Acts 10:34-43

Introduction:

1. As we conclude this series focused on increasing our Christlikeness, we ponder a characteristic of Jesus that summarizes the rest.

2. Two statements summarize Jesus in Acts 10:38, and, though we lack His miraculous power, we are still tasked with pursuing these same ends today.

Discussion:

I. God’s Universal Reconciliation Program

A. God accepts all on two terms: fear Him and do right (Acts 10:34-36; 1 John 2:29).

B. He sent Jesus to exact this reconciliation (John 3:16; Luke 19:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21).

C. Jesus sent His people to continue this primary aim (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16).

II. Help of the Helpless

A. Being anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, Jesus set the paradigm for us.

B. Though involving numerous activities, Peter boils it down to two key elements:

1. He went about doing good (lit. working what is beneficial; Ephesians 2:10).

2. Healing those oppressed by the devil (cf. Matthew 8:16-17; 9:9-13; Luke 7:20-23).

a. He healed physical maladies (Matthew 4:23; 8:5-17; 17:14-18; Mark 5:24-29).

b. He healed spiritual maladies (Mark 5:6-13; 16:9; Luke 4:33-36; 8:26-11:14).

c. Greatest of all, he released us from death’s terrifying grip (John 11; Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:54-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

C. He is the help of the helpless to whom we owe everything.

III. The Hands of God

A. His disciples are His hands who continue His work (Matthew 5:13-16; Philippians 2:12-15).

B. Though unable to work miracles, we still can do good (Ephesians 2:10) and heal the devil’s victims (Romans 1:16-17; 10:14-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20-21; 1 Timothy 4:12-16).

C. This is no passive endeavor; we must pursue opportunities to demonstrate Christ living in us (Galatians 2:20; 6:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Peter 3:11).

Conclusion:

1. He was the help of the helpless, and so must we be in our lives (Matthew 25:31-46).

2. Little Christs go about doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil.

Further Food for Thought

1. What most impedes your efforts to do good and heal the sin-sick?

2. Does the fact those we are to help often are those who think ill of us contribute?

3. How can we grow to love these enough to overcome our impediments?