How To MINISTER To Make A DIFFERENCE, Pt. 1

SERIES:
BEING A GREAT PERSON FOR A GREAT GOD

Acts 3:1-11; Selected Scriptures
By
D.Z. Cofield, Th.M., D. Min.
September 18, 2022

Scripture Reading:

Acts 3:1-10 (ESV) – Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the
hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried,
whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to
ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into
the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as
did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting
to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but
what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and
walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately
his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up he stood and began to
walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him
as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they
were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

1. You need to realize to be used by The LORD you must make PRAYER
your PRIORITY.

Acts 3:1 (ESV) – Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of
prayer, the ninth hour.

Psalm 55:17 (ESV) – Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and
moan, and he hears my voice.

Daniel 6:10 (ESV) – When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he
went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward
Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave
thanks before his God, as he had done previously.

Luke 18:1 (ESV) – And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought
always to pray and not lose heart.

Romans 12:12 (ESV) – Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in
prayer.

2. You need to realize The LORD wants to WORK through YOU to
CHANGE lives.

Acts 3:1-5 (ESV) – Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour
of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom
they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask
alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the
temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did

John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to
receive something from them.

Galatians 6:1 (ESV) – Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you
who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on
yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Romans 15:1 (ESV) – We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the
failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Study Questions

1. If a stranger asked you for a handout, what would you most likely do?
Why?
2. How do you feel toward people who are poor, homeless, or obviously
needy?
3. What would keep you from asking for help or a handout if you were in
need?
4. What is the relationship between you praying and being used by The
LORD? Explain
5. If God were to do a miracle of healing among the people in the church,
how do you think most people would respond? Why?
6. When was the last time God answered a prayer of yours? What was the
prayer?
7. How did you respond the last time God answered a prayer?
8. What specific attitudes toward the weak and needy need to change before
God can effectively use a person to help them?
9. What keeps God from using you to change the lives of more people?
10. What will you do this week to make prayer a greater priority in your life?