WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:12.359 Oh, praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead. 00:00:13.580 --> 00:00:14.580 That's why we're here. 00:00:15.120 --> 00:00:19.580 We have the joy of praising the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:00:19.920 --> 00:00:25.460 The rest of that song transitions into helping us understand why we can praise. 00:00:25.760 --> 00:00:27.900 Why can we praise the Lord? 00:00:27.960 --> 00:00:29.740 Well, because Jesus paid it all. 00:00:30.420 --> 00:00:31.640 All to Him we owe. 00:00:32.439 --> 00:00:36.280 It's because of His life, His death, His resurrection, 00:00:37.060 --> 00:00:44.100 that we have hope of being able to enjoy the benefits of the life that He provided through His death, 00:00:44.740 --> 00:00:46.879 His resurrection, the payment of sin. 00:00:47.600 --> 00:00:48.420 And so we praise Him. 00:00:48.420 --> 00:00:51.760 And this morning as we look at Acts chapter 3, 00:00:51.840 --> 00:00:57.340 we're going to see a similar direction to Peter and John 00:00:57.340 --> 00:01:01.880 as they seek to draw attention to the praise that God deserves, 00:01:02.020 --> 00:01:04.420 the praise that Jesus deserves. 00:01:05.060 --> 00:01:09.460 I would encourage you, if you would, please to open with me, if you would, to Acts chapter 3. 00:01:09.459 --> 00:01:11.899 We're going to be starting in verse 11. 00:01:11.899 --> 00:01:16.479 If you're using the Pew Bible, you can find us there on page 911. 00:01:16.480 --> 00:01:27.700 There's a contemporary example of how this played out on May 24, 1844. 00:01:27.700 --> 00:01:37.060 Samuel Morris officially opened the first long-distance telegraph between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. 00:01:37.060 --> 00:01:39.879 The line stretched for 38 miles. 00:01:40.079 --> 00:01:44.579 It started at the old Supreme Court chamber in the U.S. Capitol 00:01:44.579 --> 00:01:47.040 and stretched to Baltimore. 00:01:47.420 --> 00:01:52.439 And on the receiving end of this line was a man named Alfred Vail 00:01:52.439 --> 00:01:55.480 who waited to receive this message 00:01:55.480 --> 00:02:01.060 and then confirmed that he had received and the success of the telegraph was born. 00:02:01.060 --> 00:02:08.300 The initial message was put together by a woman by the name of Annie Ellsworth 00:02:08.300 --> 00:02:15.580 and it's a line that was drawn from the book of Numbers chapter 23 verse 23 00:02:15.580 --> 00:02:16.400 which reads, 00:02:17.000 --> 00:02:19.199 What hath God wrought? 00:02:20.400 --> 00:02:25.560 It's a powerful historical moment of celebrating this achievement, 00:02:25.920 --> 00:02:28.640 this success of this improvement, 00:02:28.639 --> 00:02:34.439 this technological advance of being able not just to deliver a message by hand 00:02:34.439 --> 00:02:37.259 but now to be able to deliver a message electronically 00:02:37.259 --> 00:02:39.799 between two places that were spread apart. 00:02:40.759 --> 00:02:47.560 But rather than celebrating the ingenuity of human invention 00:02:47.560 --> 00:02:54.239 and celebrating Samuel Morris and his ability to put this together, 00:02:54.240 --> 00:02:59.500 Annie Ellsworth wanted to draw attention to something else, 00:02:59.640 --> 00:03:00.620 someone else. 00:03:02.159 --> 00:03:03.820 Look what God has wrought. 00:03:04.879 --> 00:03:05.980 Draw attention to him. 00:03:06.640 --> 00:03:07.280 Praise him. 00:03:08.260 --> 00:03:10.080 And in this first public message, 00:03:10.200 --> 00:03:13.620 it deliberately lifted the higher question, 00:03:13.939 --> 00:03:15.180 What has God done? 00:03:16.040 --> 00:03:21.200 It's a question that Peter and John will raise through our passage today 00:03:21.199 --> 00:03:23.399 of directing hearts and attention, 00:03:23.759 --> 00:03:29.280 not to what Peter or John have accomplished there in the early parts of Acts chapter 3, 00:03:29.359 --> 00:03:32.159 but to draw attention to the work of God. 00:03:32.979 --> 00:03:34.379 His work, his power, 00:03:34.919 --> 00:03:37.519 and praise needs to be directed to him. 00:03:38.519 --> 00:03:40.719 And so as we move into our passage this morning, 00:03:41.079 --> 00:03:44.339 we're going to find in verse 12 how Peter will do this. 00:03:44.340 --> 00:03:44.819 He says, 00:03:44.819 --> 00:03:45.860 Men of Israel, 00:03:46.120 --> 00:03:47.759 why do you wonder at this? 00:03:47.780 --> 00:03:52.580 Or why do you stare at us as though by our own power we have made him walk? 00:03:52.699 --> 00:03:53.439 This lame man. 00:03:54.560 --> 00:03:58.259 The God of Abraham glorified his servant Jesus 00:03:58.259 --> 00:04:01.300 and the faith that is through Jesus 00:04:01.300 --> 00:04:05.460 has given this man health in the presence of you all. 00:04:06.180 --> 00:04:10.140 Don't celebrate the power of God working through humanity. 00:04:10.659 --> 00:04:13.659 Celebrate the power working through God. 00:04:13.659 --> 00:04:15.639 God and his son Jesus. 00:04:17.120 --> 00:04:17.719 Don't ask, 00:04:17.939 --> 00:04:20.100 What has Peter and John done for you? 00:04:20.800 --> 00:04:23.040 Understand and recognize the power of God. 00:04:23.339 --> 00:04:25.439 Stand amazed at the work of God. 00:04:27.079 --> 00:04:32.339 And so the posture this morning that we need to recognize from Peter and John 00:04:32.339 --> 00:04:34.800 is the same posture that we need to have as well. 00:04:35.000 --> 00:04:39.399 That those who celebrate and praise God 00:04:39.399 --> 00:04:41.540 and recognize the work of God, 00:04:41.540 --> 00:04:45.200 that posture needs to be directed appropriately. 00:04:46.000 --> 00:04:46.600 This morning, 00:04:46.819 --> 00:04:50.920 we're going to observe four principles of standing amazed at God's work. 00:04:51.640 --> 00:04:54.020 We're going to see that beginning in verse 11. 00:04:54.439 --> 00:04:55.620 And it begins with this. 00:04:55.820 --> 00:04:59.540 We must recognize the difference between wonder and worship. 00:05:00.759 --> 00:05:04.180 Recognize the difference between wonder and worship. 00:05:04.180 --> 00:05:06.100 Let me read this for us. 00:05:06.160 --> 00:05:07.100 It says in verse 11, 00:05:07.639 --> 00:05:08.800 While he clung to Peter, 00:05:08.920 --> 00:05:11.560 speaking of the lame man who had just been healed, 00:05:12.160 --> 00:05:13.420 he clung to Peter and John, 00:05:13.660 --> 00:05:14.379 all the people, 00:05:14.720 --> 00:05:16.120 utterly astounded, 00:05:16.639 --> 00:05:19.680 ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's. 00:05:20.439 --> 00:05:21.500 And when Peter saw it, 00:05:21.540 --> 00:05:22.519 he addressed the people, 00:05:22.860 --> 00:05:23.500 Men of Israel, 00:05:23.840 --> 00:05:25.980 why do you wonder at this? 00:05:26.300 --> 00:05:27.939 Or why do you stare at us 00:05:27.939 --> 00:05:31.519 as though by our own power or piety, 00:05:31.860 --> 00:05:33.019 we have made him walk? 00:05:33.879 --> 00:05:34.980 Now remember this story. 00:05:35.100 --> 00:05:37.779 Those of you who were here with us a couple of weeks ago, 00:05:37.860 --> 00:05:40.720 remember this miraculous healing that took place. 00:05:41.420 --> 00:05:42.779 That Peter and John were there. 00:05:43.160 --> 00:05:45.439 They had gone up to the temple to pray. 00:05:45.579 --> 00:05:48.680 This was one of the several moments throughout the day 00:05:48.680 --> 00:05:50.740 where God's people would assemble. 00:05:51.420 --> 00:05:52.540 This was the ninth hour, 00:05:52.540 --> 00:05:56.159 which means it was the third time throughout the course of the day 00:05:56.159 --> 00:05:57.860 where God's people would pray. 00:05:58.219 --> 00:05:59.939 It would first happen at nine in the morning 00:05:59.939 --> 00:06:01.100 and then at noon 00:06:01.100 --> 00:06:02.959 and then at three o'clock in the afternoon. 00:06:03.639 --> 00:06:04.639 And on this occasion, 00:06:04.779 --> 00:06:05.699 a lame man was brought. 00:06:06.579 --> 00:06:08.259 A lame man who couldn't come on his own. 00:06:08.339 --> 00:06:08.860 He was carried. 00:06:09.300 --> 00:06:11.339 And while he is in transit, 00:06:12.000 --> 00:06:14.680 rather than Peter and John just letting him go by 00:06:14.680 --> 00:06:16.100 as they had done before, 00:06:16.300 --> 00:06:18.199 they help him to stop in his tracks. 00:06:18.899 --> 00:06:20.939 And we find something about this lame man. 00:06:20.939 --> 00:06:22.959 He's been lame from birth. 