Transformed by Christ: A New Purpose in Life

 

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the transformative power of being touched by the blood of Jesus Christ, as exemplified by the lives of Peter and John. These men, once simple fishermen, were radically changed by their encounter with Jesus. They no longer concerned themselves with mundane matters like fishing or making money. Instead, they were filled with a divine purpose, going to the temple to pray and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their new behavior puzzled those around them, who couldn't understand why they were no longer acting like fishermen but were instead focused on spiritual matters and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Peter and John’s transformation was so profound that it left people scratching their heads. They were no longer driven by earthly concerns but were led by the Spirit of God. This change was evident to everyone around them, and it was undeniable. They were not forced to worship God; they did so out of gratitude for His goodness. This new life in Christ was a stark contrast to their old lives, and it was something that those who hadn't experienced it couldn't understand.

The sermon also touched on the opposition that Peter and John faced. The authorities wanted to stop the spread of their message because it threatened their control. They even went as far as to threaten Peter and John to stop speaking in the name of Jesus. However, the miracles performed by Peter and John were undeniable. The man who was healed at the temple gate was a well-known figure, and his healing was a testament to the power of God. This miracle was so significant that even the authorities couldn't deny it.

The sermon emphasized that being touched by the blood of Jesus gives us a new outlook on life. Old things pass away, and all things become new. This transformation is not just a change in behavior but a change in purpose and direction. We are no longer driven by earthly concerns but are led by the Spirit of God. This new life in Christ is something that those who haven't experienced it can't understand, but it is undeniable to those who have.

The sermon concluded with a call to action, encouraging everyone to continue to serve God and to look to Him for all their needs. It reminded us that we are empowered by the grace and mercy of God, and that we should have confidence in His ability to work everything out. The more we serve God, the more we believe that He can work everything out. This confidence is not something that comes from earthly training or education but from being touched by the blood of Jesus.

### Key Takeaways

1. Transformation Through Christ: Peter and John were radically transformed from simple fishermen into bold preachers of the gospel. This change was so profound that it left people around them puzzled and amazed. Their new purpose and direction were driven by their encounter with Jesus, showing that a true encounter with Christ changes everything about us. [06:01]

2. Living by Faith, Not by Sight: Peter and John’s new life was characterized by a deep faith in God’s provision and guidance. They were not worried about material needs or earthly concerns because they trusted that God would take care of everything. This faith was evident in their actions and their confidence in God’s ability to work miracles. [11:57]

3. Opposition and Perseverance: The authorities tried to stop Peter and John from spreading the gospel because it threatened their control. However, the undeniable miracles performed by Peter and John, such as the healing of the man at the temple gate, showed that God’s power cannot be contained. This teaches us that we will face opposition, but God’s power and purpose will prevail. [27:38]

4. The Power of Testimony: The healed man at the temple gate was a well-known figure, and his healing was a powerful testimony to the power of God. This miracle was so significant that even the authorities couldn’t deny it. Our lives, transformed by Christ, serve as powerful testimonies to those around us, showing the undeniable power of God. [28:59]

5. Confidence in God’s Provision: The confidence that Peter and John had in God’s ability to work everything out was not something they learned from earthly teachers but from their relationship with Jesus. This confidence is available to all of us who are touched by the blood of Jesus. We can trust that God will take care of us and work everything out for our good. [30:45]

### YouTube Chapters

1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [06:01] - Transformation Through Christ
3. [11:57] - Living by Faith, Not by Sight
4. [27:38] - Opposition and Perseverance
5. [28:59] - The Power of Testimony
6. [30:45] - Confidence in God’s Provision

### Key Takeaways

1. Transformation Through Christ: Peter and John were radically transformed from simple fishermen into bold preachers of the gospel. This change was so profound that it left people around them puzzled and amazed. Their new purpose and direction were driven by their encounter with Jesus, showing that a true encounter with Christ changes everything about us. [06:01]

2. Living by Faith, Not by Sight: Peter and John’s new life was characterized by a deep faith in God’s provision and guidance. They were not worried about material needs or earthly concerns because they trusted that God would take care of everything. This faith was evident in their actions and their confidence in God’s ability to work miracles. [11:57]

