Experiencing God's Power: Healing and Restoration Through Faith
Summary
Today’s focus is on the power of the Holy Spirit to heal and restore, as seen in Acts 3:1-10, where Peter and John encounter a man who had been lame from birth. This man, placed daily at the temple gate to beg, was not seeking healing but simply hoping for money. Yet, through Peter and John’s faith and obedience, he experienced a miraculous encounter with God—his legs were strengthened, and he walked, jumped, and praised God, astonishing everyone who witnessed it. This event not only transformed the man’s life but also became a catalyst for many others to believe in Jesus as Peter boldly explained the gospel to the gathered crowd.
The story highlights that God desires more than for us to simply hear about Him; He wants us to experience Him. Encounters with God reveal His reality, power, ability to heal, and His deep love for us. These encounters are not limited to physical healing but can take many forms, as the gifts of the Holy Spirit are diverse—ranging from words of knowledge to acts of compassion. The essential foundation for moving in the Spirit’s power is a personal relationship with Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and learning to ask, “God, what are you doing here?” rather than just acting out of routine or busyness.
Authority to minister in the Spirit is given to all believers, not just a select few. Jesus commissioned His followers to heal, restore, and reveal the Father’s heart. Sometimes, healing comes instantly; other times, it does not, and we are left with mystery. Yet, the true goal is not just the miracle but the encounter with God’s love and presence. Even when healing does not occur, God’s love and nearness can be experienced in profound ways, as seen in personal stories of suffering and perseverance.
It is crucial to minister in the character of the Holy Spirit—marked by love, gentleness, and humility—so that people know they are valued regardless of the outcome. The way we pray and speak should never make someone feel they are the problem or that God’s love is conditional. The story of the lame man also teaches that God’s timing is mysterious, and even if it seems like He has passed us by, He has not. Openness and willingness to respond to God’s invitation, even when it feels risky, can lead to life-changing encounters. Ultimately, God is a restorer, and every encounter with Him—whether dramatic or quiet—can change everything.
Key Takeaways
- Encountering God is more than hearing about Him; it is experiencing His reality, power, and love. The transformation of the lame man at the temple gate shows that a genuine encounter with God can shift not only physical circumstances but also identity and hope. These moments reveal that God is not distant but deeply involved in our lives. [04:52]
- Moving in the power of the Holy Spirit flows from a personal relationship with Jesus and being continually filled with the Spirit. It requires intentionality to pause, ask God what He is doing, and be willing to step out of routine or busyness to partner with Him. Authority to minister is not reserved for a spiritual elite but is given to all who believe in Jesus. [12:12]
- The outcome of prayer—whether healing occurs or not—does not determine God’s love or our worth. Sometimes, God’s answer is mysterious, and healing may not come as we expect, but the deeper purpose is always to encounter His love and presence. Even in ongoing suffering, God can draw us closer and reveal Himself in ways that transform our hearts. [15:26]
- Ministering in the Spirit must always reflect the character of the Spirit—marked by love, gentleness, and humility. The way we pray and speak should ensure people feel safe, valued, and never blamed for a lack of healing. Our goal is to help others know they are loved by God, regardless of the outcome. [19:32]
- God’s timing and ways are often beyond our understanding. The lame man had been passed by many times, even by Jesus, yet his moment of encounter came unexpectedly. We should not disqualify ourselves or others based on past disappointments or perceived readiness; God can meet us and others in surprising ways, often when we least expect it. [24:12]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:12] - The Healing at the Beautiful Gate
[03:19] - The Importance of Encountering God
[04:52] - What Encounters with God Reveal
[06:06] - The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
[09:18] - Learning to Partner with the Spirit
[11:02] - Authority in Jesus’ Name
[12:12] - The Call for All Believers
[13:56] - Obedience and the Mystery of Healing
[15:26] - Ministering with the Spirit’s Character
[19:32] - Creating Safe Spaces for Prayer
[23:10] - Lessons from the Lame Man’s Perspective
[24:12] - God’s Timing and Our Openness
[25:22] - Responding to God’s Invitation
[27:19] - God’s Restoration in Our Lives
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Power of the Holy Spirit to Heal and Restore
*(Based on Acts 3:1-10 and the sermon summary above)*
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### Bible Reading
Acts 3:1-10 (ESV)
1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
2 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.
3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms.
4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.”
5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.
6 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!”
7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.
8 And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God,
10 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.