00:06:23.720 --> 00:06:25.040 And in chapter four, verse 22, 00:06:25.139 --> 00:06:26.600 we find that he had been, 00:06:26.779 --> 00:06:27.779 he's 40 years old. 00:06:27.779 --> 00:06:30.099 So he's been dealing with this affliction, 00:06:30.239 --> 00:06:32.679 this infirmity for a great deal of time. 00:06:33.279 --> 00:06:34.319 And here he is. 00:06:34.359 --> 00:06:36.559 He's dependent on the gifts of those, 00:06:36.819 --> 00:06:37.500 the generosity, 00:06:38.899 --> 00:06:39.779 the kindness, 00:06:40.659 --> 00:06:42.599 the mercy of those who would come by. 00:06:43.579 --> 00:06:45.939 And Peter stops and looks at this man and says, 00:06:46.119 --> 00:06:48.779 I have no silver or gold to give to you, 00:06:48.779 --> 00:06:50.099 but what I have, 00:06:50.100 --> 00:06:53.340 I give to you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, 00:06:53.560 --> 00:06:54.920 rise up and walk. 00:06:55.580 --> 00:06:56.340 In other words, 00:06:56.900 --> 00:07:00.020 I don't have exactly what you are looking for, 00:07:00.080 --> 00:07:00.939 but I have something better. 00:07:02.080 --> 00:07:06.160 And Peter faithfully directs attention of this miracle. 00:07:06.560 --> 00:07:09.540 He begins this miracle by directing attention 00:07:09.540 --> 00:07:12.200 where direction was due to Jesus Christ. 00:07:12.199 --> 00:07:15.439 It's through the name of Jesus of Nazareth 00:07:15.439 --> 00:07:17.759 that this miracle is happening. 00:07:18.579 --> 00:07:20.219 And then we find what happens. 00:07:20.360 --> 00:07:20.479 Well, 00:07:20.979 --> 00:07:23.180 this man's ankles and feet were strengthened. 00:07:23.579 --> 00:07:26.420 He leaps up and he begins to walk 00:07:26.420 --> 00:07:29.319 and praise the Lord as he's moving into the temple. 00:07:29.319 --> 00:07:32.439 We recognize that a miracle's occurred 00:07:32.439 --> 00:07:35.759 not only because of the strengthening of his feet and ankles, 00:07:35.899 --> 00:07:37.819 but also because of this coordination, 00:07:38.040 --> 00:07:41.219 this proficiency of walking that was taking place. 00:07:42.139 --> 00:07:44.060 Everyone who was there would have noticed 00:07:44.060 --> 00:07:47.459 that something significant had just happened. 00:07:48.519 --> 00:07:50.699 And he's not just shuffling his way. 00:07:51.100 --> 00:07:54.120 He's not just limping or wobbling into the temple. 00:07:54.579 --> 00:07:58.360 He is walking and leaping and praising the Lord 00:07:58.360 --> 00:07:59.819 through this process. 00:08:01.080 --> 00:08:04.160 And all the people who saw him recognized him 00:08:04.160 --> 00:08:07.780 and we find that they were filled with wonder and amazement 00:08:07.780 --> 00:08:09.240 at what had just happened. 00:08:10.060 --> 00:08:12.060 Wonder and amazement. 00:08:13.020 --> 00:08:13.920 And at this point, 00:08:14.080 --> 00:08:15.379 I want to pause this morning 00:08:15.379 --> 00:08:19.420 because wonder and worship are not the same. 00:08:20.600 --> 00:08:22.480 Wonder and worship are not the same. 00:08:23.040 --> 00:08:25.020 And if God is going to receive glory 00:08:25.020 --> 00:08:27.600 the way that God deserves glory, 00:08:27.600 --> 00:08:30.280 we need to move from just being amazed, 00:08:30.600 --> 00:08:31.660 just wondering, 00:08:32.040 --> 00:08:33.340 just being astounded, 00:08:33.680 --> 00:08:34.680 just marveling. 00:08:34.720 --> 00:08:37.420 We need to move from an emotional response 00:08:37.420 --> 00:08:39.940 of realizing that what God has done 00:08:39.940 --> 00:08:42.019 and it needs to move us into worship. 00:08:43.040 --> 00:08:45.580 It needs to move us to a spot of recognizing 00:08:45.580 --> 00:08:48.279 there's an object of wonder, 00:08:48.460 --> 00:08:50.480 there's an object of praise 00:08:50.480 --> 00:08:52.340 and that praise must go to God. 00:08:52.340 --> 00:08:56.000 And so these people would stand in awe 00:08:56.000 --> 00:08:58.280 and they would even praise God. 00:08:58.399 --> 00:09:00.920 Some would even marvel at what had been done, 00:09:01.160 --> 00:09:02.700 but it did not lead them, 00:09:03.139 --> 00:09:04.240 at least initially, 00:09:04.540 --> 00:09:05.220 to faith, 00:09:05.780 --> 00:09:07.879 which means it didn't lead them to worship 00:09:07.879 --> 00:09:11.379 because worship depends on faith. 00:09:11.480 --> 00:09:13.500 It depends on having an understanding 00:09:13.500 --> 00:09:15.460 the right object of worship, 00:09:15.560 --> 00:09:17.200 the right object of wonder, 00:09:17.200 --> 00:09:21.480 and moving us into faith in the Lord Jesus. 00:09:22.520 --> 00:09:24.800 The people stood with mouths open 00:09:24.800 --> 00:09:26.320 with a puzzled glance, 00:09:26.900 --> 00:09:29.020 but their response on this day, 00:09:29.060 --> 00:09:30.220 I don't believe was a coincidence 00:09:30.220 --> 00:09:34.600 because Jesus himself would heal a lame man, 00:09:35.640 --> 00:09:36.180 not just, 00:09:36.379 --> 00:09:38.259 not too far away from this very time, 00:09:38.340 --> 00:09:40.320 but not more than a couple of months 00:09:40.320 --> 00:09:41.560 before this incident, 00:09:41.920 --> 00:09:42.340 Jesus, 00:09:42.940 --> 00:09:45.580 his final healing miracle in public, 00:09:45.580 --> 00:09:47.740 in the final week of his ministry, 00:09:48.340 --> 00:09:51.800 would be a ministry of healing lame and blind. 00:09:51.900 --> 00:09:53.960 We find that in Matthew 21, 00:09:54.200 --> 00:09:55.259 verses 14 and 15. 00:09:56.040 --> 00:09:56.620 It says, 00:09:57.020 --> 00:09:58.759 And the blind and the lame came to him 00:09:58.759 --> 00:09:59.720 in the temple, 00:09:59.820 --> 00:10:00.720 and he healed them. 00:10:01.540 --> 00:10:03.220 But when the chief priests and the scribes 00:10:03.220 --> 00:10:04.940 saw the wonderful things that he did, 00:10:05.320 --> 00:10:07.160 and the children crying out in the temple, 00:10:07.420 --> 00:10:08.720 Hosanna to the son of David, 00:10:08.820 --> 00:10:10.080 they were indignant. 00:10:11.500 --> 00:10:12.540 I don't think it's a coincidence 00:10:12.539 --> 00:10:17.419 that Jesus healed the lame and the blind 00:10:17.419 --> 00:10:19.120 just a few months, 00:10:19.279 --> 00:10:20.899 just actually a few weeks 00:10:20.899 --> 00:10:22.319 before this very incident. 00:10:23.459 --> 00:10:25.379 But even when Jesus performs 00:10:25.379 --> 00:10:26.779 this incredible miracle, 00:10:27.779 --> 00:10:30.219 the response was wonder and amazement. 00:10:30.360 --> 00:10:31.259 They wondered, 00:10:31.339 --> 00:10:33.740 they were amazed at the wonderful things 00:10:33.740 --> 00:10:34.559 that Jesus did, 00:10:34.639 --> 00:10:36.120 but instead of turning 00:10:36.120 --> 00:10:38.899 and inclining their hearts to worship, 00:10:38.899 --> 00:10:40.919 the chief priests and the scribes 00:10:40.919 --> 00:10:41.740 were indignant. 00:10:42.600 --> 00:10:43.419 They were furious. 00:10:45.559 --> 00:10:46.779 They were incensed. 00:10:47.819 --> 00:10:48.120 You see, 00:10:48.220 --> 00:10:49.639 if we're ever going to stand amazed 00:10:49.639 --> 00:10:51.100 at the work of God, 00:10:51.679 --> 00:10:53.079 we must first recognize 00:10:53.079 --> 00:10:54.340 the difference between wonder 00:10:54.340 --> 00:10:55.519 and worship. 00:10:56.500 --> 00:10:57.779 The people here in the temple 00:10:57.779 --> 00:10:59.399 need to be enlightened. 00:10:59.600 --> 00:11:00.620 They need their wonder 00:11:00.620 --> 00:11:01.860 to be informed. 00:11:02.340 --> 00:11:03.220 And so this miracle 00:11:03.220 --> 00:11:04.240 gets everyone's attention. 00:11:04.360 --> 00:11:05.620 We see that in verse 11. 00:11:05.960 --> 00:11:07.819 While he clung to Peter and John, 00:11:07.820 --> 00:11:08.560 all the people, 00:11:09.500 --> 00:11:10.420 utterly astounded, 00:11:10.820 --> 00:11:11.879 ran together to them 00:11:11.879 --> 00:11:14.440 in the portico called Solomon's. 00:11:15.860 --> 00:11:17.140 It's interesting, isn't it? 00:11:17.860 --> 00:11:19.360 Jesus had performed miracles. 00:11:20.320 --> 00:11:22.480 Jesus had done plenty of miracles. 00:11:23.080 --> 00:11:24.500 Why does this now garner 00:11:24.500 --> 00:11:25.580 so much attention? 00:11:26.600 --> 00:11:27.760 Why was this not, 00:11:28.220 --> 00:11:29.800 seems to be this unique 00:11:29.800 --> 00:11:31.640 response of the crowd? 00:11:31.740 --> 00:11:32.760 Well, I think it's because 00:11:32.760 --> 00:11:34.620 Jesus was now gone. 00:11:35.320 --> 00:11:36.200 And now the works 00:11:36.200 --> 00:11:37.360 that Jesus had done 00:11:37.360 --> 00:11:38.640 that had affirmed 00:11:38.640 --> 00:11:39.820 his ministry, 00:11:39.980 --> 00:11:40.540 his word, 00:11:40.720 --> 00:11:42.000 are now being worked out 00:11:42.000 --> 00:11:43.220 by the apostles 00:11:43.220 --> 00:11:44.320 who are also teaching. 00:11:45.259 --> 00:11:46.480 And in their teaching ministry, 00:11:46.620 --> 00:11:47.560 their teaching ministry 00:11:47.560 --> 00:11:49.259 also now confirmed, 00:11:49.580 --> 00:11:51.340 affirmed by miracles. 00:11:51.480 --> 00:11:52.879 This work of God 00:11:52.879 --> 00:11:55.100 through their lives. 00:11:55.940 --> 00:11:56.720 And now all of a sudden, 00:11:56.879 --> 00:11:58.200 these works and wonders 00:11:58.200 --> 00:11:59.220 that were associated 00:11:59.220 --> 00:12:00.759 so closely to Jesus 00:12:00.759 --> 00:12:02.160 are now being attached 00:12:02.160 --> 00:12:03.120 to the apostles. 00:12:03.120 --> 00:12:03.240 apostles. 00:12:04.220 --> 00:12:05.560 And in utter amazement, 00:12:05.659 --> 00:12:06.720 the people run together. 