3. Opposition and Perseverance: The authorities tried to stop Peter and John from spreading the gospel because it threatened their control. However, the undeniable miracles performed by Peter and John, such as the healing of the man at the temple gate, showed that God’s power cannot be contained. This teaches us that we will face opposition, but God’s power and purpose will prevail. [27:38]

4. The Power of Testimony: The healed man at the temple gate was a well-known figure, and his healing was a powerful testimony to the power of God. This miracle was so significant that even the authorities couldn’t deny it. Our lives, transformed by Christ, serve as powerful testimonies to those around us, showing the undeniable power of God. [28:59]

5. Confidence in God’s Provision: The confidence that Peter and John had in God’s ability to work everything out was not something they learned from earthly teachers but from their relationship with Jesus. This confidence is available to all of us who are touched by the blood of Jesus. We can trust that God will take care of us and work everything out for our good. [30:45]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Acts 4:13-17 (NIV)
> "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 'What are we going to do with these men?' they asked. 'Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the authorities when they saw the boldness of Peter and John? ([03:04])
2. How did the authorities describe Peter and John, and what did they acknowledge about them? ([03:04])
3. What was the notable miracle that Peter and John performed, and why was it significant? ([09:42])
4. What did Peter and John say to the man at the temple gate when he asked for alms? ([06:01])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the authorities were so threatened by Peter and John’s message and actions? ([03:04])
2. How does the transformation of Peter and John from fishermen to bold preachers illustrate the power of being touched by the blood of Jesus? ([11:22])
3. What does the reaction of the authorities to the miracle performed by Peter and John reveal about their priorities and concerns? ([09:42])
4. How does the confidence and boldness of Peter and John challenge our understanding of faith and reliance on God? ([17:40])

#### Application Questions
1. Peter and John were radically transformed by their encounter with Jesus. Reflect on a time when your faith led to a significant change in your life. How did others react to this change? ([11:22])
2. The authorities tried to stop Peter and John from spreading the gospel. Have you ever faced opposition when sharing your faith? How did you handle it, and what did you learn from the experience? ([03:04])
3. Peter and John’s confidence in God’s provision was evident in their actions. Is there an area in your life where you need to trust God more? What steps can you take to deepen your faith in His provision? ([17:40])
4. The healed man at the temple gate served as a powerful testimony to God’s power. How can your personal testimony of transformation impact those around you? ([09:42])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of serving God out of gratitude. What are some practical ways you can serve God and others this week to show your gratitude for His goodness? ([13:34])
6. Peter and John’s new purpose and direction were driven by their encounter with Jesus. How can you align your daily activities and goals with your faith in Christ? ([11:22])
7. The authorities couldn’t deny the miracle performed by Peter and John. Think of a time when God’s work in your life was undeniable. How can you share this experience to encourage others in their faith? ([09:42])

Devotional

Day 1: Transformation Through Christ
Peter and John were radically transformed from simple fishermen into bold preachers of the gospel. This change was so profound that it left people around them puzzled and amazed. Their new purpose and direction were driven by their encounter with Jesus, showing that a true encounter with Christ changes everything about us. [06:01]

When Peter and John encountered Jesus, their lives were completely transformed. They went from being ordinary fishermen to becoming bold preachers of the gospel. This transformation was so profound that it left those around them puzzled and amazed. They no longer focused on their previous occupations or earthly concerns but were driven by a new divine purpose. Their encounter with Jesus changed their entire outlook on life, giving them a new direction and mission.

This transformation is a testament to the power of a true encounter with Christ. When we truly meet Jesus, our lives are never the same. We are given a new purpose and direction, and our old ways of thinking and living are left behind. This change is not just a superficial alteration but a deep, fundamental shift in our hearts and minds. It is something that those who have not experienced it may find hard to understand, but for those who have, it is undeniable.

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: Think about a time when you experienced a significant change in your life after encountering Jesus. How did this transformation impact your daily actions and decisions?


