Save Yourself : Peter Sermons

SAVE YOURSELF: Peter Sermons 1 and 2

Acts 2:40; 3:13-26; 4:13

It is not easy to live godly lives in times where evil abounds like has never been seen before in our relatively modest African cultures. Times where there is little respect for human life, where there are report of Grade Rs sniffing glue, human trafficking, growing abuse of drugs and sex. Peter preached that it is possible to save oneself from ungodly practices of one’s generation. Lets look at the occasion of his preaching, its message and the response to it.

I. The Occasion for Preaching

The two occasions of Peter’s preaching are different but in both they first showed something that drew attention and raised a question which they answered by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the second incident, an unschooled duo and a lame beggar hijacked a prayer program. Peter questioned their surprise at the healing of the lame man (3:12). He proved how unschooled he was by seeing the supernatural as normal. We also need to be unschooled enough to trust God without limiting him. Our worldly schooling conditions us not to expect the supernatural. We are therefore surprised when miracles happen. The norm is for signs to follow the believers not for believers to be following signs and wonders. You are the Peter/John a begging situation is waiting for.  You don’t have to wait for all your problems to be solved before you reach out to others with Christ’s compassion. Paul had a thorn in the flesh but helped remove thorns from many.

II. The Message to Preach

1. Based on God’s Word      2:16-18, 25-28,

Peter based his preaching on the scriptures. The scriptures provided a foundation of God’s Character, Covenant and Promises. He argued that God promised through the patriarchs and  prophets, the coming and resurrection of Jesus and the out pouring of the  Holy Spirit. Fulfillment of prophecy assures us God will also keep his promises to us.

2. Jesus is Alive!!      2:24; 3:15

Jesus came according to prophecy. The Jews disowned and crucified him according to prophecy. They however killed him, the author of life. Just as it is impossible to drive light away by bringing darkness,  death could not hold him in the grave. This victory over death made anything the enemy tries against God’s children a failure. He cannot overcome people who are more than conquerors. The resurrection speaks of our victory and security in all God’s promises. Christ is risen halleluiah (2:36).

3. Save yourselves       Acts 2:38, 40; 3:19

Christ has completed his part of the work for your salvation of spirit, soul and body. He has provided for forgiveness and freedom from the power of sin. Now, it is up to you  to do your part. Peter challenged his audience by saying [save yourself from this sinful generation]. Today is the day of salvation. Salvation begins with receiving Christ as Lord and savior (salvation from penalty – Ephesians 2:8). It continues with daily growing in obeying him and becoming more and more like him (salvation from practice of sin – Philippians 2:12, 13). It will reach fullness when we leave the earth to live with Christ forever (salvation from the presence of sin – Mathew 24:13).

You can save yourself by repenting from evil and placing faith in Jesus name 2:39; 3:16   Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved 1:21.

 Practically,   wisely take whatever action is necessary for you to overcome temptation. Choose wisely the  places you go to, the movies you watch, the books you read, the company you keep, the thoughts you entertain, etc. In areas of weakness and sin remember God knows. It is time to bring it to the light. Acknowledge your sin and turn to Him and He will pardon you.

4. Enjoy Times of Refreshing    2:38, 39; 3:19-21

The result is forgiveness and power to live for God. In Acts 2, Peter says that you and all God will call, will receive the Holy Spirit. In Acts 3:9, he says you will receive times of refreshing/release until the restoration of all things.

III. The Response to Preaching

The response to preaching is not always  predicable. In Acts 2 they enjoyed favor with all people. Yet in Acts 3-4 they were jailed and faced threats. More on this in next message.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa