Transformative Power of Faith in Action
Summary
### Summary
Today's focus is on building faith, drawing from biblical passages and the life of the Apostle Peter. Faith, as described in Hebrews 11:1, is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. James 2 emphasizes that faith without deeds is dead. These scriptures highlight that faith is both unseen and actionable. The story of Simone Biles, who prioritized her mental health over competition, serves as a modern example of faith in action. Similarly, Peter's journey from denying Jesus to becoming a faith-filled leader illustrates the transformative power of faith.
Peter's story in Acts 3, where he heals a lame man, underscores the importance of noticing the needs around us, never underestimating what God can do, and narrating God's message to the world. Peter's transformation from a fearful fisherman to a bold leader within 60 days shows how God can use our brokenness for His glory. The healing of the lame man not only restored the man's physical health but also served as a powerful testimony to the community, leading many to faith in Jesus.
Faith involves recognizing and addressing the needs around us, trusting in God's power, and sharing His message. Peter's story teaches us that our past failures do not define us; rather, God's grace and power can transform us into vessels for His work. By being aware of the needs around us, trusting in God's ability to work through us, and sharing our faith, we can build a stronger, more impactful faith.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith is Both Unseen and Actionable: Faith involves trusting in what we cannot see and acting on that trust. Hebrews 11:1 and James 2 remind us that true faith manifests in deeds. This dual nature of faith calls us to believe in God's promises and act on them, even when circumstances seem challenging. [01:22]
2. Transformation Through Faith: Peter's journey from denying Jesus to healing a lame man in Acts 3 shows how faith can transform us. Despite his past failures, Peter's encounter with the risen Jesus restored him and empowered him to act boldly. This teaches us that our past does not define us; God's grace and power can transform us into instruments of His will. [04:09]
3. Noticing and Addressing Needs: Building faith starts with being aware of the needs around us. Peter's decision to help the lame man at the temple gate, despite his past failures, shows the importance of noticing and addressing the needs we encounter daily. This awareness and action are crucial steps in living out our faith. [06:37]
4. Never Underestimate God's Power: Peter's bold declaration to the lame man, "In the name of Jesus Christ, get up and walk," exemplifies the power of faith. Peter did not limit what God could do through him or for the man in need. This teaches us to trust in God's ability to work miracles, both in our lives and in the lives of others. [13:46]
5. Sharing God's Message: When God moves in our lives, we should seize the opportunity to share His message. Peter used the healing of the lame man as a platform to preach about Jesus, leading many to faith. Our experiences of God's work in our lives can be powerful testimonies that draw others to Him. [22:52]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:22] - Simone Biles' Faith and Mental Health
[02:50] - Peter's Journey and Restoration
[04:09] - The Great Commission and Pentecost
[05:25] - Facing Life's Struggles
[06:37] - Noticing Needs Around You
[08:08] - Peter's Decision to Push Through
[09:27] - Remembering Jesus' Words
[10:51] - Jesus' Ministry Along the Way
[12:20] - The Importance of Small Acts
[13:46] - Never Underestimate God's Power
[15:11] - Peter's Transformation
[16:32] - God's Grace Overcomes Our Past
[17:47] - Using Brokenness for God's Plan
[18:37] - Trials as Formation
[19:25] - Asking God with the Right Motives
[20:46] - Praying About Everything
[21:50] - Narrating God's Message
[22:52] - The Lame Man's Healing
[24:01] - Peter and the Lame Man's Testimony
[25:18] - The Outcome of Peter's Sermon
[26:55] - The Strategy in Struggle
[28:10] - Empowered by Past Hurts
[29:32] - Steps to Build Your Faith
[30:57] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
[32:17] - Billy Graham's Transformation
[33:52] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[35:05] - Prayer for New Believers
[36:23] - Next Steps for New Believers
[37:29] - Benediction and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
2. James 2:17 - "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
3. Acts 3:1-10 - The story of Peter healing the lame man at the temple gate.
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 11:1, how is faith defined? What does it mean to have confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see?
2. In James 2:17, what does it mean when it says that faith without deeds is dead? How does this passage challenge the idea of faith being only a belief?