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### Observation Questions
1. What was the lame man expecting when he asked Peter and John for help? What did he actually receive instead? ([03:19])
2. How did Peter and John respond to the man’s request, and what did they do differently from what he expected? ([09:18])
3. What was the reaction of the crowd when they saw the man healed? ([01:12])
4. According to the sermon, what did Peter do after the healing took place? ([01:12])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The man at the gate was not looking for healing, but for money. What does this tell us about how God sometimes meets needs we aren’t even aware of? ([24:12])
2. The sermon says that authority to minister in the Spirit is given to all believers, not just a select few. How does this challenge or encourage your understanding of your own role in God’s work? ([12:12])
3. The outcome of prayer—whether healing happens or not—does not determine God’s love or our worth. How does this truth affect the way we approach praying for others or being prayed for ourselves? ([15:26])
4. The story highlights that God’s timing is mysterious. How might this shape our expectations when we pray for healing or for God to move in our lives? ([24:12])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized that encountering God is more than just hearing about Him; it’s about experiencing His reality, power, and love. Can you share a time when you felt you truly encountered God, whether in a dramatic or quiet way? How did it change you? ([04:52])
2. Peter and John paused in their routine to notice and respond to the man at the gate. Is there a place in your daily life where you sense God might be inviting you to pause and ask, “God, what are you doing here?” What would it look like to respond? ([09:18])
3. The sermon talked about moving in the power of the Holy Spirit flowing from a personal relationship with Jesus and being filled with the Spirit. What are some practical ways you can make space in your life to be filled with the Holy Spirit? ([09:18])
4. Sometimes, healing or breakthrough doesn’t come as we expect. How can you support someone who is still waiting for healing or an answer to prayer, so they feel loved and valued regardless of the outcome? ([19:32])
5. The way we pray and speak should never make someone feel they are the problem or that God’s love is conditional. Have you ever experienced or witnessed prayer that made someone feel blamed or unsafe? How can you help create a safe space for people to encounter God’s love? ([19:32])
6. The man at the gate had to take a risk to respond to Peter’s invitation to stand up. Is there a step of faith or risk you sense God might be inviting you to take right now? What’s holding you back, and how can the group support you? ([25:22])
7. The sermon shared personal stories of ongoing suffering and perseverance. How can you hold onto hope and openness to God’s restoration, even when you don’t see immediate answers? ([26:30])
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person experience His love and presence, and to be open to the ways He wants to move in and through them this week.
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Power to Heal and Restore
God’s power is revealed through miraculous healing and restoration, as seen in the story of the man lame from birth who was healed at the temple gate. This encounter not only transformed his physical condition but also restored his dignity, identity, and place in the community. The man’s life was changed from dependence and begging to walking, leaping, and praising God, showing that God’s love and power can break through any circumstance. When God moves, it is not just about physical healing but about holistic restoration—spirit, soul, and body—demonstrating that He sees, knows, and loves each person deeply. [01:12]
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 long for God’s healing or restoration—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—and how can you invite Him to meet you there today?
Day 2: The Gifts and Power of the Holy Spirit Are for All Believers
The gifts of the Holy Spirit, including healing, words of knowledge, and more, are not reserved for a select few but are available to all who believe in Jesus. Jesus gave His followers authority to move in these gifts, and the call is for every believer to step out in faith, trusting that God wants to work through them to reveal His love and power to others. It is not about having a special status but about knowing Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and being willing to partner with God in what He is doing. [12:12]
Mark 16:17-18 (ESV)
And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.
Reflection: What is one way you can step out in faith today to use a gift of the Holy Spirit—whether praying for someone, encouraging them, or listening for God’s voice?
Day 3: Encountering God Is More Than Hearing About Him
Experiencing God personally is different from just hearing about Him; an encounter with God brings transformation, assurance of His reality, and a deeper understanding of His love. The paralyzed man and the crowd both encountered God in a tangible way, which went beyond words and teaching. God desires for each person to have their own encounter with Him, whether through healing, comfort, or simply knowing His presence, and these encounters can change everything, even if our circumstances remain the same. [04:52]
John 14:21 (ESV)
Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.
Reflection: When was the last time you truly encountered God’s presence, and how might you create space today to experience Him afresh?
Day 4: God’s Love Is Not Measured by Outcomes
God’s love for us is not dependent on whether we are healed or see the answers we hope for; His love is constant, and He is present with us in every circumstance. Sometimes healing does not come, or it comes in unexpected ways, but the most important thing is that we encounter Jesus and know His love. We must be careful not to equate God’s love with outcomes, and instead, trust that He is with us, sees us, and cares for us deeply, even in the mystery and unanswered prayers. [19:32]
Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reflection: Is there an area where you have doubted God’s love because of an unanswered prayer or disappointment? How can you open your heart to His love today, regardless of the outcome?
Day 5: Responding to God’s Invitation Requires Openness and Risk
When God moves, it often requires a response from us—sometimes stepping out in faith, taking a risk, or being open to something unexpected. The paralyzed man had to risk standing up when he had never walked before, and we too are invited to respond to God’s prompting, even when it feels risky or unfamiliar. Openness to God’s work in our lives, and a willingness to respond, can lead to transformation and new encounters with Him, even if it looks different than we expect. [25:57]
Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Reflection: What is one area where God might be inviting you to take a step of faith or risk today, and how can you respond with openness to His leading?
Quotes
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