Trusting God's Sovereignty and the Power of Jesus

Summary

Today’s passage from Acts 3 draws us into the heart of God’s sovereignty, the power of Jesus’ name, and the simplicity of the gospel. In a world swirling with political turmoil, violence, and spiritual confusion, it’s easy to lose sight of God’s hand at work. Yet, Scripture reminds us that God’s purposes are always unfolding, even when nations rage and evil seems to have the upper hand. The events in the Middle East, the rise of antisemitism, and the confusion in our own society are not outside of God’s knowledge or control. Prophecy tells us that God’s plan for Israel and the world is moving forward, and that He remains faithful to His promises.

The healing of the lame man at the temple gate is a vivid picture of how God works—not through human power or righteousness, but through faith in the name of Jesus. Peter and John did not seek glory for themselves, nor did they claim any special power. Instead, they pointed everyone to Jesus, the author of life, who was crucified and raised from the dead. The authority to heal, to cast out demons, and to bring hope comes from Christ alone. We are called to step into the opportunities God gives us, to pray and act in Jesus’ name, and to trust that He supplies the faith and power needed for His purposes.

It’s crucial to remember that God’s gifts are not rewards for our goodness. The gospel is not about earning God’s favor by being “good little boys and girls.” While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. The righteousness we have is not our own, but the very righteousness of Jesus, given freely to all who believe. This is the foundation for our confidence before God and our hope for transformation.

God’s plan for Israel is not finished. Despite centuries of rejection and misunderstanding, God’s promises to the Jewish people remain. The church is called to stand with Israel, to reject antisemitism in all its forms, and to recognize that God’s heart is for all people—Jew and Gentile alike—to come to repentance and faith in Jesus. Repentance is not about self-reformation, but a change of mind and heart that turns us toward God. When we turn to Him, our sins are wiped away, and times of refreshing come from the Lord.

The invitation is simple: change your mind about God, turn to Him, and receive the new life He offers in Christ. No one is too far gone, too broken, or too sinful. God delights to give good gifts to those who simply say “yes” to Jesus.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Sovereignty in a Chaotic World
Even as nations rage and evil seems rampant, God’s sovereign hand is at work, fulfilling His prophetic purposes. The turmoil in the world, especially regarding Israel, is not random but fits within God’s revealed plan. We are called to trust that what God has spoken will come to pass, and to rest in His ultimate authority over history. [41:59]

- The Power and Authority of Jesus’ Name
Miracles, deliverance, and transformation do not come from our own strength or righteousness, but from the authority of Jesus. When we pray or act in His name, we are standing in the victory and power He has already secured. God calls us to step out in faith, using the authority He has given us, knowing that it is Christ who works through us. [54:28]

- Rejecting the Gospel of Self-Effort
God’s gifts are not earned by our goodness or spiritual performance. The gospel is not a transaction where we do good to get good from God. Instead, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, and we receive His righteousness as a gift. This frees us from striving and invites us to rest in the finished work of Jesus. [01:01:47]

- God’s Unfailing Commitment to Israel
Despite widespread misunderstanding—even within the church—God’s promises to Israel remain. The Jewish people are not cast off; God’s plan for them is still unfolding, and the church is called to stand with them, especially in times of persecution. Our support for Israel is rooted in God’s faithfulness and the shared heritage of faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. [01:10:21]

- Repentance: A Change of Mind and Heart
Repentance is not about self-reformation or promising to never sin again. It is a change of mind about God—believing that He loves us, that He died for us, and that He offers new life. When we turn to Him, our sins are wiped away, and we experience true refreshment and freedom, not by our own effort, but by His grace. [01:23:08]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[40:07] - Current Events and God’s Sovereignty
[41:59] - The Coming Tribulation and God’s Plan for Israel
[43:37] - Prophecy: Ezekiel 38-39 and Modern Nations
[45:14] - Rising Antisemitism and the Church’s Response
[46:35] - The Importance of Truthful News and Discernment
[48:44] - The Atrocity of October 7th and the Reality of Evil
[50:31] - The Healing at the Temple Gate
[51:47] - Spiritual Authority and Deliverance
[54:28] - Praying in Jesus’ Name
[56:07] - The Crowd’s Amazement and Peter’s Opportunity
[57:18] - Stepping Through Open Doors
[58:50] - Rejecting Self-Glorification and False Teaching
[01:01:47] - The True Nature of God’s Gifts
[01:10:21] - Corrie ten Boom and Standing with Israel
[01:23:08] - Repentance and Times of Refreshing
[01:35:11] - Communion and Closing Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Acts 3 – The Power of Jesus’ Name and God’s Sovereignty

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### Bible Reading

- Acts 3:11-21
(The healing of the lame man at the temple gate and Peter’s sermon explaining the miracle, the call to repentance, and God’s ongoing plan for Israel.)

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### Observation Questions

1. In Acts 3, what did Peter say was the real source of the lame man’s healing? Did Peter or John take any credit for themselves?
[[56:07]]

2. According to Peter’s sermon, what role did the people of Israel play in the death of Jesus, and how does Peter describe their actions?
[[01:12:31]]

3. What does Peter say happens when someone repents and turns to God? What are the results he describes?
[[01:23:08]]

4. How does Peter connect the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to the message about Jesus?
[[01:02:53]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Peter was so careful to point away from himself and John, and instead point to Jesus as the source of the miracle? What does this teach us about spiritual authority?
[[56:07]]

2. The sermon says that God’s gifts are not rewards for our goodness, but are given while we are still sinners. How does this challenge the way people often think about God’s blessings?
[[01:01:47]]

3. Peter calls the people to “repent” and explains it as a change of mind and heart about God. How is this different from just trying to “be good” or fix yourself?
[[01:23:08]]

4. The sermon mentions that God’s plan for Israel is not finished, and that the church is called to stand with Israel. Why is this important, and how does it relate to God’s faithfulness?
[[01:10:21]]

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### Application Questions

1. The world today is full of chaos, violence, and confusion, just like in Peter’s time. When you look at the news or current events, do you find it hard to trust that God is still in control? What helps you remember God’s sovereignty when things seem out of hand?
[[41:59]]

2. Peter and John acted in faith and used the authority of Jesus’ name to help someone in need. Is there a situation in your life right now where you sense God is giving you an opportunity to step out in faith or pray boldly? What’s holding you back?
[[54:28]]

3. The sermon warns against thinking that God’s gifts are earned by being “good little boys and girls.” Are there ways you’ve slipped into a performance mindset with God—feeling like you have to earn His love or blessings? How can you rest more in the finished work of Jesus?
[[01:01:47]]

4. The message calls us to stand against antisemitism and support God’s ongoing plan for Israel. Have you ever encountered negative attitudes toward the Jewish people, even among Christians? How can you personally stand with Israel in a way that reflects God’s heart?
[[01:10:21]]

5. Repentance is described as a change of mind and heart about God, not just a promise to never sin again. Is there an area in your life where you need to “change your mind” about God’s love, forgiveness, or power to transform you? What would it look like to turn to Him in that area?
[[01:23:08]]

6. Peter saw an open door to share about Jesus when the crowd gathered. Have you ever sensed an “open door” to talk about your faith, but hesitated? What would help you be more ready to step through those doors in the future?
[[57:18]]

7. The healed man responded with joy, leaping and praising God. When was the last time you felt real joy in your relationship with God? What helps you experience that kind of refreshment and freedom?
[[56:07]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you trust His sovereignty, to give you boldness to act in Jesus’ name, and to rest in His grace—not your own efforts. Pray for a heart that stands with all people God loves, and for times of refreshing to come as you turn to Him.

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Sovereignty in World Events and Prophecy
Even as the world seems to spiral into chaos and nations rage against one another, God remains sovereign over all. He is not surprised by the turmoil or the evil intentions of men, and His prophetic word assures us that what He has spoken will come to pass. The events unfolding in the world, especially concerning Israel and the nations, are not outside of His control but are part of His redemptive plan. As believers, we can rest in the knowledge that God’s purposes are always good, and He is working all things according to His will, even when we do not understand the details. [43:37]

Ezekiel 38:14-16 (ESV)
“Therefore, son of man, prophesy, and say to Gog, Thus says the Lord God: On that day when my people Israel are dwelling securely, will you not know it? You will come from your place out of the uttermost parts of the north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great host, a mighty army. You will come up against my people Israel, like a cloud covering the land. In the latter days I will bring you against my land, that the nations may know me, when through you, O Gog, I vindicate my holiness before their eyes.”