00:12:07.460 --> 00:12:08.799 It's a word that's only used 00:12:08.799 --> 00:12:09.460 in this verse. 00:12:09.639 --> 00:12:11.019 This running together. 00:12:11.279 --> 00:12:13.899 It's a word that describes 00:12:13.899 --> 00:12:15.960 their tremendous amazement. 00:12:16.060 --> 00:12:16.960 They're blown away. 00:12:17.139 --> 00:12:18.039 They're out of their minds 00:12:18.039 --> 00:12:19.039 for what is happening here. 00:12:20.899 --> 00:12:22.000 And it's not only garnered 00:12:22.000 --> 00:12:22.600 their attention, 00:12:22.759 --> 00:12:24.539 but it's created a response. 00:12:25.399 --> 00:12:26.860 Response of rushing 00:12:26.860 --> 00:12:28.980 and running and assembling. 00:12:28.980 --> 00:12:30.800 And they gather here 00:12:30.800 --> 00:12:31.460 in a place called 00:12:31.460 --> 00:12:32.420 Solomon's Portico, 00:12:32.519 --> 00:12:34.460 which will become familiar to us 00:12:34.460 --> 00:12:35.340 as we continue to move 00:12:35.340 --> 00:12:36.080 our way through 00:12:36.080 --> 00:12:37.600 this book of Acts. 00:12:37.899 --> 00:12:39.080 This was a recognizable 00:12:39.080 --> 00:12:40.039 public place. 00:12:40.180 --> 00:12:41.100 It was a place 00:12:41.100 --> 00:12:42.000 where God's people 00:12:42.000 --> 00:12:43.039 would often assemble. 00:12:43.519 --> 00:12:44.420 It was a large, 00:12:44.539 --> 00:12:45.460 expansive place 00:12:45.460 --> 00:12:46.440 on the east side 00:12:46.440 --> 00:12:47.259 of the temple. 00:12:47.460 --> 00:12:48.800 And it was a place 00:12:48.800 --> 00:12:49.560 that was accessible 00:12:49.560 --> 00:12:51.379 because it was on 00:12:51.379 --> 00:12:52.680 a part of the outer courts. 00:12:53.300 --> 00:12:54.159 It wasn't restricted 00:12:54.159 --> 00:12:54.700 to anyone. 00:12:54.920 --> 00:12:57.060 And it had this awning, 00:12:57.059 --> 00:12:59.019 this covered shade 00:12:59.019 --> 00:13:00.239 that allowed people 00:13:00.239 --> 00:13:00.719 to gather 00:13:00.719 --> 00:13:02.639 when the sun was hot. 00:13:03.419 --> 00:13:04.239 It was accessible 00:13:04.239 --> 00:13:05.199 and the people 00:13:05.199 --> 00:13:05.739 are gathering. 00:13:06.979 --> 00:13:07.619 But these people 00:13:07.619 --> 00:13:08.419 needed to understand 00:13:08.419 --> 00:13:10.719 that while however amazed 00:13:10.719 --> 00:13:11.639 they might be, 00:13:11.739 --> 00:13:12.479 they needed to move 00:13:12.479 --> 00:13:14.419 from wonder to worship. 00:13:15.759 --> 00:13:16.619 Next, they needed 00:13:16.619 --> 00:13:17.779 to understand, 00:13:17.839 --> 00:13:18.659 we need to understand 00:13:18.659 --> 00:13:19.819 the significance 00:13:19.819 --> 00:13:20.779 of refusing 00:13:20.779 --> 00:13:22.000 to take credit 00:13:22.000 --> 00:13:22.759 for God's work. 00:13:23.359 --> 00:13:24.339 If God will ever 00:13:24.339 --> 00:13:25.079 get glory, 00:13:25.080 --> 00:13:27.020 if praise will ever 00:13:27.020 --> 00:13:28.379 be directed to him, 00:13:29.100 --> 00:13:30.240 then we need 00:13:30.240 --> 00:13:30.860 to recognize 00:13:30.860 --> 00:13:31.540 the significance 00:13:31.540 --> 00:13:32.820 of refusing 00:13:32.820 --> 00:13:33.600 to take credit 00:13:33.600 --> 00:13:34.259 for the work 00:13:34.259 --> 00:13:35.139 that God does, 00:13:35.280 --> 00:13:35.960 for God's work. 00:13:36.940 --> 00:13:38.139 We see that in verse 12. 00:13:38.720 --> 00:13:40.300 And when Peter saw it, 00:13:40.420 --> 00:13:41.560 he addressed the people, 00:13:41.660 --> 00:13:42.240 men of Israel, 00:13:42.500 --> 00:13:43.879 why do you wonder at this? 00:13:43.900 --> 00:13:45.700 Or why do you stare at us 00:13:45.700 --> 00:13:47.500 as though by our own power 00:13:47.500 --> 00:13:48.240 or piety 00:13:48.240 --> 00:13:49.640 we have made him walk? 00:13:50.879 --> 00:13:51.640 In other words, 00:13:51.759 --> 00:13:52.460 I know you're really 00:13:52.460 --> 00:13:53.300 amazed right now. 00:13:53.299 --> 00:13:55.120 I know this work 00:13:55.120 --> 00:13:55.979 has really captured 00:13:55.979 --> 00:13:56.719 your attention. 00:13:57.439 --> 00:13:58.799 But don't direct 00:13:58.799 --> 00:14:00.039 your attention to us. 00:14:00.639 --> 00:14:01.479 Don't look at us. 00:14:01.559 --> 00:14:02.479 Don't marvel at us. 00:14:02.759 --> 00:14:04.579 This is not a work of men. 00:14:04.779 --> 00:14:05.939 This is a work of God. 00:14:07.839 --> 00:14:09.039 Peter has already 00:14:09.039 --> 00:14:10.299 directed attention 00:14:10.299 --> 00:14:11.740 to the Lord Jesus 00:14:11.740 --> 00:14:13.120 in Acts chapter 3, 00:14:13.179 --> 00:14:13.919 verse 6. 00:14:14.359 --> 00:14:14.719 He says, 00:14:14.819 --> 00:14:15.500 In the name of Jesus 00:14:15.500 --> 00:14:17.240 Christ of Nazareth, 00:14:17.799 --> 00:14:18.699 rise up and walk. 00:14:19.679 --> 00:14:20.659 And the lame man got up 00:14:20.659 --> 00:14:21.339 and what does he do? 00:14:21.340 --> 00:14:21.940 In verse 8, 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:22.160 well, 00:14:22.840 --> 00:14:23.780 he praises God. 00:14:24.460 --> 00:14:25.240 His heart is now 00:14:25.240 --> 00:14:26.180 already inclined 00:14:26.180 --> 00:14:27.180 to praising 00:14:27.180 --> 00:14:28.860 the right object 00:14:28.860 --> 00:14:29.360 of worship. 00:14:29.580 --> 00:14:30.620 Praising God 00:14:30.620 --> 00:14:31.940 for what God 00:14:31.940 --> 00:14:32.399 has accomplished. 00:14:32.480 --> 00:14:33.800 Not praising Peter 00:14:33.800 --> 00:14:35.019 or praising John. 00:14:35.740 --> 00:14:36.840 This man who had lived 00:14:36.840 --> 00:14:37.580 on the perimeter. 00:14:38.360 --> 00:14:38.920 He had lived on 00:14:38.920 --> 00:14:39.720 the threshold, 00:14:39.899 --> 00:14:40.259 as it were, 00:14:40.300 --> 00:14:40.759 of the temple. 00:14:41.080 --> 00:14:41.800 Never being able 00:14:41.800 --> 00:14:42.580 to really move 00:14:42.580 --> 00:14:43.800 into the inner courts. 00:14:43.940 --> 00:14:44.200 Now, 00:14:44.519 --> 00:14:45.540 as a result of being 00:14:45.540 --> 00:14:47.220 healed by the Lord Jesus, 00:14:47.420 --> 00:14:48.560 he is now moving in. 00:14:48.720 --> 00:14:49.639 He's praising God. 00:14:49.780 --> 00:14:50.759 He's a part of the assembly. 00:14:50.759 --> 00:14:52.559 He worshiped and praise 00:14:52.559 --> 00:14:53.980 has filled his heart 00:14:53.980 --> 00:14:56.080 and the object of praise 00:14:56.080 --> 00:14:57.519 is to the Lord himself. 00:14:58.100 --> 00:14:58.600 It's to God. 00:14:59.659 --> 00:15:01.059 This emblematic 00:15:01.059 --> 00:15:04.419 of his physical full recovery 00:15:04.419 --> 00:15:06.299 is seen in the posture 00:15:06.299 --> 00:15:07.100 of his heart. 00:15:07.200 --> 00:15:07.419 Yes, 00:15:07.600 --> 00:15:08.980 he was healed physically, 00:15:09.240 --> 00:15:10.559 but we're beginning 00:15:10.559 --> 00:15:11.360 to see already 00:15:11.360 --> 00:15:12.700 there's a transformation, 00:15:12.980 --> 00:15:13.840 there's a change 00:15:13.840 --> 00:15:15.100 in his heart and life. 00:15:15.799 --> 00:15:17.019 There's a direction to it. 00:15:17.039 --> 00:15:18.120 There's an object to it. 00:15:18.120 --> 00:15:19.600 Peter says, 00:15:19.740 --> 00:15:20.259 don't look at us 00:15:20.259 --> 00:15:21.360 as though we accomplished 00:15:21.360 --> 00:15:22.120 this work. 00:15:22.360 --> 00:15:23.340 Look to God. 00:15:24.240 --> 00:15:25.060 And this is exactly 00:15:25.060 --> 00:15:25.639 what we learned 00:15:25.639 --> 00:15:26.980 from the Lord Jesus' example. 00:15:27.639 --> 00:15:28.320 Jesus would do 00:15:28.320 --> 00:15:29.080 the same thing. 00:15:29.379 --> 00:15:30.480 Jesus constantly 00:15:30.480 --> 00:15:32.039 deferred attention 00:15:32.039 --> 00:15:32.980 to the will 00:15:32.980 --> 00:15:33.899 of the Father. 00:15:34.220 --> 00:15:35.320 He would defer attention 00:15:35.320 --> 00:15:36.419 to the words 00:15:36.419 --> 00:15:37.100 of the Father 00:15:37.100 --> 00:15:38.279 throughout his ministry. 00:15:39.220 --> 00:15:39.860 We see that in 00:15:39.860 --> 00:15:40.480 John 5, 00:15:40.620 --> 00:15:41.279 verse 19. 00:15:41.980 --> 00:15:43.139 So Jesus said to them, 00:15:43.200 --> 00:15:43.419 truly, 00:15:43.580 --> 00:15:43.759 truly, 00:15:43.840 --> 00:15:44.399 I say to you, 00:15:44.399 --> 00:15:45.100 the Son 00:15:45.100 --> 00:15:46.220 can do nothing 00:15:46.220 --> 00:15:47.379 of his own accord, 00:15:48.080 --> 00:15:49.620 but only what he sees 00:15:49.620 --> 00:15:50.379 the Father doing. 00:15:50.620 --> 00:15:51.580 For whatever the Father 00:15:51.580 --> 00:15:51.960 does, 00:15:52.240 --> 00:15:53.220 that the Son 00:15:53.220 --> 00:15:54.100 does likewise. 