Acts (Part 6): How to Find the Answer
Acts 3:1-26
- We don’t always ask for what we really need. (Rom 8:26-27, Mark 2:4-11)
- What we have to offer doesn’t come from within us.
We offer the name of Jesus Christ to a world in need.
The life of Christ brings resurrection.
- For a world that fears death, Christ is the source of life.
The suffering of Christ provides for refreshing. (Isa. 53:5-6)
- For a world that holds grudges, the Gospel brings grace. (Ps 32:1-4)
- For a world drowning in stress, the Gospel brings refreshment.
The return of Christ promises restoration.
- For a world weighed down by the curse of sin, Christ brings the blessing of repentance. (2 Cor 7:8-10)
Small Group Discussion Questions
GOSPEL
What does this story reveal about the role of miracles in the early church?
What does Peter mean in Acts 3:22 when he calls Jesus the “Prophet like Moses?” (Look at Deut 18:15-22) How does Jesus provide the fulfillment to this promise?
- How does Jesus fulfill God’s promise to Abraham? (Acts 3:25-26)
COMMUNITY
In what ways might you be praying for requests that don’t get to the real needs? How can we help each other grow in this area?
How have you seen the “times of refreshing” (3:20) through repentance in your own spiritual life? How can we cultivate an environment that leads to this refreshing for others?
MISSION
How can we grow toward looking past the surface needs to see the spiritual needs as more urgent?
How can we use Peter’s message in Acts 3 as a model for sharing the Gospel – showing the connections between repentance, forgiveness, and the hope of Christ’s return?
Look back at the outline subpoints that start with “For a world…” What other needs in the world can you think of that this text could answer with the provision of the Gospel?