Repentance and Renewal Through Faith in Jesus

Summary

In Acts chapter 3, we witness a powerful moment where Peter and John, empowered by the Holy Spirit, heal a man crippled from birth. This miraculous event serves as a testament to the power and authority of Jesus Christ. Peter seizes this opportunity to address the crowd, emphasizing that the healing was not by their own power but through faith in Jesus. He reminds the people of their role in the crucifixion of Jesus, the Holy and Righteous One, and calls them to repentance. Despite their grave sin, Peter offers hope, explaining that their ignorance was part of God's redemptive plan. He urges them to repent so their sins may be blotted out, times of refreshing may come, and they may have hope in the return of Christ.

Peter's message is clear: repentance and faith in Jesus lead to forgiveness, renewal, and the hope of restoration. He underscores that the gospel is not about moral or social improvement but about a transformative relationship with Jesus. The gospel calls us to turn away from idols and place our faith solely in Christ. This message is timeless, reminding us that we are loved and valued because Jesus died for us and will return to make all things new. The healing of the crippled man is a sign pointing to the greater truth of Jesus' power to forgive and renew. As believers, we are called to continually return to this foundational truth, placing our faith in Jesus and repenting of our sins.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Jesus' Name: The healing of the crippled man demonstrates the power and authority of Jesus' name. It is not by human power or piety that miracles occur, but through faith in Jesus. This serves as a reminder that our faith should be rooted in Christ's power, not our own abilities. [27:58]

2. Repentance and Forgiveness: Peter calls the people to repent so their sins may be blotted out. Repentance is not merely an acknowledgment of wrongdoing but a turning away from sin and turning towards God. Through repentance, we receive forgiveness and are made new. [33:08]

3. Times of Refreshing: Repentance brings times of refreshing from the Lord. This renewal is not necessarily physical healing but a spiritual rejuvenation, making us new creations in Christ. It is a reminder that true refreshment comes from a restored relationship with God. [35:06]

4. Hope in Christ's Return: Peter assures the people that Jesus will return to restore all things. This hope is central to the Christian faith, reminding us that our present struggles are temporary and that ultimate restoration is promised. [37:06]

5. The Simplicity of the Gospel: The gospel is not a self-improvement plan but a call to faith and repentance. It is about trusting in Jesus for forgiveness and renewal. We must guard against distractions that lead us away from this simple yet profound truth. [46:19]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [25:22] - The Threat to Religious Leaders
- [26:13] - Peter and John Heal the Beggar
- [27:07] - The Crowd's Astonishment
- [27:58] - Peter's Explanation
- [28:47] - The Charge Against the People
- [29:41] - Faith in Jesus' Name
- [30:30] - Demonstration of Jesus' Power
- [31:27] - The Demand for Justice
- [32:26] - Ignorance and Redemption
- [33:08] - Call to Repentance
- [34:21] - Sins Blotted Out
- [35:06] - Times of Refreshing
- [36:22] - Hope in Jesus' Return
- [37:54] - The Promise of Restoration

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 3:1-26

Observation Questions:
1. What was the reaction of the crowd when they witnessed the healing of the crippled man by Peter and John? How did Peter address their astonishment? [27:07]
2. How does Peter explain the source of the power that healed the crippled man? What does he emphasize about their own abilities? [27:58]
3. What charges does Peter bring against the people regarding their actions towards Jesus? How does he describe Jesus in this context? [28:47]
4. What are the three outcomes Peter promises if the people repent and turn back to God? [33:08]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Peter's call to repentance in Acts 3:19-21 relate to the concept of spiritual renewal and times of refreshing? What might this spiritual rejuvenation look like in a believer's life? [35:06]
2. In what ways does Peter's message challenge the crowd's understanding of justice and mercy, especially in light of their role in Jesus' crucifixion? [31:27]
3. How does the promise of Christ's return to restore all things provide hope to believers, according to Peter's sermon? [37:06]
4. What does Peter mean when he says that the gospel is not about moral or social improvement but about a transformative relationship with Jesus? How does this perspective shift one's approach to faith? [46:19]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you relied on your own abilities rather than faith in Jesus. How can you shift your focus to trust in the power of Jesus' name in your daily life? [27:58]
2. Peter calls for repentance and turning back to God. What are some specific areas in your life where you need to repent and seek God's forgiveness? How can you take steps towards this repentance this week? [33:08]
3. Consider the concept of "times of refreshing" that come from the Lord. What practices or habits can you incorporate into your life to experience spiritual renewal and refreshment? [35:06]
4. How does the hope of Christ's return influence your perspective on current struggles or challenges? In what ways can this hope motivate you to live differently? [37:06]
5. The sermon emphasizes the simplicity of the gospel. Are there any distractions or idols in your life that are pulling you away from this foundational truth? How can you address these distractions to refocus on your relationship with Jesus? [46:19]
6. Peter's message highlights the importance of a transformative relationship with Jesus. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ in your daily routine? What specific actions can you take to grow in your faith? [46:19]
7. Reflect on the idea that you are loved and valued because Jesus died for you. How does this truth impact your self-worth and interactions with others? How can you remind yourself of this truth regularly? [47:38]

Devotional

Day 1: The Authority of Jesus' Name
The healing of the crippled man in Acts 3 is a profound demonstration of the power and authority inherent in the name of Jesus. Peter and John, filled with the Holy Spirit, did not rely on their own strength or piety to perform this miracle. Instead, they invoked the name of Jesus, emphasizing that it is through faith in Him that such wonders occur. This event serves as a reminder that our faith should be deeply rooted in the power of Christ, not in our own abilities or efforts. The name of Jesus is not just a label but a representation of His divine authority and power, capable of transforming lives and situations. [27:58]

Acts 4:10-12 (ESV): "let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength instead of the power of Jesus' name? How can you begin to shift your focus to trust in His authority today?

Day 2: The Call to Repentance
Peter's call to repentance in Acts 3 is not merely an acknowledgment of wrongdoing but a transformative turning away from sin and towards God. He urges the people to repent so that their sins may be blotted out, offering them a path to forgiveness and renewal. This call to repentance is a central theme of the gospel, emphasizing that through turning to God, we are made new. It is a reminder that repentance is not a one-time event but a continual process of aligning our lives with God's will. [33:08]

2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV): "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death."

Reflection: Is there a specific sin or habit in your life that you need to turn away from? What steps can you take today to begin this process of repentance and seek God's forgiveness?

Day 3: Spiritual Refreshment
Repentance brings about times of refreshing from the Lord, as described in Acts 3. This renewal is not necessarily about physical healing but a spiritual rejuvenation that makes us new creations in Christ. It is a reminder that true refreshment comes from a restored relationship with God, where we find peace, joy, and purpose. This spiritual refreshment is a gift from God, renewing our hearts and minds as we walk in His ways. [35:06]

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Reflection: In what ways do you need spiritual refreshment in your life right now? How can you create space in your daily routine to seek this renewal from God?

Day 4: Hope in Christ's Return
Peter assures the people of the hope found in the return of Christ, promising that Jesus will restore all things. This hope is central to the Christian faith, reminding us that our present struggles are temporary and that ultimate restoration is promised. It encourages believers to persevere through trials, knowing that a glorious future awaits. This hope is not just a distant dream but a present reality that shapes how we live today, motivating us to live with purpose and expectation. [37:06]

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (ESV): "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord."

Reflection: How does the promise of Christ's return influence your daily life and decisions? What can you do today to live in light of this hope?

Day 5: The Simplicity of the Gospel
The gospel is not a self-improvement plan but a call to faith and repentance. It is about trusting in Jesus for forgiveness and renewal, guarding against distractions that lead us away from this simple yet profound truth. The message of the gospel is timeless, reminding us that we are loved and valued because Jesus died for us and will return to make all things new. As believers, we are called to continually return to this foundational truth, placing our faith in Jesus and repenting of our sins. [46:19]

Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Reflection: Are there any distractions or idols in your life that are pulling you away from the simplicity of the gospel? How can you refocus your heart and mind on the core message of faith and repentance in Jesus?

Quotes

1) "And so they killed him. They nailed him to a cross. And on the third day, the Lord God raised his son, Jesus, from the dead. And this risen Jesus was saved. And this was seen by hundreds of people before he ascended into heaven. And the disciples then were empowered by the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, and the church was born." [25:22] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "So as a demonstration of the power and the authority that Jesus possesses through simple faith, through faith alone in Jesus, this man has been healed in their presence. So the whole point of having healed this man was to demonstrate the power and the authority of Jesus to this crowd. And now they too are witnesses to the power and the authority of Jesus." [30:30] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "Repent, therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago." [33:08] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "And Peter says that there are three things that will come of their repentance and returning to God. He says, first of all, their sins will be blotted out. They're not put on a probationary period. They're not dangled. They're not pulled over their head for the rest of their lives. But they are erased and removed, forgiven and forgotten." [33:48] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "And he also says that the end of their hope, the object of their hope, is that Jesus is coming back to restore all things. And so when Jesus, if you remember back to Acts chapter 1, when Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples were all standing there looking up at the sky, for a little while. And then until these two angels showed up to kind of give them a little kick." [36:22] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "And so all of Peter's sermon, everything that he had to say pointed to two ideas, to repentance and to faith. He didn't say, okay, now everybody line up here to be healed. He didn't say, okay, I've demonstrated the power of God and the power and authority that I have and so now you should put me in charge of everything." [40:00] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "We cannot serve both God and money. That is a true statement. We cannot serve both God and political power. We cannot serve God and the approval of others. We cannot serve God and our own comfort. We cannot walk in repentance and self-righteousness at the same time. We cannot walk in repentance and be justifying or protecting the sin in our own lives." [42:40] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "And so if their sin can be forgiven so can yours. If their sin can be forgiven then so can yours. And at the same time their sin was nothing more than rejecting Jesus in favor of something else. And if that is their sin that needs to be forgiven if their sin needs to be forgiven then so does yours." [49:03] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9) "And Jesus is coming again to heal and to restore and to renew. All things. That is the beginning and that is the end of our faith. That is the start and it's the object of our faith." [51:33] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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