00:15:55.279 --> 00:15:56.279 A few verses later 00:15:56.279 --> 00:15:56.920 in verse 30, 00:15:57.200 --> 00:15:57.680 chapter 5, 00:15:57.700 --> 00:15:58.040 verse 30, 00:15:58.080 --> 00:15:58.620 he says this, 00:15:59.360 --> 00:16:00.259 I can do nothing 00:16:00.259 --> 00:16:01.399 of my own. 00:16:01.680 --> 00:16:02.500 As I hear, 00:16:02.620 --> 00:16:03.200 I judge, 00:16:03.420 --> 00:16:04.120 and my judgment 00:16:04.120 --> 00:16:04.920 is just because 00:16:04.920 --> 00:16:05.779 I seek not 00:16:05.779 --> 00:16:07.019 my own will, 00:16:07.580 --> 00:16:08.120 but the will 00:16:08.120 --> 00:16:08.899 of him who sent me. 00:16:10.000 --> 00:16:11.100 We find it again 00:16:11.100 --> 00:16:11.840 in the next chapter, 00:16:12.160 --> 00:16:12.759 John 6, 00:16:12.840 --> 00:16:13.420 verse 38. 00:16:13.419 --> 00:16:14.839 For I have come down 00:16:14.839 --> 00:16:15.399 from heaven, 00:16:15.740 --> 00:16:17.219 not to do my own will, 00:16:17.959 --> 00:16:18.740 but the will of him 00:16:18.740 --> 00:16:19.279 who sent me. 00:16:20.360 --> 00:16:21.839 Jesus modeled 00:16:21.839 --> 00:16:23.039 this kind of heart. 00:16:23.899 --> 00:16:25.179 The heart of submission 00:16:25.179 --> 00:16:26.159 and obedience 00:16:26.159 --> 00:16:27.759 and deferring 00:16:27.759 --> 00:16:28.500 to the Father, 00:16:29.559 --> 00:16:32.120 seeking to direct 00:16:32.120 --> 00:16:33.819 attention of hearts 00:16:33.819 --> 00:16:34.719 of people 00:16:34.719 --> 00:16:35.620 to God the Father. 00:16:36.759 --> 00:16:37.679 Jesus depended 00:16:37.679 --> 00:16:38.620 on the Father's will 00:16:38.620 --> 00:16:39.799 and the Father's power. 00:16:40.360 --> 00:16:41.039 And if we're ever 00:16:41.039 --> 00:16:42.480 going to stand amazed 00:16:42.480 --> 00:16:43.820 at the works 00:16:43.820 --> 00:16:44.240 of God, 00:16:44.300 --> 00:16:45.060 we must do the same. 00:16:45.639 --> 00:16:46.960 We must draw 00:16:46.960 --> 00:16:47.519 attention 00:16:47.519 --> 00:16:48.560 to the work 00:16:48.560 --> 00:16:49.220 of God, 00:16:49.720 --> 00:16:50.639 not to the work 00:16:50.639 --> 00:16:51.100 of us. 00:16:51.940 --> 00:16:52.879 Whatever things 00:16:52.879 --> 00:16:54.159 God accomplishes 00:16:54.159 --> 00:16:55.039 through our lives, 00:16:55.159 --> 00:16:56.420 whatever successes 00:16:56.420 --> 00:16:57.519 that you may have, 00:16:57.600 --> 00:16:58.300 whatever comfort 00:16:58.300 --> 00:16:59.120 you may give, 00:16:59.460 --> 00:17:01.180 whatever joys 00:17:01.180 --> 00:17:02.240 your life 00:17:02.240 --> 00:17:02.899 and service 00:17:02.899 --> 00:17:03.460 your life 00:17:03.460 --> 00:17:04.380 may contribute 00:17:04.380 --> 00:17:05.200 to the body, 00:17:05.380 --> 00:17:06.620 it is a result 00:17:06.620 --> 00:17:07.200 of the work 00:17:07.200 --> 00:17:07.660 of God. 00:17:07.799 --> 00:17:08.299 We must 00:17:08.299 --> 00:17:09.640 direct attention 00:17:09.640 --> 00:17:10.340 to God. 00:17:11.400 --> 00:17:12.020 That's what I love 00:17:12.020 --> 00:17:13.380 about Ephesians 00:17:13.380 --> 00:17:13.900 chapter 3 00:17:13.900 --> 00:17:15.220 verses 20 and 21. 00:17:16.920 --> 00:17:17.980 Paul here says, 00:17:17.980 --> 00:17:18.759 Now to him 00:17:18.759 --> 00:17:19.920 who is able 00:17:19.920 --> 00:17:21.160 to do far more 00:17:21.160 --> 00:17:22.120 abundantly 00:17:22.120 --> 00:17:23.320 than all that 00:17:23.320 --> 00:17:24.500 we ask or think 00:17:24.500 --> 00:17:25.820 according to the power 00:17:25.820 --> 00:17:27.140 at work within us, 00:17:27.440 --> 00:17:28.180 to him 00:17:28.180 --> 00:17:29.280 be the glory 00:17:29.280 --> 00:17:30.140 in the church 00:17:30.140 --> 00:17:31.980 and in Christ Jesus 00:17:31.980 --> 00:17:33.500 throughout all generations 00:17:33.500 --> 00:17:34.080 forever 00:17:34.080 --> 00:17:35.120 and ever. 00:17:35.480 --> 00:17:35.820 Amen. 00:17:36.620 --> 00:17:37.400 Notice the emphasis. 00:17:37.400 --> 00:17:39.560 Now to him. 00:17:40.519 --> 00:17:42.060 Praise to God. 00:17:42.400 --> 00:17:42.700 Yes, 00:17:43.019 --> 00:17:44.000 he has given us 00:17:44.000 --> 00:17:44.800 the joy 00:17:44.800 --> 00:17:45.800 of the indwelling 00:17:45.800 --> 00:17:47.140 power of the Holy Spirit 00:17:47.140 --> 00:17:48.080 but everything 00:17:48.080 --> 00:17:49.100 that happens, 00:17:49.220 --> 00:17:50.040 everything good 00:17:50.040 --> 00:17:50.880 that happens 00:17:50.880 --> 00:17:51.340 in life 00:17:51.340 --> 00:17:52.220 is a result 00:17:52.220 --> 00:17:53.160 of the power 00:17:53.160 --> 00:17:53.560 of God 00:17:53.560 --> 00:17:54.540 and it's directed 00:17:54.540 --> 00:17:55.180 to his glory. 00:17:55.840 --> 00:17:56.720 Glorify the Lord. 00:17:58.519 --> 00:17:59.500 In our working, 00:17:59.640 --> 00:18:00.220 in our serving, 00:18:00.380 --> 00:18:01.120 in our speaking, 00:18:01.980 --> 00:18:03.360 we need to have 00:18:03.359 --> 00:18:05.819 the posture 00:18:05.819 --> 00:18:07.939 of deferring 00:18:07.939 --> 00:18:09.359 and directing 00:18:09.359 --> 00:18:10.299 people's attention 00:18:10.299 --> 00:18:11.879 to the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:18:13.000 --> 00:18:13.859 And I believe 00:18:13.859 --> 00:18:14.839 as I look around 00:18:14.839 --> 00:18:15.339 this room, 00:18:15.419 --> 00:18:16.019 I believe that 00:18:16.019 --> 00:18:16.879 most of you 00:18:16.879 --> 00:18:17.859 do a really good job 00:18:17.859 --> 00:18:18.279 at this. 00:18:19.159 --> 00:18:20.539 You often give credit 00:18:20.539 --> 00:18:21.279 to the Lord 00:18:21.279 --> 00:18:22.719 for what God 00:18:22.719 --> 00:18:23.299 has accomplished 00:18:23.299 --> 00:18:23.979 through you 00:18:23.979 --> 00:18:24.399 and in you 00:18:24.399 --> 00:18:26.159 and when you receive 00:18:26.159 --> 00:18:27.599 credit and praise 00:18:27.599 --> 00:18:28.179 from others, 00:18:28.359 --> 00:18:29.819 you often defer 00:18:29.819 --> 00:18:30.479 that praise. 00:18:30.480 --> 00:18:32.980 praise the Lord 00:18:32.980 --> 00:18:33.480 for this. 00:18:33.819 --> 00:18:34.460 Thank the Lord 00:18:34.460 --> 00:18:35.620 for how he's worked 00:18:35.620 --> 00:18:36.059 through me. 00:18:37.160 --> 00:18:37.700 And I think 00:18:37.700 --> 00:18:38.779 we tend to do 00:18:38.779 --> 00:18:39.420 really well 00:18:39.420 --> 00:18:40.480 at this. 00:18:41.140 --> 00:18:41.940 But we often 00:18:41.940 --> 00:18:43.539 get it wrong 00:18:43.539 --> 00:18:44.039 in reverse 00:18:44.039 --> 00:18:44.779 or maybe I should 00:18:44.779 --> 00:18:45.559 just maybe 00:18:45.559 --> 00:18:46.500 personalize this. 00:18:46.720 --> 00:18:47.640 I often get it 00:18:47.640 --> 00:18:48.819 wrong in reverse. 00:18:49.680 --> 00:18:50.579 And what I mean 00:18:50.579 --> 00:18:51.279 is this. 00:18:52.539 --> 00:18:54.920 When credit 00:18:54.920 --> 00:18:56.319 comes my way, 00:18:56.779 --> 00:18:57.920 it's easy for me 00:18:57.920 --> 00:18:58.480 to defer 00:18:58.480 --> 00:18:59.059 that credit 00:18:59.059 --> 00:18:59.900 to somebody else. 00:19:00.480 --> 00:19:01.960 But where I struggle 00:19:01.960 --> 00:19:02.860 is when 00:19:02.860 --> 00:19:04.319 nobody notices. 00:19:05.279 --> 00:19:06.120 When I struggle 00:19:06.120 --> 00:19:06.920 is when 00:19:06.920 --> 00:19:07.759 that pat 00:19:07.759 --> 00:19:09.160 on the back 00:19:09.160 --> 00:19:10.039 doesn't come to me. 00:19:10.700 --> 00:19:12.160 When no one appreciates, 00:19:12.660 --> 00:19:13.680 when no one enjoys, 00:19:14.319 --> 00:19:14.880 when no one 00:19:14.880 --> 00:19:15.559 takes notice, 00:19:16.299 --> 00:19:16.620 then 00:19:16.620 --> 00:19:17.920 that's when 00:19:17.920 --> 00:19:18.740 my heart 00:19:18.740 --> 00:19:19.440 begins to 00:19:19.440 --> 00:19:20.500 be discouraged 00:19:20.500 --> 00:19:21.680 and be depressed 00:19:21.680 --> 00:19:23.059 and be frustrated. 00:19:23.240 --> 00:19:23.779 Why didn't anyone 00:19:23.779 --> 00:19:24.799 notice what's happening? 00:19:25.240 --> 00:19:26.039 But this is 00:19:26.039 --> 00:19:27.339 the same problem 00:19:27.339 --> 00:19:27.920 in reverse. 00:19:27.920 --> 00:19:29.700 is the problem 00:19:29.700 --> 00:19:30.200 in reverse 00:19:30.200 --> 00:19:31.300 as Paul will say 00:19:31.300 --> 00:19:32.480 in Galatians 1.10. 00:19:33.480 --> 00:19:33.960 Am I now 00:19:33.960 --> 00:19:35.120 seeking the approval 00:19:35.120 --> 00:19:36.380 of men or God? 00:19:36.840 --> 00:19:37.740 Or do I seek 00:19:37.740 --> 00:19:38.519 to please men? 00:19:38.940 --> 00:19:39.740 For if I still 00:19:39.740 --> 00:19:40.320 please men, 00:19:40.480 --> 00:19:41.960 I cannot be a servant 00:19:41.960 --> 00:19:43.080 of Christ. 00:19:43.640 --> 00:19:44.080 You see, 00:19:44.300 --> 00:19:45.720 it's easy to acknowledge 00:19:45.720 --> 00:19:46.580 God when people 00:19:46.580 --> 00:19:47.420 acknowledge us. 00:19:48.279 --> 00:19:50.340 It's not so easy, 00:19:50.640 --> 00:19:51.120 I think, 00:19:51.519 --> 00:19:52.900 for us to acknowledge 00:19:52.900 --> 00:19:54.080 God when nobody 00:19:54.080 --> 00:19:55.120 acknowledges us. 00:19:55.119 --> 00:19:56.379 And that's where 00:19:56.379 --> 00:19:57.339 the real test comes. 00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:59.039 Will we give God 00:19:59.039 --> 00:20:00.539 praise even in 00:20:00.539 --> 00:20:01.159 private 00:20:01.159 --> 00:20:03.039 when no acceptance, 00:20:03.359 --> 00:20:04.839 no appreciation, 00:20:05.319 --> 00:20:06.299 no commendation 00:20:06.299 --> 00:20:07.159 comes our way? 00:20:07.279 --> 00:20:08.439 We continue to say, 00:20:09.159 --> 00:20:09.899 praise the Lord 00:20:09.899 --> 00:20:10.919 for what God is doing. 00:20:11.799 --> 00:20:12.239 You see, 00:20:13.000 --> 00:20:13.779 if God is going 00:20:13.779 --> 00:20:14.599 to get praise, 00:20:14.679 --> 00:20:15.399 if he's going to 00:20:15.399 --> 00:20:16.019 receive 00:20:16.019 --> 00:20:18.339 the accolades 00:20:18.339 --> 00:20:20.099 and the celebration 00:20:20.099 --> 00:20:21.799 for what he is doing, 00:20:21.859 --> 00:20:22.859 we need to direct 00:20:22.859 --> 00:20:23.739 hearts to him 00:20:23.740 --> 00:20:24.839 and refuse to take 00:20:24.839 --> 00:20:25.920 credit for God's 00:20:25.920 --> 00:20:26.240 working. 00:20:27.180 --> 00:20:28.480 We find in verse 13, 00:20:28.859 --> 00:20:29.579 we also need to 00:20:29.579 --> 00:20:30.660 reckon with the reality 00:20:30.660 --> 00:20:32.620 of rejecting God's 00:20:32.620 --> 00:20:32.880 son. 00:20:33.660 --> 00:20:34.660 If God is ever 00:20:34.660 --> 00:20:35.420 going to receive 00:20:35.420 --> 00:20:35.759 praise, 00:20:35.839 --> 00:20:36.519 we need to reckon 00:20:36.519 --> 00:20:37.680 with the reality 00:20:37.680 --> 00:20:39.240 of rejecting God's 00:20:39.240 --> 00:20:39.440 son. 00:20:39.539 --> 00:20:40.640 It says this in 00:20:40.640 --> 00:20:41.240 verse 13. 00:20:41.740 --> 00:20:42.640 The God of Abraham, 00:20:42.799 --> 00:20:43.599 the God of Isaac, 00:20:43.900 --> 00:20:44.859 and the God of Jacob, 00:20:45.200 --> 00:20:46.160 the God of our fathers, 00:20:46.279 --> 00:20:47.180 glorified his servant 00:20:47.180 --> 00:20:47.720 Jesus, 00:20:48.059 --> 00:20:48.880 whom you delivered 00:20:48.880 --> 00:20:50.220 over and denied 00:20:50.220 --> 00:20:51.000 in the presence of 00:20:51.000 --> 00:20:51.440 Pilate. 00:20:51.440 --> 00:20:53.180 when he had decided 00:20:53.180 --> 00:20:53.880 to release him, 00:20:54.000 --> 00:20:55.660 but you denied 00:20:55.660 --> 00:20:57.120 the holy and 00:20:57.120 --> 00:20:57.960 righteous one 00:20:57.960 --> 00:20:59.620 and asked for a 00:20:59.620 --> 00:21:00.320 murderer to be 00:21:00.320 --> 00:21:01.160 granted to you, 00:21:01.539 --> 00:21:02.680 and you killed 00:21:02.680 --> 00:21:04.100 the author of life, 00:21:04.420 --> 00:21:05.759 whom God raised 00:21:05.759 --> 00:21:06.440 from the dead. 00:21:07.019 --> 00:21:07.640 To this, 00:21:07.840 --> 00:21:08.539 we are witnesses. 00:21:09.620 --> 00:21:10.779 Reckon with the 00:21:10.779 --> 00:21:12.200 reality of rejecting 00:21:12.200 --> 00:21:13.140 God's son. 00:21:13.460 --> 00:21:14.299 What do I mean by 00:21:14.299 --> 00:21:14.620 this? 00:21:14.700 --> 00:21:14.880 Well, 00:21:15.400 --> 00:21:16.180 it is this. 00:21:16.220 --> 00:21:16.740 In summary, 00:21:17.539 --> 00:21:18.380 you cannot 00:21:18.380 --> 00:21:20.320 reject the son 00:21:20.319 --> 00:21:21.319 and have 00:21:21.319 --> 00:21:22.339 the father. 00:21:23.839 --> 00:21:24.559 You cannot 00:21:24.559 --> 00:21:25.939 stand amazed 00:21:25.939 --> 00:21:27.019 at God's work 00:21:27.019 --> 00:21:28.240 and oppose 00:21:28.240 --> 00:21:28.740 the son. 00:21:29.720 --> 00:21:30.220 The two 00:21:30.220 --> 00:21:31.200 come together. 00:21:32.039 --> 00:21:32.700 And that was 00:21:32.700 --> 00:21:34.579 largely the problem 00:21:34.579 --> 00:21:35.359 in Jerusalem. 00:21:36.079 --> 00:21:37.000 They had no problem 00:21:37.000 --> 00:21:37.859 directing attention 00:21:37.859 --> 00:21:39.019 to God 00:21:39.019 --> 00:21:40.759 and recognize 00:21:40.759 --> 00:21:41.919 the work of God, 00:21:42.019 --> 00:21:42.759 but when 00:21:42.759 --> 00:21:44.019 Jesus came 00:21:44.019 --> 00:21:44.500 into the mix, 00:21:44.700 --> 00:21:45.379 they opposed 00:21:45.379 --> 00:21:45.960 Jesus, 00:21:46.220 --> 00:21:46.980 they pushed him 00:21:46.980 --> 00:21:47.319 away, 00:21:47.559 --> 00:21:48.279 they rejected 00:21:48.279 --> 00:21:48.740 Jesus, 00:21:48.920 --> 00:21:49.440 and by 00:21:49.440 --> 00:21:50.019 rejecting 00:21:50.019 --> 00:21:50.819 Jesus, 00:21:51.099 --> 00:21:51.720 they also 00:21:51.720 --> 00:21:52.660 rejected God. 00:21:52.899 --> 00:21:53.299 And so you 00:21:53.299 --> 00:21:54.599 cannot praise 00:21:54.599 --> 00:21:55.639 and please 00:21:55.639 --> 00:21:56.399 God and 00:21:56.399 --> 00:21:57.359 worship God 00:21:57.359 --> 00:21:58.200 by rejecting 00:21:58.200 --> 00:21:58.819 Jesus. 00:22:01.480 --> 00:22:02.379 John will 00:22:02.379 --> 00:22:02.660 say, 00:22:03.759 --> 00:22:04.879 in 1 John, 00:22:06.039 --> 00:22:07.799 chapter 2, 00:22:07.839 --> 00:22:08.500 verse 22, 00:22:09.279 --> 00:22:10.440 who is a 00:22:10.440 --> 00:22:10.759 liar, 00:22:11.660 --> 00:22:12.420 but he who 00:22:12.420 --> 00:22:13.619 denies that 00:22:13.619 --> 00:22:14.519 Jesus is the 00:22:14.519 --> 00:22:14.980 Christ. 00:22:15.440 --> 00:22:16.180 This is the 00:22:16.180 --> 00:22:16.759 antichrist, 00:22:16.759 --> 00:22:17.599 he who denies 00:22:17.599 --> 00:22:18.259 the Father 00:22:18.259 --> 00:22:19.359 and the Son. 00:22:19.579 --> 00:22:20.259 No one 00:22:20.259 --> 00:22:21.099 who denies 00:22:21.099 --> 00:22:21.700 the Son 00:22:21.700 --> 00:22:22.299 has the 00:22:22.299 --> 00:22:22.579 Father. 00:22:22.920 --> 00:22:23.279 Whoever 00:22:23.279 --> 00:22:24.140 confesses 00:22:24.140 --> 00:22:24.619 the Son 00:22:24.619 --> 00:22:25.240 has the 00:22:25.240 --> 00:22:25.839 Father also. 00:22:26.799 --> 00:22:27.420 That's where 00:22:27.420 --> 00:22:28.140 true saving 00:22:28.140 --> 00:22:28.500 faith 00:22:28.500 --> 00:22:29.500 crystallizes. 00:22:29.579 --> 00:22:30.259 It crystallizes 00:22:30.259 --> 00:22:30.799 in knowing 00:22:30.799 --> 00:22:32.099 who Jesus 00:22:32.099 --> 00:22:32.460 is. 00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:33.900 It crystallizes 00:22:33.900 --> 00:22:34.299 in knowing 00:22:34.299 --> 00:22:35.099 and directing 00:22:35.099 --> 00:22:35.940 attention and 00:22:35.940 --> 00:22:36.859 praise to the 00:22:36.859 --> 00:22:38.059 God and 00:22:38.059 --> 00:22:38.799 Father of 00:22:38.799 --> 00:22:39.200 our Lord 00:22:39.200 --> 00:22:40.039 Jesus Christ. 00:22:41.200 --> 00:22:41.480 And so 00:22:41.480 --> 00:22:42.000 that's what 00:22:42.000 --> 00:22:44.700 Peter is 00:22:44.700 --> 00:22:45.599 about to do. 00:22:45.599 --> 00:22:46.519 we find that 00:22:46.519 --> 00:22:47.699 in verse 13. 00:22:48.419 --> 00:22:49.319 He begins 00:22:49.319 --> 00:22:49.779 to draw 00:22:49.779 --> 00:22:50.619 attention to 00:22:50.619 --> 00:22:51.659 the God 00:22:51.659 --> 00:22:53.000 and Father 00:22:53.000 --> 00:22:53.419 of the Lord 00:22:53.419 --> 00:22:53.980 Jesus Christ 00:22:53.980 --> 00:22:55.039 who was also 00:22:55.039 --> 00:22:55.539 the God of 00:22:55.539 --> 00:22:56.019 Abraham, 00:22:56.659 --> 00:22:57.199 the God of 00:22:57.199 --> 00:22:57.679 Isaac, 00:22:57.959 --> 00:22:58.359 the God of 00:22:58.359 --> 00:22:58.759 Jacob. 00:22:59.379 --> 00:22:59.879 The God 00:22:59.879 --> 00:23:00.279 that these 00:23:00.279 --> 00:23:01.099 people in 00:23:01.099 --> 00:23:01.500 Jerusalem 00:23:01.500 --> 00:23:02.279 celebrated 00:23:02.279 --> 00:23:03.339 and worshipped 00:23:03.339 --> 00:23:05.059 is the same 00:23:05.059 --> 00:23:05.699 God that 00:23:05.699 --> 00:23:07.279 was embodied 00:23:07.279 --> 00:23:08.419 in the person 00:23:08.419 --> 00:23:09.259 of Jesus 00:23:09.259 --> 00:23:09.779 Christ. 00:23:10.279 --> 00:23:11.159 And he is 00:23:11.159 --> 00:23:11.899 the promise 00:23:11.899 --> 00:23:12.779 keeping God. 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:12.819 God. 00:23:14.420 --> 00:23:14.879 It's 00:23:14.879 --> 00:23:15.220 interesting 00:23:15.220 --> 00:23:16.960 that Peter 00:23:16.960 --> 00:23:17.660 will draw 00:23:17.660 --> 00:23:18.639 attention to 00:23:18.639 --> 00:23:19.059 the God 00:23:19.059 --> 00:23:19.480 of Abraham. 00:23:20.319 --> 00:23:20.819 That's where 00:23:20.819 --> 00:23:22.920 the people 00:23:22.920 --> 00:23:23.359 of God 00:23:23.359 --> 00:23:24.440 find their 00:23:24.440 --> 00:23:25.079 identity. 00:23:25.480 --> 00:23:26.119 They find it 00:23:26.119 --> 00:23:26.799 in the promises 00:23:26.799 --> 00:23:27.220 that were 00:23:27.220 --> 00:23:28.220 originally given 00:23:28.220 --> 00:23:28.779 to Abraham 00:23:28.779 --> 00:23:30.039 and then worked 00:23:30.039 --> 00:23:30.980 out through 00:23:30.980 --> 00:23:32.099 Jesus Christ 00:23:32.099 --> 00:23:32.799 who was the 00:23:32.799 --> 00:23:33.500 seed of Abraham 00:23:33.500 --> 00:23:34.480 and those who 00:23:34.480 --> 00:23:35.759 are in Christ 00:23:35.759 --> 00:23:37.059 are also 00:23:37.059 --> 00:23:38.139 beneficiaries 00:23:38.139 --> 00:23:39.440 of these promises 00:23:39.440 --> 00:23:40.000 that were 00:23:40.000 --> 00:23:40.879 originally given 00:23:40.880 --> 00:23:42.220 to Abraham. 