Day 2: Living by Faith, Not by Sight
Peter and John’s new life was characterized by a deep faith in God’s provision and guidance. They were not worried about material needs or earthly concerns because they trusted that God would take care of everything. This faith was evident in their actions and their confidence in God’s ability to work miracles. [11:57]

Peter and John exemplified what it means to live by faith and not by sight. After their encounter with Jesus, they no longer worried about their material needs or earthly concerns. Instead, they placed their trust entirely in God's provision and guidance. This deep faith was evident in their actions and their unwavering confidence in God's ability to work miracles.

Living by faith means trusting that God will take care of all our needs, even when we cannot see how. It requires us to let go of our anxieties and to believe that God is in control. Peter and John demonstrated this kind of faith through their bold preaching and their reliance on God's power. Their lives were a testament to the fact that when we trust in God, He will provide for us in ways that we cannot even imagine.

Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find it difficult to trust God’s provision? How can you begin to place more faith in His ability to take care of your needs?


Day 3: Opposition and Perseverance
The authorities tried to stop Peter and John from spreading the gospel because it threatened their control. However, the undeniable miracles performed by Peter and John, such as the healing of the man at the temple gate, showed that God’s power cannot be contained. This teaches us that we will face opposition, but God’s power and purpose will prevail. [27:38]

Peter and John faced significant opposition from the authorities who wanted to stop them from spreading the gospel. The authorities felt threatened by the message of Jesus and the growing number of believers. Despite the threats and attempts to silence them, Peter and John continued to preach boldly. The miracles they performed, such as the healing of the man at the temple gate, were undeniable and served as powerful testimonies to God's power.

This opposition teaches us that we, too, will face challenges and resistance when we follow Christ. However, it also reminds us that God's power and purpose will always prevail. No matter how much opposition we encounter, we can trust that God is in control and that His plans cannot be thwarted. Our perseverance in the face of adversity is a testament to our faith and trust in God's ultimate victory.

Acts 4:19-20 (ESV): "But Peter and John answered them, 'Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.'"

Reflection: Think of a time when you faced opposition for your faith. How did you respond, and what did you learn about God’s power and purpose through that experience?


Day 4: The Power of Testimony
The healed man at the temple gate was a well-known figure, and his healing was a powerful testimony to the power of God. This miracle was so significant that even the authorities couldn’t deny it. Our lives, transformed by Christ, serve as powerful testimonies to those around us, showing the undeniable power of God. [28:59]

The healing of the man at the temple gate was a significant event that served as a powerful testimony to God's power. This man was well-known to those who frequented the temple, and his miraculous healing could not be denied, even by the authorities. This miracle demonstrated the undeniable power of God and served as a testament to the truth of the gospel that Peter and John were preaching.

Our lives, transformed by Christ, also serve as powerful testimonies to those around us. When people see the changes in our lives, they cannot deny the impact that Jesus has had on us. Our actions, attitudes, and the way we live our lives can be a testament to the power of God. Just as the healed man at the temple gate was a living testimony to God's power, our transformed lives can also point others to Christ.

1 Peter 2:12 (ESV): "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

Reflection: How can your life serve as a testimony to the power of God? What specific actions or changes can you make to better reflect Christ to those around you?


Day 5: Confidence in God’s Provision
The confidence that Peter and John had in God’s ability to work everything out was not something they learned from earthly teachers but from their relationship with Jesus. This confidence is available to all of us who are touched by the blood of Jesus. We can trust that God will take care of us and work everything out for our good. [30:45]

Peter and John's confidence in God's ability to work everything out was rooted in their relationship with Jesus. This confidence was not something they learned from earthly teachers or through their own efforts, but it came from their deep connection with Christ. They trusted that God would take care of them and that He would work everything out for their good.

This same confidence is available to all of us who have been touched by the blood of Jesus. When we have a relationship with Christ, we can trust that God will take care of us and that He will work everything out according to His perfect plan. This confidence allows us to face challenges and uncertainties with peace, knowing that God is in control and that He is working for our good.