Reflection: In what current world event do you most struggle to see God’s sovereignty, and how can you surrender your anxiety about it to Him today?


Day 2: The Power and Authority of Jesus’ Name
God uses ordinary people who are willing to take up the authority given to them in Jesus’ name. It is not by our own power or godliness that miracles happen, but by the authority and power of Jesus Christ. When we pray, serve, or confront evil, we do so not in our own strength but in the name above all names. The authority of Jesus is available to every believer, and God calls us to step out in faith, trusting that He will work through us as we act in His name. [54:28]

Acts 3:6-8 (ESV)
“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.”

Reflection: Where in your life do you need to step out and act in the authority of Jesus’ name, trusting Him for the outcome?


Day 3: Salvation and Righteousness Are Gifts, Not Earned
God’s blessings and miracles are not rewards for our own righteousness or good behavior. Salvation is a gift given to us while we were still sinners, and the righteousness we have is not our own but the righteousness of Jesus Christ. We are not to exalt ourselves or others, but to give all glory to God, recognizing that every good thing comes from Him, not from our own efforts or worthiness. [01:06:39]

Romans 5:8 (ESV)
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Reflection: Is there an area where you are striving to earn God’s favor or blessing? How can you rest today in the truth that His love and gifts are given freely?


Day 4: God’s Ongoing Plan for Israel and the Call to Repentance
God has not rejected Israel, and His promises to them remain. The suffering and rejection of Jesus were part of God’s sovereign plan, and just as the Jews were called to repentance, so are we. Repentance is not about becoming perfect or righteous on our own, but about having a change of mind—turning away from sin and turning toward God. When we do, our sins are wiped away, and times of refreshing come from the Lord. [01:23:08]

Acts 3:19-20 (ESV)
“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, Jesus.”

Reflection: What is one mindset or habit you need to turn from today, and how can you intentionally turn toward God in that area?


Day 5: God Brings Good Out of Suffering
Even in the hardest and most painful circumstances, God is able to bring about good. The story of Corrie ten Boom and her family hiding Jews during the Holocaust, and even the fleas in the concentration camp, show how God can use suffering to accomplish His purposes and bring hope and salvation to others. When we trust Him in our trials, He can use our pain to bless others and to draw us closer to Himself. [01:11:24]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Reflection: Think of a difficult situation you are facing or have faced—how might God be using it for good, and how can you trust Him with it today?

Quotes

Never exalt anybody other than Jesus Christ in your life. You understand? Never exalt a man. And so, we see. He says, why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had this man walk? Oh, I'm, you know, and sometimes we think that, man. You know, to get God to do something. Oh, man, if you can get your righteousness happening and, you know, you're just really walking with God, you're really obeying God, then you're going to see all this answer to prayer. But honestly, that is not what God promises. [01:00:22] (41 seconds) Edit Clip

How many of us got something really wonderful from Jesus in our life? We're born again. And how many of us were righteous? We were all bad. Bad little girls. Bad little boys. And Jesus said, yes, I died for you. To take away that stink, that stain off of your life. I shed my blood. I went to the cross for you. What a beautiful thing. God gives good gifts to bad. Doesn't he? While we were yet sinners, Jesus Christ died for us, it says. [01:01:36] (40 seconds) Edit Clip

And so when God receives us now, we can be in his presence because there is no sin on our account. Do you understand that? It's an amazing truth. You know, we kind of sometimes are afraid of, well, what if I have to go face God? What if I die? You know, or maybe you're sick or whatever. You know, what if I die from this cancer or whatever? Guys, listen, man. What Jesus has done for you is an amazing thing. You're going to be able to go right to Jesus with nothing negative on your account. No sin is ever going to be remembered on your account. You've been made righteous. And not just any righteousness, not some kind of good guy righteousness on this earth. You've been given the righteousness of Jesus Christ. [01:06:27] (54 seconds) Edit Clip

You killed the author of life, he says in verse 15. The author of life. In John chapter 1, he says, In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God. And the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and manifested itself. Jesus, who created the world. In Colossians chapter 1, you can read all about that. That all things were created by him and for him. And without him, nothing was created. He's the creator. [01:13:28] (34 seconds) Edit Clip

By faith in the name of Jesus this man whom you see and know was made strong it is Jesus name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him as you can all see. [01:14:57] (22 seconds) Edit Clip