00:23:43.680 --> 00:23:44.540 God has 00:23:44.540 --> 00:23:45.420 promised these 00:23:45.420 --> 00:23:45.940 things to 00:23:45.940 --> 00:23:46.560 Abraham and 00:23:46.560 --> 00:23:47.600 those who are 00:23:47.600 --> 00:23:48.460 of faith in 00:23:48.460 --> 00:23:49.080 Christ are 00:23:49.080 --> 00:23:50.940 now beneficiaries 00:23:50.940 --> 00:23:52.080 of this promise. 00:23:52.740 --> 00:23:53.300 We see this 00:23:53.300 --> 00:23:54.280 God glorified 00:23:54.280 --> 00:23:55.240 his servant 00:23:55.240 --> 00:23:56.140 Jesus whom 00:23:56.140 --> 00:23:56.760 you delivered 00:23:56.760 --> 00:23:58.280 over to 00:23:58.280 --> 00:23:59.320 and denied 00:23:59.320 --> 00:24:00.240 in the presence 00:24:00.240 --> 00:24:01.620 of Pilate. 00:24:02.620 --> 00:24:03.180 This word 00:24:03.180 --> 00:24:04.440 Jesus as 00:24:04.440 --> 00:24:04.780 servant, 00:24:04.860 --> 00:24:05.420 this servant 00:24:05.420 --> 00:24:06.960 Jesus is an 00:24:06.960 --> 00:24:07.860 unusual word 00:24:07.860 --> 00:24:08.540 in the Greek. 00:24:09.300 --> 00:24:09.980 It's a word 00:24:09.980 --> 00:24:10.640 that's used 00:24:10.640 --> 00:24:11.579 only a few 00:24:11.579 --> 00:24:12.640 times throughout 00:24:12.640 --> 00:24:13.819 the book of 00:24:13.819 --> 00:24:14.160 Acts. 00:24:14.319 --> 00:24:15.160 It draws 00:24:15.160 --> 00:24:15.799 attention to 00:24:15.799 --> 00:24:16.839 Jesus as 00:24:16.839 --> 00:24:17.480 servant but 00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:18.039 it is this 00:24:18.039 --> 00:24:19.019 title that 00:24:19.019 --> 00:24:19.460 had this 00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:20.319 messianic 00:24:20.319 --> 00:24:21.000 understanding, 00:24:21.839 --> 00:24:22.880 this future 00:24:22.880 --> 00:24:24.039 promise that 00:24:24.039 --> 00:24:25.099 God would send 00:24:25.099 --> 00:24:26.500 this promised 00:24:26.500 --> 00:24:27.279 king and 00:24:27.279 --> 00:24:28.319 this title 00:24:28.319 --> 00:24:29.420 that was used 00:24:29.420 --> 00:24:30.259 in this moment 00:24:30.259 --> 00:24:31.120 is meant to 00:24:31.120 --> 00:24:32.120 create that 00:24:32.120 --> 00:24:32.680 connection, 00:24:33.059 --> 00:24:33.860 that association. 00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:35.360 You see 00:24:35.360 --> 00:24:36.120 Jesus here? 00:24:36.880 --> 00:24:37.319 He's the 00:24:37.319 --> 00:24:38.059 servant of God. 00:24:38.059 --> 00:24:39.399 He's the 00:24:39.399 --> 00:24:40.299 son of God. 00:24:40.779 --> 00:24:41.299 He's the 00:24:41.299 --> 00:24:42.700 promised king 00:24:42.700 --> 00:24:43.859 sent from 00:24:43.859 --> 00:24:44.179 God. 00:24:44.899 --> 00:24:45.980 We find in 00:24:45.980 --> 00:24:46.579 Isaiah chapter 00:24:46.579 --> 00:24:47.859 52 verse 13 00:24:47.859 --> 00:24:48.740 a reference to 00:24:48.740 --> 00:24:50.539 this servant, 00:24:50.639 --> 00:24:51.359 this promised 00:24:51.359 --> 00:24:51.740 servant. 00:24:51.879 --> 00:24:52.339 It says this, 00:24:52.639 --> 00:24:53.299 Behold my 00:24:53.299 --> 00:24:54.579 servant shall 00:24:54.579 --> 00:24:55.919 act wisely. 00:24:56.399 --> 00:24:57.460 He was despised 00:24:57.460 --> 00:24:58.119 and rejected by 00:24:58.119 --> 00:24:59.019 men, a man of 00:24:59.019 --> 00:24:59.919 sorrows and 00:24:59.919 --> 00:25:00.480 acquainted with 00:25:00.480 --> 00:25:00.759 grief. 00:25:01.079 --> 00:25:01.799 Surely he has 00:25:01.799 --> 00:25:02.419 borne our 00:25:02.419 --> 00:25:02.980 griefs and 00:25:02.980 --> 00:25:03.879 carried our 00:25:03.879 --> 00:25:04.419 sorrows. 00:25:04.539 --> 00:25:05.659 Yet we 00:25:05.659 --> 00:25:06.299 esteemed him 00:25:06.299 --> 00:25:06.819 stricken, 00:25:06.819 --> 00:25:08.139 smitten by 00:25:08.139 --> 00:25:08.500 God and 00:25:08.500 --> 00:25:08.919 afflicted, 00:25:08.960 --> 00:25:09.480 but he was 00:25:09.480 --> 00:25:10.899 pierced for 00:25:10.899 --> 00:25:11.559 our transgression. 00:25:12.259 --> 00:25:12.659 He was 00:25:12.659 --> 00:25:13.339 crushed for 00:25:13.339 --> 00:25:13.980 our iniquities. 00:25:14.319 --> 00:25:15.019 Upon him 00:25:15.019 --> 00:25:15.779 was the 00:25:15.779 --> 00:25:16.439 chastisement 00:25:16.439 --> 00:25:17.419 that brought 00:25:17.419 --> 00:25:18.059 us peace 00:25:18.059 --> 00:25:19.419 and with his 00:25:19.419 --> 00:25:19.879 wounds we 00:25:19.879 --> 00:25:20.200 are healed. 00:25:21.000 --> 00:25:22.079 This same 00:25:22.079 --> 00:25:23.439 promised servant, 00:25:24.000 --> 00:25:24.939 this servant 00:25:24.939 --> 00:25:26.379 of God is 00:25:26.379 --> 00:25:26.899 the one in 00:25:26.899 --> 00:25:27.399 the same 00:25:27.399 --> 00:25:28.559 Jesus Christ 00:25:28.559 --> 00:25:29.119 who came 00:25:29.119 --> 00:25:30.299 to serve 00:25:30.299 --> 00:25:30.659 and to 00:25:30.659 --> 00:25:31.220 save his 00:25:31.220 --> 00:25:31.819 people from 00:25:31.819 --> 00:25:32.259 their sin. 00:25:32.559 --> 00:25:33.179 The one 00:25:33.179 --> 00:25:33.460 that was 00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:34.200 promised in 00:25:34.200 --> 00:25:34.659 Isaiah, 00:25:34.859 --> 00:25:35.659 the prophet 00:25:35.660 --> 00:25:36.580 Isaiah is 00:25:36.580 --> 00:25:37.060 the same 00:25:37.060 --> 00:25:37.540 one that 00:25:37.540 --> 00:25:38.420 you crucified 00:25:38.420 --> 00:25:39.240 and killed 00:25:39.240 --> 00:25:40.080 by hanging 00:25:40.080 --> 00:25:40.680 on a tree. 00:25:40.920 --> 00:25:41.320 This is 00:25:41.320 --> 00:25:41.680 one and 00:25:41.680 --> 00:25:42.019 the same. 00:25:42.240 --> 00:25:42.480 Do you 00:25:42.480 --> 00:25:43.300 recognize the 00:25:43.300 --> 00:25:44.320 weight, the 00:25:44.320 --> 00:25:45.000 gravity of 00:25:45.000 --> 00:25:46.040 your rejection 00:25:46.040 --> 00:25:46.820 of your 00:25:46.820 --> 00:25:47.519 very God, 00:25:47.720 --> 00:25:48.600 Jesus Christ, 00:25:48.880 --> 00:25:49.360 who came, 00:25:50.040 --> 00:25:50.580 who came to 00:25:50.580 --> 00:25:51.519 offer salvation 00:25:51.519 --> 00:25:52.279 to you? 00:25:53.340 --> 00:25:53.900 This was 00:25:53.900 --> 00:25:54.560 God's servant. 00:25:55.180 --> 00:25:55.519 There's not 00:25:55.519 --> 00:25:56.320 some random 00:25:56.320 --> 00:25:57.080 prophet, not 00:25:57.080 --> 00:25:58.100 just a good 00:25:58.100 --> 00:25:58.800 man, not 00:25:58.800 --> 00:25:59.560 just a worker 00:25:59.560 --> 00:26:00.380 of miracles, 00:26:00.540 --> 00:26:01.060 but this was 00:26:01.060 --> 00:26:02.400 God's very 00:26:02.400 --> 00:26:03.400 servant and 00:26:03.400 --> 00:26:03.740 son. 00:26:03.740 --> 00:26:05.620 And this 00:26:05.620 --> 00:26:06.299 identity calls 00:26:06.299 --> 00:26:06.859 attention to 00:26:06.859 --> 00:26:07.420 the gravity 00:26:07.420 --> 00:26:07.980 of the 00:26:07.980 --> 00:26:08.500 offense. 00:26:10.240 --> 00:26:11.420 Jesus was 00:26:11.420 --> 00:26:11.859 sent by 00:26:11.859 --> 00:26:12.819 God, affirmed 00:26:12.819 --> 00:26:13.380 by God, 00:26:13.819 --> 00:26:15.519 spoke the 00:26:15.519 --> 00:26:16.319 words of 00:26:16.319 --> 00:26:16.819 God and 00:26:16.819 --> 00:26:17.380 worked the 00:26:17.380 --> 00:26:18.440 miracles that 00:26:18.440 --> 00:26:19.599 God called 00:26:19.599 --> 00:26:20.220 him to work 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:20.940 and what did 00:26:20.940 --> 00:26:21.380 they do? 00:26:21.700 --> 00:26:22.400 We find this 00:26:22.400 --> 00:26:23.400 two-fold reaction. 00:26:23.740 --> 00:26:24.400 They delivered 00:26:24.400 --> 00:26:25.920 him over and 00:26:25.920 --> 00:26:26.400 they denied 00:26:26.400 --> 00:26:27.740 him, this 00:26:27.740 --> 00:26:28.599 very servant 00:26:28.599 --> 00:26:29.220 son. 00:26:30.480 --> 00:26:30.779 And while 00:26:30.779 --> 00:26:31.359 Pilate was 00:26:31.359 --> 00:26:31.839 ultimately 00:26:31.839 --> 00:26:33.200 responsible for 00:26:33.200 --> 00:26:34.019 Jesus' death, 00:26:34.460 --> 00:26:34.940 we find 00:26:34.940 --> 00:26:35.319 through the 00:26:35.319 --> 00:26:36.080 gospel accounts 00:26:36.080 --> 00:26:36.380 that there 00:26:36.380 --> 00:26:36.940 were six 00:26:36.940 --> 00:26:37.960 times through 00:26:37.960 --> 00:26:38.480 the gospel 00:26:38.480 --> 00:26:39.620 accounts that 00:26:39.620 --> 00:26:41.660 Pilate refers 00:26:41.660 --> 00:26:42.680 to Jesus as 00:26:42.680 --> 00:26:43.200 innocent. 00:26:44.140 --> 00:26:44.700 And three 00:26:44.700 --> 00:26:45.539 occasions when 00:26:45.539 --> 00:26:46.559 Pilate wanted 00:26:46.559 --> 00:26:47.880 to release 00:26:47.880 --> 00:26:50.059 Jesus and 00:26:50.059 --> 00:26:51.340 the crowds that 00:26:51.340 --> 00:26:51.720 were in 00:26:51.720 --> 00:26:52.460 Jerusalem, those 00:26:52.460 --> 00:26:53.480 Jews, demanded 00:26:53.480 --> 00:26:54.960 his death. 