the importance of choosing the right friends and being part of a church community. Who are the people in your life that are helping you become more like Jesus? Are there friendships you need to pursue or let go of?
[[01:09:58]]

4. Imitation is at the heart of spiritual growth. Who are you imitating in your daily life—intentionally or unintentionally? Is there someone you look up to spiritually, and what qualities do you want to learn from them?
[[01:03:14]]

5. For parents and leaders: Are you living in a way that you would want others (especially your children) to imitate? What is one area where you want to grow so that your example points others to Jesus?
[[01:07:39]]

6. The call to follow Jesus is about surrender and availability, not perfection. Is there something you are holding onto that keeps you from fully following Jesus? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him this week?
[[01:13:01]]

7. The healed man responded by leaping and praising God. When was the last time you openly celebrated what God has done in your life? How can you share your story with someone this week?
[[45:17]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray, asking God to help them trust His power, imitate Jesus, and be available for whatever He wants to do through their lives.

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Jesus’ Name and Faith

The name of Jesus carries authority and power to heal, restore, and transform when invoked with faith. In Acts 3, Peter and John encounter a man lame from birth at the temple gate. Instead of giving him money, they offer him something far greater: healing in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Instantly, the man’s feet and ankles become strong, and he leaps up, walking and praising God. This miracle is not just about physical healing but about the power available to all believers when they act in faith and call upon Jesus’ name. The authority of Jesus is not limited to the apostles; it is available to all who trust in Him and seek to glorify God. [45:17]

Acts 3:1-10 (ESV)
Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Reflection: Where in your life do you need to stop relying on your own resources and instead boldly ask Jesus to work in His power and authority?


Day 2: Greater Works Through Faith in Jesus

Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will do the works He did—and even greater works—when they ask in His name and for God’s glory. In John 14, Jesus assures His disciples that faith in Him unlocks the ability to participate in God’s miraculous work on earth. This is not about personal greatness, but about God’s power working through ordinary people who trust Him. Too often, we limit our prayers and expectations, forgetting that Jesus invites us to ask boldly in His name. When our hearts are aligned with God’s purposes, we can expect Him to move in ways that bring Him glory and draw others to faith. [55:01]

John 14:12-14 (ESV)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”

Reflection: What is one bold, God-glorifying request you can bring to Jesus today, trusting Him to do more than you can imagine?


Day 3: Transformation Through Being With Jesus

Spending time with Jesus transforms ordinary people into bold witnesses who reflect His character and power. When Peter and John stood before the Sanhedrin, the religious leaders were astonished by their courage and recognized that they had been with Jesus. Their boldness did not come from education or status, but from a life shaped by close relationship with Christ. This is the heart of spiritual formation: being with Jesus changes us from the inside out, making us people who can impact the world for God’s kingdom. [01:01:07]

Acts 4:13 (ESV)
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

Reflection: How can you intentionally spend time with Jesus this week so that others might see His presence and boldness in your life?


Day 4: Imitating God as Beloved Children

We are called to imitate God as dearly loved children, modeling our lives after Jesus and becoming examples for others to follow. Paul urges believers to be imitators of God, just as children naturally imitate their parents. This imitation is not about perfection, but about pursuing a life that reflects God’s love, character, and priorities. As we follow Jesus, we become people worth following—spiritual mothers and fathers who can say, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.” This is a high calling, but it is also a joyful invitation to let God’s life shape ours for the sake of others. [01:03:14]

Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV)
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Reflection: Who in your life is watching your example, and what is one way you can more intentionally imitate Christ for their sake today?


Day 5: Surrendering Control and Following Jesus

True freedom and life are found when we surrender control and choose to follow Jesus wherever He leads. Many of us struggle with letting go of our own plans and agendas, but Jesus invites us to trust Him fully, making our lives an open book for Him to write His story. This surrender is not a one-time event, but a daily decision to say, “Jesus, what do you want me to do?” When we give up control, we discover the joy and purpose of living in step with our Savior, trusting that He knows what is best for us. [01:13:01]

Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are holding onto control, and how can you surrender it to Jesus today, trusting Him to lead you?

Quotes

Jesus says, truly I tell you that the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. Full stop. You hear that? Jesus says, if you believe in me, that I'm not just a good teacher, that I'm the son of God. You will do what I do. And he says, then he will do even greater works than these. Because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do it. So that the Father will be glorified in the Son. And if you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. [00:55:01] (00:00:33 seconds) Edit Clip

If it glorifies God and you ask it in Jesus' name, it will happen. And I can't help but think that we've kind of like dismissed what Jesus said. You ever wonder this? Jesus says, if you ask for things in my name, then I'll do it. How often do we ask in Jesus' name for him to do something? Or do we not believe that he can do it? [00:55:43] (00:00:28 seconds) Edit Clip

Because our dependence is on our power and not his power. Our dependence is on our ability to figure things out and not God's wisdom. There is this change that's happened in many of our churches where we no longer try to say, what would Jesus do in these moments? We simply go, what can I do in my strength? And we don't leave space for God to do something supernatural in our life. [00:57:00] (00:00:29 seconds) Edit Clip

And so the principle that we can take away from this is that leadership is caught far more than it is taught. They don't say that they were taught by Jesus, but that they had been with Jesus. Do you hear what I'm saying? Jesus spent three years day in and day out with the disciples. And that life on life changed them from being ordinary men to being extraordinary leaders that turned the world upside down. And they had great boldness because they had spent time with Jesus. [01:02:28] (00:00:37 seconds) Edit Clip

Paul says, you're supposed to have a relationship with God like a father and a child. And just like every child wants to be like their father and imitates them. That's what you're supposed to do. That's what the disciples were doing. They're copying their life off the preaching, teaching, and ministry of Jesus. Simply saying, what would Jesus do? And then trying to do it. This is the biblical model. [01:03:23] (00:00:31 seconds) Edit Clip

But Jesus is like, just follow me. In fact, over and over again, when Jesus met with people, he didn't ask them to pray a prayer. Like, it wasn't like, hey. Peter, pray this prayer and then you can follow me. He said, leave everything behind and follow me. So here's my invitation to you. Follow Jesus. The way that looks is simply telling him, Jesus, what do you want me to do? In any situation, Jesus, I want to do what you want me to do. It's not me. I want to follow you. [01:12:22] (00:00:39 seconds) Edit Clip

And for Christians, sometimes we forget the joy of simply following Jesus and saying, Jesus, my life's an open book. You can write whatever you want in it. Jesus, my life is a blank check. You can, you can do whatever you want with it. Jesus, I'm available and I'm here. Show me what you want me to do. [01:13:01] (00:00:26 seconds) Edit Clip

But there's more freedom in Jesus than anywhere else. And there's more life there than anywhere else. So today, if you're feeling like you're tired, if you're feeling like you're worn out, if you're feeling like you're defeated, if you're feeling like, man, I can't go any further, turn and follow Jesus. And just say, Jesus, what do you want me to do? I'll do it. [01:13:50] (00:00:30 seconds) Edit Clip