Repentance and Renewal: The Refreshing Power of Christ
Summary
In the book of Acts, chapter 3, verse 19, we find a powerful call to repentance and conversion, promising the blotting out of sins and the arrival of times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. This message, delivered by the Apostle Peter, follows a miraculous healing of a man born lame, which drew a crowd in Jerusalem. Peter seizes this moment to redirect the crowd's attention from the miracle itself to the source of the miracle—Jesus Christ, whom they had rejected and crucified. He emphasizes that the miracle and the apostles themselves are manifestations of God's power through Jesus, who is central to God's plan of salvation.
Peter's sermon is a model of authentic Christian preaching, focusing on the person and work of Jesus Christ. He recounts Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension, highlighting that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Peter urges the crowd to repent and turn to God, assuring them that they too can experience the blessings of this new age inaugurated by Christ. This new age is characterized by a refreshing presence of the Holy Spirit, akin to a breeze in a stifling atmosphere, bringing hope, relief, and new life.
The sermon draws a vivid picture of humanity's condition without Christ—oppressed, weary, and trapped in a suffocating existence. It contrasts this with the liberating and invigorating experience of salvation, which is like a fresh wind bringing life and vitality. This refreshing comes from the Holy Spirit, sent by the risen Christ, and is available to all who repent and believe. The message is clear: through repentance and faith in Jesus, one can experience a foretaste of the eternal kingdom, marked by joy, peace, and righteousness.
Key Takeaways:
- Repentance and Conversion: True repentance involves a complete turning away from sin and a turning towards God. It is not merely an emotional response but a decisive change of direction in life, leading to the blotting out of sins and the beginning of a new life in Christ. This transformation is essential for experiencing the refreshing presence of the Lord. [11:46]
- The Power of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the source of the refreshing and invigorating presence that believers experience. Just as a breeze revives those in a stifling room, the Holy Spirit brings new life, strength, and joy to those who are spiritually weary and oppressed. This is a foretaste of the eternal life promised in Christ. [15:30]
- The Condition of Humanity Without Christ: Life without Christ is depicted as oppressive and weary, akin to being trapped in a hot, airless room. This condition is marked by a sense of hopelessness, guilt, and futility. The message of salvation offers a way out of this oppressive existence, bringing hope and relief. [23:02]
- The Breath of Hope and Relief: The coming of Christ into the world brings a breath of hope and relief to those who are weary and burdened. This hope is not generated from within but comes from the outside, from the presence of the Lord. It is a supernatural intervention that changes everything. [41:34]
- New Life in Christ: Salvation in Christ is not just about forgiveness of sins but also about receiving new life and power through the Holy Spirit. This new life is characterized by joy, peace, and a sense of purpose, enabling believers to live victoriously in the midst of life's challenges. [49:32]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Acts 3:19
- [00:49] - Context of Peter's Sermon
- [01:40] - The Miracle at the Temple
- [03:00] - The Crowd's Reaction
- [04:00] - Authentic Christian Preaching
- [05:23] - God's Plan of Salvation
- [06:35] - The Person of Jesus Christ
- [07:40] - Resurrection and Ascension
- [09:21] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
- [10:08] - A New Age of Salvation
- [12:22] - Times of Refreshing
- [13:38] - The Blessings of Salvation
- [19:35] - Humanity's Oppressive Condition
- [31:05] - The Message of Hope
- [41:58] - The Breath of Relief
- [49:32] - New Life in Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 3:19
Observation Questions:
1. What was the context in which Peter delivered his sermon in Acts 3:19? How did the miraculous healing of the lame man set the stage for Peter's message? [01:07]
2. How does Peter redirect the crowd's attention from the miracle to the source of the miracle? What does he emphasize about Jesus Christ? [04:47]
3. What does Peter say about the role of the Holy Spirit in the miracle and in the lives of the apostles? [09:21]
4. How does Peter describe the condition of humanity without Christ, and what imagery does he use to convey this? [19:35]
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does true repentance and conversion entail according to Peter's sermon, and why is it essential for experiencing the "times of refreshing"? [11:46]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the power and role of the Holy Spirit in bringing new life and strength to believers? [15:30]
3. In what ways does Peter's message offer hope and relief to those who feel oppressed and weary? How does this relate to the concept of salvation? [23:02]
4. How does the sermon depict the new life in Christ, and what are the characteristics of this life as described by Peter? [49:32]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually weary or oppressed. How can the message of repentance and conversion bring you hope and relief in your current situation? [23:02]
2. The sermon emphasizes the refreshing presence of the Holy Spirit. What practical steps can you take to invite the Holy Spirit's presence into your daily life? [15:30]
3. Consider the areas in your life where you might need to experience a "turning away from sin and a turning towards God." What specific changes can you make to align more closely with this call to repentance? [11:46]
4. How can you actively participate in the new life and power offered through salvation in Christ? Identify one area where you can seek to experience more joy, peace, or purpose. [49:32]
5. The sermon describes salvation as a breath of hope and relief. How can you share this message of hope with someone in your life who may be feeling trapped or hopeless? [41:34]
6. Reflect on the imagery of being in a stifling room without Christ. What are some practical ways you can open the "windows" of your life to let in the refreshing presence of the Lord? [19:35]
7. How can you cultivate a spirit of rejoicing and gladness in your life, as described in the sermon? What specific actions can you take to live victoriously amidst life's challenges? [49:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Turning Towards God for New Life
True repentance involves a complete turning away from sin and a turning towards God. It is not merely an emotional response but a decisive change of direction in life, leading to the blotting out of sins and the beginning of a new life in Christ. This transformation is essential for experiencing the refreshing presence of the Lord. Repentance is a call to action, a call to change one's mind and heart, and to align oneself with God's will. It is through this process that individuals can experience the profound joy and peace that comes from being in right relationship with God. [11:46]
Acts 26:20 (ESV): "but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance."