00:26:55.700 --> 00:26:56.319 They rejected 00:26:56.319 --> 00:26:56.779 him, they 00:26:56.779 --> 00:26:57.480 denied him, 00:26:57.759 --> 00:26:58.360 they delivered 00:26:58.360 --> 00:26:58.840 him over. 00:26:59.740 --> 00:27:00.120 And Peter 00:27:00.120 --> 00:27:00.799 assigns this 00:27:00.799 --> 00:27:01.700 full responsibility 00:27:01.700 --> 00:27:03.380 for Christ's 00:27:03.380 --> 00:27:04.660 crucifixion to 00:27:04.660 --> 00:27:05.200 the Jews. 00:27:05.480 --> 00:27:06.319 The very ones 00:27:06.319 --> 00:27:06.900 who were standing 00:27:06.900 --> 00:27:07.860 there listening 00:27:07.860 --> 00:27:08.799 to this message, 00:27:09.100 --> 00:27:09.680 they were the 00:27:09.680 --> 00:27:10.279 ones, they were 00:27:10.279 --> 00:27:10.720 culpable. 00:27:12.080 --> 00:27:13.120 Peter uses three 00:27:13.120 --> 00:27:14.200 titles for Jesus 00:27:14.200 --> 00:27:15.519 which are meant 00:27:15.519 --> 00:27:16.559 to add weight 00:27:16.559 --> 00:27:17.759 to his identity. 00:27:18.360 --> 00:27:19.240 He calls him 00:27:19.240 --> 00:27:20.640 holy and the 00:27:20.640 --> 00:27:21.360 righteous one. 00:27:21.500 --> 00:27:22.220 He calls him the 00:27:22.220 --> 00:27:23.000 author of life. 00:27:23.160 --> 00:27:23.960 All terms that 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:24.860 were used throughout 00:27:24.860 --> 00:27:25.580 the Old Testament 00:27:25.580 --> 00:27:27.500 to direct attention 00:27:27.500 --> 00:27:29.039 to Jesus as the 00:27:29.039 --> 00:27:29.880 Messiah, the 00:27:29.880 --> 00:27:30.700 promised king, 00:27:30.700 --> 00:27:31.440 the one who 00:27:31.440 --> 00:27:31.980 is coming. 00:27:33.740 --> 00:27:34.519 And even though 00:27:34.519 --> 00:27:34.880 it should have 00:27:34.880 --> 00:27:35.779 been clear, it 00:27:35.779 --> 00:27:36.059 should have been 00:27:36.059 --> 00:27:37.660 obvious, and 00:27:37.660 --> 00:27:38.920 even though as 00:27:38.920 --> 00:27:39.720 the holy one, 00:27:39.819 --> 00:27:40.819 even the demons 00:27:40.819 --> 00:27:42.039 believed and 00:27:42.039 --> 00:27:42.980 trembled, we find 00:27:42.980 --> 00:27:43.940 from Mark chapter 00:27:43.940 --> 00:27:45.400 1 verse 24, the 00:27:45.400 --> 00:27:46.100 demons who say, 00:27:46.180 --> 00:27:46.799 I know who you 00:27:46.799 --> 00:27:47.580 are, the holy 00:27:47.580 --> 00:27:48.259 one of God. 00:27:49.779 --> 00:27:50.360 And what the 00:27:50.360 --> 00:27:50.920 demons could 00:27:50.920 --> 00:27:51.740 recognize, the 00:27:51.740 --> 00:27:52.819 people in 00:27:52.819 --> 00:27:53.500 Jerusalem could 00:27:53.500 --> 00:27:53.759 not. 00:27:54.539 --> 00:27:55.019 And so they 00:27:55.019 --> 00:27:55.559 delivered him 00:27:55.559 --> 00:27:56.299 over, they 00:27:56.299 --> 00:27:56.880 denied him. 00:27:57.600 --> 00:27:58.500 This author of 00:27:58.500 --> 00:27:59.420 life, and the 00:27:59.420 --> 00:28:00.740 irony is 00:28:00.740 --> 00:28:03.180 meant to come 00:28:03.180 --> 00:28:04.320 with force. 00:28:05.180 --> 00:28:06.340 The author of 00:28:06.340 --> 00:28:07.860 life, you 00:28:07.860 --> 00:28:09.420 killed, you 00:28:09.420 --> 00:28:10.779 murdered, you 00:28:10.779 --> 00:28:11.240 delivered him 00:28:11.240 --> 00:28:11.500 over. 00:28:13.259 --> 00:28:13.920 If we're ever 00:28:13.920 --> 00:28:14.440 going to stand 00:28:14.440 --> 00:28:15.200 amazed at God's 00:28:15.200 --> 00:28:15.920 work, we must 00:28:15.920 --> 00:28:17.259 recognize the 00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:17.960 son for who he 00:28:17.960 --> 00:28:18.200 is. 00:28:18.860 --> 00:28:19.900 We must come to 00:28:19.900 --> 00:28:21.100 terms with 00:28:21.100 --> 00:28:23.440 Jesus as the 00:28:23.440 --> 00:28:24.560 son of God. 00:28:25.160 --> 00:28:25.840 We must 00:28:25.840 --> 00:28:26.940 recognize what 00:28:26.940 --> 00:28:27.640 he is owing, 00:28:27.640 --> 00:28:29.140 he is due, our 00:28:29.140 --> 00:28:29.620 praise. 00:28:30.320 --> 00:28:32.080 And finally, if 00:28:32.080 --> 00:28:32.460 we're ever going 00:28:32.460 --> 00:28:33.180 to stand amazed 00:28:33.180 --> 00:28:34.280 at God's work, we 00:28:34.280 --> 00:28:35.320 need to respond in 00:28:35.320 --> 00:28:36.259 faith and praise to 00:28:36.259 --> 00:28:36.560 Jesus. 00:28:36.700 --> 00:28:37.880 We find that in 00:28:37.880 --> 00:28:38.880 verse 16, it 00:28:38.880 --> 00:28:40.420 says this, and 00:28:40.420 --> 00:28:41.320 his name, by 00:28:41.320 --> 00:28:42.520 faith in his 00:28:42.520 --> 00:28:44.140 name, has made 00:28:44.140 --> 00:28:45.259 this man strong, 00:28:45.400 --> 00:28:46.500 whom you see and 00:28:46.500 --> 00:28:47.480 know, and the 00:28:47.480 --> 00:28:48.160 faith that is 00:28:48.160 --> 00:28:49.680 through Jesus has 00:28:49.680 --> 00:28:50.600 given this man 00:28:50.600 --> 00:28:52.000 perfect health in 00:28:52.000 --> 00:28:52.759 the presence of 00:28:52.759 --> 00:28:53.180 you all. 00:28:54.340 --> 00:28:55.540 To ensure that 00:28:55.540 --> 00:28:56.020 his audience 00:28:56.019 --> 00:28:56.920 doesn't miss the 00:28:56.920 --> 00:28:57.240 point. 00:28:57.740 --> 00:28:58.480 Peter will draw 00:28:58.480 --> 00:28:59.740 attention to the 00:28:59.740 --> 00:29:01.619 name Jesus, the 00:29:01.619 --> 00:29:02.680 object of their 00:29:02.680 --> 00:29:03.039 praise. 00:29:03.160 --> 00:29:04.019 He draws attention 00:29:04.019 --> 00:29:05.519 to three times in 00:29:05.519 --> 00:29:06.139 this one little 00:29:06.139 --> 00:29:06.519 verse. 00:29:07.460 --> 00:29:08.480 He begins, and 00:29:08.480 --> 00:29:10.359 his name, by 00:29:10.359 --> 00:29:11.599 faith in his 00:29:11.599 --> 00:29:11.879 name. 00:29:12.000 --> 00:29:12.599 That's the second 00:29:12.599 --> 00:29:12.920 one. 00:29:13.480 --> 00:29:14.319 And then in this 00:29:14.319 --> 00:29:16.059 middle phrase, and 00:29:16.059 --> 00:29:17.000 faith that is 00:29:17.000 --> 00:29:18.000 through Jesus. 00:29:19.559 --> 00:29:20.319 Peter, that 00:29:20.319 --> 00:29:22.240 started this whole 00:29:22.240 --> 00:29:23.940 miraculous event by 00:29:23.940 --> 00:29:25.480 directing attention to 00:29:25.480 --> 00:29:27.380 Jesus Christ, now 00:29:27.380 --> 00:29:28.700 draws attention to 00:29:28.700 --> 00:29:29.380 him once again. 00:29:30.339 --> 00:29:31.539 And to ensure this 00:29:31.539 --> 00:29:33.259 emphasis, he calls 00:29:33.259 --> 00:29:34.900 attention to him now 00:29:34.900 --> 00:29:35.900 three times in this 00:29:35.900 --> 00:29:38.360 short little verse. 00:29:40.339 --> 00:29:41.120 And the message is 00:29:41.120 --> 00:29:42.940 this, that faith is 00:29:42.940 --> 00:29:46.140 only strong when the 00:29:46.140 --> 00:29:48.079 object rests on the 00:29:48.079 --> 00:29:48.740 right individual. 00:29:49.779 --> 00:29:50.759 And faith is not 00:29:50.759 --> 00:29:52.299 powerful because it 00:29:52.299 --> 00:29:53.500 comes from us. 00:29:53.500 --> 00:29:54.960 faith is powerful 00:29:54.960 --> 00:29:56.619 because it rests in 00:29:56.619 --> 00:29:57.299 Christ. 00:29:58.900 --> 00:29:59.480 And we find 00:29:59.480 --> 00:30:00.319 throughout this 00:30:00.319 --> 00:30:02.019 passage, this verse 00:30:02.019 --> 00:30:02.880 in particular, that 00:30:02.880 --> 00:30:04.500 Peter is drawing 00:30:04.500 --> 00:30:05.660 attention to faith. 00:30:05.900 --> 00:30:07.140 Well, what is 00:30:07.140 --> 00:30:08.140 missing is whose 00:30:08.140 --> 00:30:09.019 faith are we talking 00:30:09.019 --> 00:30:09.339 about? 00:30:10.220 --> 00:30:11.079 Are we talking about 00:30:11.079 --> 00:30:12.079 the faith of Peter, 00:30:12.440 --> 00:30:13.700 who recognized that 00:30:13.700 --> 00:30:14.660 God could do a work 00:30:14.660 --> 00:30:15.579 in this lame man? 00:30:15.940 --> 00:30:16.779 Are we talking about 00:30:16.779 --> 00:30:17.460 the faith of the 00:30:17.460 --> 00:30:18.559 lame man, who when 00:30:18.559 --> 00:30:19.940 Peter grasped his 00:30:19.940 --> 00:30:21.140 hand, that he lifted 00:30:21.140 --> 00:30:22.599 him up, and by faith 00:30:22.599 --> 00:30:23.980 the man was able to 00:30:23.980 --> 00:30:24.980 stand and believing 00:30:24.980 --> 00:30:26.419 that the word that 00:30:26.419 --> 00:30:27.359 Peter gave him was 00:30:27.359 --> 00:30:27.939 true? 00:30:29.059 --> 00:30:30.279 I believe this is by 00:30:30.279 --> 00:30:30.759 design. 00:30:31.459 --> 00:30:32.339 We don't know whose 00:30:32.339 --> 00:30:33.199 faith we're addressing 00:30:33.199 --> 00:30:35.240 because the faith of 00:30:35.240 --> 00:30:36.419 both parties was 00:30:36.419 --> 00:30:36.879 important. 00:30:37.259 --> 00:30:37.980 But what the 00:30:37.980 --> 00:30:39.259 apostle Peter is 00:30:39.259 --> 00:30:41.119 trying to welcome 00:30:41.119 --> 00:30:42.679 us and invite us to 00:30:42.679 --> 00:30:44.839 participate is 00:30:44.839 --> 00:30:46.939 recognizing that if 00:30:46.939 --> 00:30:47.919 you want to enjoy the 00:30:47.919 --> 00:30:49.219 same kind of work of 00:30:49.219 --> 00:30:50.480 God, you must also be 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:51.240 a person of faith. 