RISE UP AND WALK”

(Acts 3:6)

INTRO.

1. Peter and John entering temple at hour of prayer—About 3 P.M.
2. The beggar:
   1. Lame from birth.
   2. Was carried and daily laid at the gate.
   3. Begged.
   4. Helpless—A good picture of mankind needing God!

1. AN UNEXPECTED BLESSING.
   1. Expected monetary gift.
   2. “Silver and gold have I none.”—Must have at first come as a disappointment!
   3. “But such as I have, give I thee.”
      1. Is all anyone can do and give.
         1. Mary—Mk. 14:8—Did what she could!
      2. “Such as I have”—Peter shared freely—cf., Matt. 10:8.
      3. Christians are givers.
      4. Christians do what they can for the less fortunate and for one another.
2. Gave him something better than money.
   1. His health!—Strong, perfect soundness—v. 16.—God does all things well!
   2. Could now become a functioning member of society.
   3. Could now work to give to others.
3. Many unexpected blessings come our way.
   1. Lam. 3:23—God’s mercies new every morning.
   2. Blessing of a new found friend, a bit of fresh knowledge, some good fortune, etc.

1. THIS BLESSING DEPENDENT ON THE LORD.
   1. “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.”
   2. Not the apostles’ power or holiness—v. 12.
   3. The name of Jesus—v. 16.
   4. James 1:17.
   5. Psa. 24:5—Receive blessing!
   6. Matt. 6:33.

1. PETER AND JOHN THE INSTRUMENTS THROUGH WHICH THE BLESSING CAME.
   1. Never underestimate the human element.
   2. Was a miraculous blessing—v. 16—All knew the man.
   3. Christians are vessels for helping others:
      1. James 2:14, 15—Food & clothing.
      2. James 1:27—Care for others.
      3. Teaching the word of salvation.
         1. Mk. 16:15
         2. 2 Tim. 2:1, 2.
      4. Letting others see Christ in us.
         1. Matt. 5:16.
         2. Col. 3:4—“Christ in you.”
      5. What do they see in us?—Phil. 4:9.

CONC.

1. A great miracle with a great message!