1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 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!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. —Acts 3:1-10

Big Idea: God gives us what we

1. A divine appointment (Acts 3:1-3)

• a. A holy habit (3:1)
• b. A man with more needs than he realizes (3:2)
• c. Not getting what he asked for (3:3)

The lame man was

2. Making contact (3:4-7)

• a. The unavoidable gaze (3:4)
• b. High expectations (3:5)
• c. Expectations not met (3:6)
  

3. Responding to a reset (3:7-10)

• a. Unrestrained praise (3:7-8)
• b. Witnesses to a wonder (3:9-10)
  

Small Group Questions

1. What did God teach you through this passage and message? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.

2. What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?

3. How do you discern the difference between an interruption in your day and a divine appointment? What characteristics do both share? How do they differ?

4. Peter had no silver or gold to give to the lame man. Even what he gave was not his own but rather channeled through him from God to someone who needed it. Name one thing that God can channel through you this week to bless someone else and bring God glory? Then take the initiative to do it.

5. The people at the temple that day were filled with wonder and amazement at the change that had occurred in this man’s life. What changes have occurred in your life as a Christ follower that would surprise your unbelieving neighbors if they knew?
   Consider the following: Your decision-making process, your time, talents and financial resources.