3. Describe the transformation in Peter's life from denying Jesus to healing the lame man in Acts 3. What key events led to this change? [04:09]
4. What was Peter's response to the lame man at the temple gate, and what was the outcome of his actions? [13:46]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How do Hebrews 11:1 and James 2:17 together provide a fuller understanding of what true faith looks like in a believer's life?
2. Reflecting on Peter's transformation, what does his story teach us about the potential for change and growth in our own spiritual lives? [16:32]
3. Why is it important to notice and address the needs around us as part of our faith journey? How did Peter's awareness of the lame man's need lead to a significant act of faith? [06:37]
4. How can we apply the lesson of never underestimating God's power in our daily lives? What are some modern-day examples where faith led to unexpected outcomes? [13:46]
#### Application Questions
1. Think about a time when you had to trust in something you could not see. How did that experience shape your understanding of faith? How can you apply that lesson to your current situation?
2. Peter's story shows that our past failures do not define us. Reflect on a past failure that you feel has held you back. How can you seek God's grace and power to transform that failure into a testimony? [16:32]
3. Identify a need in your community or among your friends and family that you have noticed but not yet addressed. What steps can you take this week to act on that need? [06:37]
4. Peter boldly declared healing in the name of Jesus. Is there a situation in your life where you need to trust in God's power more fully? How can you take a step of faith in that area this week? [13:46]
5. Sharing God's message was a key part of Peter's response to the miracle. Think of a recent experience where you saw God at work. How can you share that story with someone who needs encouragement? [22:52]
6. Reflect on the idea that God uses our brokenness for His plan. How can you embrace your own brokenness and allow God to use it to help others? [17:47]
7. Peter's faith was strengthened through his relationship with Jesus and his spiritual community. How can you engage more deeply with your faith community to support and be supported in your faith journey? [29:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in Action
Faith is both unseen and actionable. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. James 2 emphasizes that faith without deeds is dead. These scriptures highlight that faith is not just a belief but also requires action. Faith calls us to trust in God's promises and act on them, even when circumstances seem challenging. The story of Simone Biles, who prioritized her mental health over competition, serves as a modern example of faith in action. She trusted in what she could not see—her long-term well-being—and acted on that trust, despite the immediate pressures and expectations. This dual nature of faith calls us to believe in God's promises and act on them, even when circumstances seem challenging. [01:22]
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you need to act on your faith. What specific step can you take today to demonstrate your trust in God's promises?
Day 2: Transformation Through Faith
Peter's journey from denying Jesus to healing a lame man in Acts 3 shows how faith can transform us. Despite his past failures, Peter's encounter with the risen Jesus restored him and empowered him to act boldly. This teaches us that our past does not define us; God's grace and power can transform us into instruments of His will. Peter's transformation from a fearful fisherman to a bold leader within 60 days shows how God can use our brokenness for His glory. The healing of the lame man not only restored the man's physical health but also served as a powerful testimony to the community, leading many to faith in Jesus. This story encourages us to trust in God's ability to transform us, no matter our past. [04:09]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Reflect on a past failure or regret. How can you invite God's transformative power into that area of your life today?
Day 3: Noticing and Addressing Needs
Building faith starts with being aware of the needs around us. Peter's decision to help the lame man at the temple gate, despite his past failures, shows the importance of noticing and addressing the needs we encounter daily. This awareness and action are crucial steps in living out our faith. By being aware of the needs around us, trusting in God's ability to work through us, and sharing our faith, we can build a stronger, more impactful faith. Peter's story teaches us that our past failures do not define us; rather, God's grace and power can transform us into vessels for His work. [06:37]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Identify a need in your community or among your friends and family. What practical step can you take today to address that need?
Day 4: Never Underestimate God's Power
Peter's bold declaration to the lame man, "In the name of Jesus Christ, get up and walk," exemplifies the power of faith. Peter did not limit what God could do through him or for the man in need. This teaches us to trust in God's ability to work miracles, both in our lives and in the lives of others. The healing of the lame man not only restored the man's physical health but also served as a powerful testimony to the community, leading many to faith in Jesus. This story encourages us to trust in God's ability to work miracles, both in our lives and in the lives of others. [13:46]
Ephesians 3:20 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have limited God's power. How can you change your perspective and trust in His ability to work miracles today?
