Bible Study - Acts 3: 1-10

Spiritually crippled

Read Acts chapter 3 verses 1-10

It seems to be a facet of human nature that we resist change. Even when we are unhappy with our lot, we often just learn to live with it and make the best of it.

No doubt the man crippled from birth who was carried each day to the temple would have wanted things to be different. But he had settled into a routine and had probably come to terms with the situation - the familiar request for money, sometimes ignored, sometimes acceded to, never looking too closely at those he was begging from. He certainly did not anticipate what he was to be given. Peter needed to grab his attention, to wake him up from the dull routine. What was on offer, was not a few pence, but a life changing experience.

Spiritually, we may be crippled - stuck in a rut, relying on others for support, resigned to being where we are, metaphorically outside the temple, not involved in growing in faith with other worshipping believers. The gift on offer to us is spiritual healing and wholeness, transformation of our lives. But are we brave enough to accept the gift? (refer back to Day 4). Life will never be the same. There will be new challenges, new demands, possibly new dangers, but we will be equipped to deal with them, not in our own strength, but through the power of the Spirit. We have the opportunity to go "walking and jumping and praising God"

Questions

How far have you progressed spiritually in the last few years?

What has the Lord done for you that would make you want to walk and jump and praise him? Thank him again now.

Prayer

Jesus, take me as I am but transform me into your likeness and help me to realise the potential you have given me.

Norbury Parish Church, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire. Telephone: 0161-483 8640