00:30:51.240 --> 00:30:53.039 You must also come to 00:30:53.039 --> 00:30:54.019 a place of recognizing 00:30:54.019 --> 00:30:54.859 who Jesus is. 00:30:55.519 --> 00:30:56.559 You must also be the 00:30:56.559 --> 00:30:57.440 kind of person who 00:30:57.440 --> 00:30:59.519 lays aside personal 00:30:59.519 --> 00:31:01.940 praise and refuses to 00:31:01.940 --> 00:31:03.400 accept that praise for 00:31:03.400 --> 00:31:04.640 the sake of directing 00:31:04.640 --> 00:31:06.079 praise to God. 00:31:06.680 --> 00:31:08.039 And that through faith in 00:31:08.039 --> 00:31:09.539 Christ, you can enjoy 00:31:09.539 --> 00:31:12.400 the benefits of healing. 00:31:13.839 --> 00:31:15.180 He uses this word. 00:31:15.799 --> 00:31:16.599 He's been healed. 00:31:17.700 --> 00:31:18.900 It reminds me again of 00:31:18.900 --> 00:31:20.080 what we found in Isaiah 00:31:20.080 --> 00:31:21.420 chapter 53 verse 5. 00:31:21.500 --> 00:31:22.800 It says, but he was 00:31:22.800 --> 00:31:23.580 pierced for our 00:31:23.580 --> 00:31:24.380 transgressions. 00:31:24.540 --> 00:31:25.640 He was crushed for our 00:31:25.640 --> 00:31:26.060 iniquities. 00:31:26.380 --> 00:31:27.800 Upon him was the 00:31:27.800 --> 00:31:29.040 chastisement that brought 00:31:29.040 --> 00:31:31.220 us peace and with his 00:31:31.220 --> 00:31:33.300 wounds we are healed. 00:31:34.140 --> 00:31:35.000 Well, what kind of 00:31:35.000 --> 00:31:36.019 healing are we talking 00:31:36.019 --> 00:31:36.519 about here? 00:31:37.140 --> 00:31:38.860 We're not just talking 00:31:38.860 --> 00:31:40.480 about the healing that 00:31:40.480 --> 00:31:42.259 took place here in 00:31:42.259 --> 00:31:42.700 Jerusalem. 00:31:42.700 --> 00:31:44.180 This physical healing, 00:31:44.300 --> 00:31:45.500 this miraculous healing 00:31:45.500 --> 00:31:46.340 of this lame man. 00:31:46.339 --> 00:31:47.559 But it was just meant 00:31:47.559 --> 00:31:49.359 to be emblematic of the 00:31:49.359 --> 00:31:50.740 greater healing that God 00:31:50.740 --> 00:31:52.679 desires to do for anyone 00:31:52.679 --> 00:31:53.559 who trusts in him. 00:31:54.019 --> 00:31:55.059 And that's a healing of 00:31:55.059 --> 00:31:55.740 our greatest need. 00:31:56.459 --> 00:31:57.459 Our sin need that has 00:31:57.459 --> 00:31:58.299 separated us from the 00:31:58.299 --> 00:31:58.480 Lord. 00:31:59.240 --> 00:32:00.819 That because of sin we 00:32:00.819 --> 00:32:02.119 have been separated from 00:32:02.119 --> 00:32:02.339 him. 00:32:02.740 --> 00:32:05.379 And without a connection 00:32:05.379 --> 00:32:06.599 to him, without fellowship 00:32:06.599 --> 00:32:07.679 with him, without being 00:32:07.679 --> 00:32:09.879 restored back to him, we 00:32:09.879 --> 00:32:12.559 will continue to walk in 00:32:12.559 --> 00:32:14.819 disfellowship apart from 00:32:14.819 --> 00:32:15.119 God. 00:32:15.960 --> 00:32:17.240 This great healing that 00:32:17.240 --> 00:32:18.259 Jesus offered is the 00:32:18.259 --> 00:32:19.839 healing of your heart. 00:32:20.519 --> 00:32:22.299 And ultimately those who 00:32:22.299 --> 00:32:23.759 believe in Jesus will also 00:32:23.759 --> 00:32:25.259 enjoy the benefits of this 00:32:25.259 --> 00:32:27.099 resurrected body at some 00:32:27.099 --> 00:32:27.899 point down the road. 00:32:27.939 --> 00:32:29.000 So there will be a 00:32:29.000 --> 00:32:30.200 physical and spiritual 00:32:30.200 --> 00:32:31.359 healing that comes 00:32:31.359 --> 00:32:33.099 because of the work of 00:32:33.099 --> 00:32:33.659 Christ. 00:32:36.359 --> 00:32:38.359 But this miraculous work is 00:32:38.359 --> 00:32:40.200 meant to draw attention to 00:32:40.200 --> 00:32:40.960 praise to God. 00:32:40.960 --> 00:32:43.400 You see, the crowd came 00:32:43.400 --> 00:32:44.860 rushing because they had 00:32:44.860 --> 00:32:45.539 seen a miracle. 00:32:46.480 --> 00:32:48.000 And Peter would not let 00:32:48.000 --> 00:32:49.200 them stop at the miracle. 00:32:50.200 --> 00:32:51.200 He would not let them 00:32:51.200 --> 00:32:52.759 stop even at the healed 00:32:52.759 --> 00:32:53.079 man. 00:32:53.779 --> 00:32:54.840 He would not let them 00:32:54.840 --> 00:32:56.640 stop at Peter and John. 00:32:56.779 --> 00:32:57.759 He would not even let them 00:32:57.759 --> 00:32:58.940 stop at wonder and 00:32:58.940 --> 00:32:59.340 amazement. 00:32:59.640 --> 00:33:00.880 Peter wants to direct their 00:33:00.880 --> 00:33:03.220 attention to the object of 00:33:03.220 --> 00:33:03.480 worship. 00:33:03.660 --> 00:33:04.980 The object of praise to 00:33:04.980 --> 00:33:06.380 Jesus Christ himself. 00:33:06.779 --> 00:33:08.860 Faith in his name. 00:33:09.100 --> 00:33:10.019 Do you believe in Jesus 00:33:10.019 --> 00:33:10.799 this morning? 00:33:11.940 --> 00:33:13.059 Have you enjoyed the 00:33:13.059 --> 00:33:15.200 benefits of his power? 00:33:15.740 --> 00:33:17.420 His saving power that 00:33:17.420 --> 00:33:18.980 came through this 00:33:18.980 --> 00:33:20.319 crucified Lord that all 00:33:20.319 --> 00:33:21.500 of us here in this room 00:33:21.500 --> 00:33:23.059 are culpable in some 00:33:23.059 --> 00:33:23.440 sense. 00:33:24.160 --> 00:33:26.519 That at some point in 00:33:26.519 --> 00:33:27.460 our life we've all 00:33:27.460 --> 00:33:29.279 participated in this 00:33:29.279 --> 00:33:31.819 process of denying the 00:33:31.819 --> 00:33:32.460 Lord Jesus. 00:33:33.079 --> 00:33:34.839 Of delivering him over. 00:33:36.460 --> 00:33:39.379 But as we find in this 00:33:39.380 --> 00:33:41.240 passage there is still an 00:33:41.240 --> 00:33:41.660 invitation. 00:33:41.800 --> 00:33:42.640 There's an invitation for 00:33:42.640 --> 00:33:43.960 all of us to enjoy the 00:33:43.960 --> 00:33:44.980 benefits of this welcome. 00:33:46.300 --> 00:33:47.700 Through faith in his name 00:33:47.700 --> 00:33:50.400 we can participate in the 00:33:50.400 --> 00:33:52.920 power of his healing and 00:33:52.920 --> 00:33:54.680 especially his healing power 00:33:54.680 --> 00:33:55.500 in salvation. 00:33:56.140 --> 00:33:58.300 Healing hearts in bringing 00:33:58.300 --> 00:33:59.240 us to God. 00:34:00.320 --> 00:34:02.660 So this morning we're 00:34:02.660 --> 00:34:04.700 reminded of what faith in 00:34:04.700 --> 00:34:05.420 Christ entails. 00:34:05.420 --> 00:34:05.560 us. 00:34:06.560 --> 00:34:08.000 We're reminded this morning 00:34:08.000 --> 00:34:09.960 of the importance of what 00:34:09.960 --> 00:34:11.260 Christ has accomplished for 00:34:11.260 --> 00:34:12.480 us through his death and 00:34:12.480 --> 00:34:12.900 resurrection. 00:34:13.740 --> 00:34:15.320 And we come this morning to 00:34:15.320 --> 00:34:17.059 these elements and we're 00:34:17.059 --> 00:34:18.740 reminded of the cost that are 00:34:18.740 --> 00:34:21.180 required for us to enjoy the 00:34:21.180 --> 00:34:22.539 benefits of Christ's work. 00:34:23.000 --> 00:34:25.579 His crucifixion and his 00:34:25.579 --> 00:34:28.420 resurrection have afforded us 00:34:28.420 --> 00:34:31.159 the joy of being united with 00:34:31.159 --> 00:34:31.740 him in faith. 00:34:31.840 --> 00:34:33.539 Do you believe in the Lord 00:34:33.539 --> 00:34:34.480 Jesus today? 00:34:35.559 --> 00:34:36.400 Are you setting your 00:34:36.400 --> 00:34:37.539 affection not just on the 00:34:37.539 --> 00:34:39.539 wonder of what God has done 00:34:39.539 --> 00:34:40.940 but has it drawn you into 00:34:40.940 --> 00:34:42.840 worship, into faith, into 00:34:42.840 --> 00:34:45.739 believing in him as the only 00:34:45.739 --> 00:34:48.380 son of God, the servant of God 00:34:48.380 --> 00:34:50.400 who is worthy of your worship 00:34:50.400 --> 00:34:50.880 and praise. 00:34:50.980 --> 00:34:51.360 Let me pray. 00:34:53.579 --> 00:34:56.300 Father, thank you for the work 00:34:56.300 --> 00:34:58.460 of your son Jesus Christ. 00:34:58.460 --> 00:35:02.019 thank you that through faith in 00:35:02.019 --> 00:35:03.980 Christ we can enjoy the 00:35:03.980 --> 00:35:06.340 benefits of life with God. 00:35:06.480 --> 00:35:08.820 The author of life who was put 00:35:08.820 --> 00:35:12.039 to death has ushered in an age 00:35:12.039 --> 00:35:14.380 of enjoyment of life with God 00:35:14.380 --> 00:35:15.920 through faith in the son. 00:35:17.679 --> 00:35:20.720 And God, as we recognize this 00:35:20.720 --> 00:35:23.480 work, I pray that our hearts 00:35:23.480 --> 00:35:25.340 would not only be reminded but 00:35:25.340 --> 00:35:27.860 challenged to direct our hearts, 00:35:28.320 --> 00:35:30.000 our praise rightly to the 00:35:30.000 --> 00:35:31.800 object of worship to God 00:35:31.800 --> 00:35:34.120 himself and his son Jesus 00:35:34.120 --> 00:35:34.559 Christ. 00:35:34.920 --> 00:35:36.019 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:35:36.280 --> 00:35:36.539 Amen. 00:35:36.539 --> 00:35:36.660 Amen.