Day 5: Sharing God's Message
When God moves in our lives, we should seize the opportunity to share His message. Peter used the healing of the lame man as a platform to preach about Jesus, leading many to faith. Our experiences of God's work in our lives can be powerful testimonies that draw others to Him. By sharing our faith and the ways God has worked in our lives, we can inspire and encourage others to seek Him. This story encourages us to trust in God's ability to work miracles, both in our lives and in the lives of others. [22:52]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Think of a recent experience where you saw God at work. How can you share this testimony with someone today to encourage their faith?
Quotes
1. "Simone's faith in God, along with her discipline, has led her to win 11 Olympic medals. She has won the gold, silver, and two bronze, four of them in Paris. Along with that, she's amassed over 30 world championship medals, 23 gold, four silver, and three bronze. You want to hear what she says about it? She says, I was made like this to do great things, and God is the one who directs my life." [01:22] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You're in the right place because God's here this morning. God's here. He brought you here. He brought you here to help empower you. He brought you here to help build your faith. And he brought you here to tell you how much he loves you. And how he wants to help carry you through whatever that is that you are carrying this morning. Whatever you're facing today, Jesus is here to help you through." [05:25] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Peter woke up that day and he purposed in his heart that he was going to move forward. He was going to be faithful. He was going to move forward in his walk with Jesus. He made a decision to push through. And sometimes, friends, that's what you're going to need to do. You're going to need to wake up tomorrow and you're going to need to decide, I'm going to push through. I'm going to be faithful." [08:08] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Part of the reason Peter could walk in confidence was he experienced something profound after his failures. He encountered the risen Jesus who restored him with words of love on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Do you remember those words? Peter, do you love me? Yes, Lord, I love you. Then feed my sheep. Those were great words, powerful words. Those words were not just a command to Peter. They were a reminder that Jesus had forgiven Peter. He now trusts Peter. He believes in Peter, even when Peter didn't believe in himself." [09:27] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Peter didn't underestimate God. Peter didn't limit what God could do through his life. But more importantly, he didn't limit what God could do through the life of someone in need. That's what was going on. At that moment, both Peter and John, I think, learned a valuable lesson. And it's a lesson that drove the mission of the followers of Jesus forward. In the first century, you see, at that moment, Peter realized that God was using him as a broken man to bring healing to another broken man." [16:32] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The very problems that you're going through today, God can take those and turn them around to become the fuel that brings healing to another person tomorrow. That's how God works. Amen. Charles Spurgeon, who's a great preacher from the 1800s, I like the way he says it. I sometimes go back into the archives and find these great quotes. You'll love this one. He says, I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the rock of ages." [18:37] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "So often we experience spiritual limitations in our lives because we don't ask God to intervene. We see a need. We see something happening. And we just don't have any faith. And so we never go to God with it. And then we look around and we wonder, why don't we see God moving? James chapter 4 provides us with a little outline. To help us understand what this all means. Here's what the Bible says in James chapter 4, verses 2 and 3. You don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it." [19:25] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When God moves in your life, are you taking the opportunity to tell the story of Jesus to those around you? If you're not, I want to encourage you to start doing that. When God moves in your life, take that. Take that as an opportunity to tell your story. Tell the story of what God's doing regardless of the outcome." [24:41] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Your message of God's love is empowered by your past hurts, your past mistakes, your past failures. All of this shapes you. All of this makes you. All of this strengthens who you are today. And when you take all of you, the good, the bad, the mess, all of it, the forgiveness, you lay it all at the feet of Jesus. Jesus then puts power in your voice as you point people to God's forgiveness, God's restoration, and his healing, and his love." [28:10] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "If you're already a follower of Jesus, like Peter, you could start with these three simple steps that we looked at today. Notice the needs around you, never underestimate God, and begin to narrate the message of God's love to the world, maybe in some new ways like you haven't done before." [29:32] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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