Reflection: What specific sin or habit do you need to turn away from today to fully embrace the new life God offers?
Day 2: The Holy Spirit's Invigorating Presence
The Holy Spirit is the source of the refreshing and invigorating presence that believers experience. Just as a breeze revives those in a stifling room, the Holy Spirit brings new life, strength, and joy to those who are spiritually weary and oppressed. This is a foretaste of the eternal life promised in Christ. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live victoriously, providing the strength needed to overcome life's challenges and to walk in the fullness of God's promises. [15:30]
Isaiah 44:3 (ESV): "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel spiritually weary, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to refresh and strengthen you today?
Day 3: Liberation from a Weary Existence
Life without Christ is depicted as oppressive and weary, akin to being trapped in a hot, airless room. This condition is marked by a sense of hopelessness, guilt, and futility. The message of salvation offers a way out of this oppressive existence, bringing hope and relief. Through Christ, individuals can experience freedom from the burdens of sin and the weight of a life lived apart from God. This liberation is available to all who choose to embrace the gift of salvation. [23:02]
Psalm 107:14-16 (ESV): "He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel trapped or burdened, and how can you seek God's liberation in that area today?
Day 4: The Breath of Hope and Relief
The coming of Christ into the world brings a breath of hope and relief to those who are weary and burdened. This hope is not generated from within but comes from the outside, from the presence of the Lord. It is a supernatural intervention that changes everything. The presence of Christ offers a new perspective, a new way of living that is marked by hope and assurance in God's promises. This hope is a powerful force that can transform lives and bring about lasting change. [41:34]
2 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV): "He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again."
Reflection: How can you actively place your hope in Christ today, especially in areas where you feel burdened or weary?
Day 5: Embracing New Life in Christ
Salvation in Christ is not just about forgiveness of sins but also about receiving new life and power through the Holy Spirit. This new life is characterized by joy, peace, and a sense of purpose, enabling believers to live victoriously in the midst of life's challenges. Embracing this new life means walking in the fullness of God's promises and experiencing the abundant life that Jesus offers. It is a call to live with purpose and intentionality, reflecting the love and grace of Christ in all aspects of life. [49:32]
Colossians 3:10 (ESV): "and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to fully embrace the new life and purpose that Christ offers, and how can you reflect His love and grace in your daily interactions?
Quotes
Repent ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Now it is generally agreed that a better translation is this: repent ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out and so the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. [00:00:21]
Peter says no you mustn't do that it isn't the miracle per se that matters we as the apostles don't matter but what is really significant he says is this what has produced the miracle and indeed what has produced us don't look at us we are the result of something else don't look at the man he's the result of the same thing. [00:04:50]
He tells them that this which they're looking at and they themselves but the result of the power which is still being manifested by that Jesus of Nazareth whom they dismissed and rejected but a few weeks before crying away with him crucifying him crucify him even the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate was anxious to set him at Liberty but they wouldn't. [00:05:19]
He preached to them the person of the Lord Jesus Christ that he is the Son of God he preached to them the whole of his place in connection with God's Great purpose of redemption he told them how we come into the world how we been born he told them about his teaching and his mighty manifestation of his power in the Miracles that he worked. [00:06:48]
He says the explanation is this this this Jesus having gone back to heaven sent down his holy spirit upon us he's filled us with power we didn't do this it isn't our own power or Holiness that has enabled us to heal this men it is the power of the holy spirit that this risen Jesus sent down upon us he has done it through the spirit through us. [00:09:39]
He says this is a new age you he says uh the children yay and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after as many as have spoken have likewise foretold of these days these are the days of the Messiah said Peter this is a new age there is a new Liberty God's Plan of Salvation is working in a new power as all the prophets had prophesied. [00:09:57]
He says repent ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out that so times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord now there are some who think that that's a reference to the second coming of Our Lord I disagree entirely as many authorities do disagree because our Lord Peter goes on to talk about the second coming after that in a separate way. [00:12:11]
Salvation is exactly comparable to a man recovering from the effects of heat or if you prefer it a man who is on the point of Suffocation being revived by fresh air seasons of refreshing now it's not a bit surprising of course that the Apostle should put it like that there are many images and illustrations used in the scriptures in order to convey to us some impression of the blessings of Salvation. [00:13:24]
He says you know if you only repent if you only believe this message you are going to experience the most glorious refreshing you are going to be like men who were almost finished under some oppressive heat when suddenly the fresh air is let in why does he use this illustration well you see he just passed through Pentecost and what was Pentecost well you remember the story. [00:14:05]
The coming of the Lord Jesus Christ into this world has brought a breath of Hope Oh that's why the introductions to the gospels are all so lyrical the people that sat in darkness have seen a great light the people shut in in the confined space in that awful room have suddenly felt a slight breeze that's it or it's like a traveler going through a trackless desert seeing nothing but sand and sand and sand. [00:38:26]
Repent ye therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out you see it works like this when a man rarely understands life and is enlightened and delivered from this terrible ignorance he realizes that he's only one real problem and that is his relationship to God this is the thing that oppresses this is the thing that kills that though you feel your moral and good and clean it's nothing in the sight of God. [00:42:42]
He says look here repent and you'll be refreshed seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord well now as you know this is a a comparison that is used in other places in the scripture I read to you that portion out to the third chapter of John's gospel at the beginning because our Lord used the same illustration exactly in dealing with Nicodemus. [00:15:52]