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Friday, December 30 2011
Introduction: Last week's study titled: "Let the Acts Begin" taught us lessons in the lives of Peter, John and the crippled man. We learnt that we should develop the lifestyle of seeking His face in prayers and fellowship, consider it an opportunity for great joy when we go through troubles, and we should act in faith. Today, we shall be looking at Peter's second sermon (quite like deja vu), the circumstances surrounding his message and the make-up of the message. A popular proverb says: "Four things come not back: the spoken word, the shot arrow, the past life and the neglected opportunity." Things to learn from these verses
The first thing Peter did was disabuse the people's mind; if you notice in verse 11b, ". . . All the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed." They were amazed, what usually follows next is some sort of reverent awe for the "miracle worker" but Peter checked that immediately before it goes to his head, he gave the glory to God. That's a check for every one of us. How do we respond when people walk up to you and say "that message was powerful", "praise and worship" was awesome, etc.? See "When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?" Verse 12 (NIV) "It is Jesus' name (not his) and the faith that comes through him (not his own power or ability) that has completely healed him, as you can all see. "Verse 16b (NIV) (Emphasis mine)
"Our man Peter" seems to have the knack for seizing opportunities. Let's cast our minds back to Acts 2:14-41; there was an opportunity to preach and Peter seized it! Here again in verse 12a, we read "Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd." (NLT). Read Matt. 26:41 He first made sure the people were not going to idolize them and then straight into the message. He wasn't going to miss it. Peter must have been born ready!
"What is good for the goose is good for the gander". Matt 5:37, Proverbs 11:1 A close look at Peter's message (though short this time) will reveal absolute consistency. 1. He preached the Word of God; not fables or stories He referred to the prophets: "But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled." Verse 18 2. He preached Jesus! The Crucifixion, Resurrection and the Power of the Risen Lord Verses 14-15 He referred to Jesus with names the people would identify; (a) As "His (God's) servant Jesus" (vs. 13) see Isaiah 42:1-3. (b) He is "The Righteous One" (vs.14) see Isaiah 9:7 and Jeremiah 23:5 (c) "The Prince of Life" (vs. 15) see Isaiah 9:6; Daniel 9:25 3. He offered direction (solution); "And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." Verse 16 4. He was not diplomatic or apologetic; Peter was not afraid, he accused the people of doing worse than Pilate. They handed Jesus over to Pilate, and then when Pilate wanted to release Him they had demanded His death (vs. 13). 5. He supported his message with the scriptures: He quoted the scriptures: "The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear," (Verse 23). See Deuteronomy 18:15 "And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Verse 25b) see Genesis 22:18; 26:4; 28:14
Conclusion Peter was alert! He would be someone who prays but also watches out for opportunities. He showed consistence in his message which was relevant, delivered without fear or favor. He was careful not to take or share God's glory and once again, his message offered solution to the hearers.
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