GETTING STARTED
If we were to significantly lengthen the title of the book of Acts, we could properly call it “The Acts of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles for the Spreading of the Gospel to the Ends of the Earth.” The author of Acts shows us over and over again that the Holy Spirit is now an indwelling part of the life of a Christian, and he can work mightily through those who are willing to take the gospel to a dying world. Though the Spirit isn’t mentioned specifically in these verses, it is his work that is evident in the lives of the two men in the passage.
- What are some ways the Holy Spirit has worked so far in the book of Acts?
READ THE WORD: ACTS 14:8-10 (ESV)
8 Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, 10 said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking.
English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
DIGGING DEEPER
- What was the lame man doing at the beginning of verse 9? What does the rest of the verse say the Holy Spirit gave Paul the power to discern regarding this man?
- What did the man do when Paul instructed him to stand up?
- Putting the answers to questions 1 and 2 together, what three things did the lame man do? In other words, what was the order of events?
- The man listened, believed, and acted. Which of these three things do you struggle most to do in your walk with the Lord?
- Where in your life do you need to follow the model of listening to the Word of God, believing it, and acting on it?
RESPOND TO GOD
The Christian life is by no means easy, but its basic precepts are somewhat simple. If we want to experience the transformational power of the Holy Spirit, we need to first listen to the Word of God. There are so many voices pouring into our lives at every moment that listening to God has to be prioritized; it must be intentional. Then, we must choose to believe it. At some point while he was listening to Paul, the lame man decided that what Paul was saying was true. He believed. And when he did, he acted. He did what he was told. When he listened, believed, and acted—through the power of the Holy Spirit—life change happened.
- Ask the Lord to show you areas in your life where you need to listen, believe, and act.
- Pray that you would have the courage today to seek biblical life change.