Romans 8:32 (ESV): "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust more in God’s provision? How can you deepen your relationship with Jesus to build this confidence?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "I choose to look at Jesus. How about you? I choose to look up to God and allow God to do work in my heart and in my mind. I know that there are those that are still marveling that they've lost control. I know there's still those marveling that they don't understand our nature, the quality of our nature. Where do we get this confidence? Where do we get this tenacity? Where do we get all this hope? They don't understand. But those of us that have been touched by the blood, we absolutely know God gave us this hope. God gave us assurance. And it's going to continue to grow as we serve him." [30:45]( | | )

2. "You can't make God to be what you want him to be. You've got to accept him who he is. He accepts us for who we are. And we need to just accept him. It's not about Jesus being white or Jesus being black. In fact, if you look at the area where they're at, we know pretty much how we look. He was not blonde and blue-eyed, number one. But there's so many that they're thinking the wrong things. They're thinking of their own nationality and their own race. And they want Jesus to be like them. And that's all that matters to them. Brother, that doesn't really matter to me. What matters is that he died for me. He shed his blood for me. God gave himself in my place. That is what matters to me." [07:16]( | | )

3. "When God came our way and God set us free, said he set the captives free, no longer are we just being forced to go down a certain path. Now we can listen to the Spirit and go the direction that God wants us to go down." [27:38]( | | )

4. "When you're touched by the blood, you begin to have a whole new outlook. And God's able to do work in your mind. The word of God says, old things are passed away. All things are become new. And the more we begin to open up our heart to God, the more he's molding us, the more he's making us. And begin to do things in our heart and mind." [14:14]( | | )

5. "My God knows exactly what you have need of. And rather than just having them throw a couple of silver pieces in his cup, he received the real blessing that he needed. God's going to give you the blessing that you need as you begin to allow God to bless and to move." [15:27]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "Peter and John weren't acting like fishermen. They weren't going around doing and just talking about fish and about fishing and about their boats and about all the things that are going on. They were walking around in the faith and in the mercy of God. They were going to talk about God and how good he is and all that God can do. They mentioned, we don't even have any money. They weren't worried about not having any money. They weren't worried about where the next meal was coming from. They knew that their God was going to work it all out." [11:57]( | | )

2. "They were amazed. They asked, what are we going to do with these men? They were confounded. They were confused. Amazed. And not able to understand with an earthly understanding. They didn't know what had happened. They didn't know the change that had come upon these men. In fact, they made the statement by saying they were unlearned men. They used the term ignorant. In other words, they weren't educated. It said, and now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, not that they were stupid. They just weren't rabbis." [16:12]( | | )

3. "The more you serve God, the more you believe that God can work everything out. And so many times we begin to walk in the faith, and somebody says, don't you realize that's not going to work out? This is not going to work out, and you're going to have to work on that. And we come back with one saying, watch what God can do. Watch what God is going to do in this situation. And we have confidence that my God is going to work everything out. As we say, nothing's too hard for God." [20:01]( | | )

4. "Brother, you get to a place in your life that your very life glorifies God. Your life begins to glorify the knowledge of God. And people, people look at you and they're trying to figure things out and they just don't get it. How that you're not the same. You're not doing the same things. You're not going in the same direction. You don't talk the same. You don't have the same desires. Now you're trying to uplift the very cause of Christ. And there's some that just don't understand. They ask the question, just like these men asked, what shall we do with these men?" [10:19]( | | )

5. "They had something that came from being touched by the blood, becoming followers of Christ. They were given something. And the same power that they were given is the same. The power that we've been given also. We have the opportunity to go forth into a lost and dying world and help lost mankind. That's really what we try to do. We want to tell people about Jesus. We want to tell people the liberating gospel of Jesus Christ." [06:01]( | | )

6. "They had an authority about them. When this man asked Peter and John, he said, Peter told them, I don't have any silver and gold, but such as I have, give unto thee. And then the Word of God says, he reached down and picked them up, just snatched them up. He had an authority. He knew what God was getting ready to do. But that's not something that the old fishermen would have had. They didn't know how many fish they were going to catch. They didn't know how they were going to do things. They didn't know what they were going to be able to sell on the market. They had a sense of, we don't know, but this shows confidence. This shows something of a certain, I know God's getting ready to do something. I know God's getting ready to bless you." [17:40]( | | )

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Transcript
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