What practical steps can we take to emulate Peter's example in Acts 3:12? Context Around Acts 3:12 Peter and John have just seen the Holy Spirit heal a man born lame. A crowd rushes toward them in Solomon’s Colonnade, stunned by the miracle. Instantly Peter redirects their amazement away from himself and toward the Lord. What Acts 3:12 Shows Us “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Why stare at us as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” Peter refuses personal credit, highlights God’s power, and invites the listeners to focus on Jesus. Practical Steps to Emulate Peter • Remember Who Holds the Power – Acknowledge daily that “apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). – Before any service, task, or ministry moment, voice the truth that results belong to God, not to talent or personality. – Celebrate victories by immediately thanking the Lord aloud so others hear where the credit goes. • Deflect the Spotlight to Christ – When praised, respond with phrases like “The Lord enabled it” or “God answered prayer” instead of a modest shrug. – Share testimonies that emphasize God’s work more than your involvement (Psalm 115:1). – Post on social media in a way that magnifies Jesus, not self. • Cultivate Everyday Humility – Practice private generosity that no one sees (Matthew 6:3-4). – Serve in unnoticed roles at church or in the community so the heart stays low (Luke 17:10). – Regularly meditate on 1 Peter 5:6, allowing God to humble and then exalt in His timing. • Stay Filled with the Spirit – Maintain a pattern of prayer and Scripture intake so boldness flows from divine fullness, not human resolve (Ephesians 5:18). – Invite the Spirit to reign before conversations, meetings, or ministry opportunities. – Confess and turn from sin quickly; a clear conscience keeps the Spirit’s power unhindered (2 Timothy 2:21). • Speak Bold Truth in Love – Peter addressed the crowd directly and clearly. Practice clear gospel speech that honors listeners yet exalts Jesus (Colossians 4:5-6). – Avoid vague spirituality; name Christ as the source of any good work (Acts 4:10). – Let 2 Corinthians 4:7 guide tone: treasure in jars of clay shows that “this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.” • Live Expectantly for God to Move – Step toward needs believing God can still heal, restore, and save (Hebrews 13:8). – Pray over people on the spot rather than promising to remember them later, giving room for God to act. – Keep testimonies of answered prayer fresh in conversation to normalize divine intervention. • Let Scripture Shape every Response – Memorize key verses that anchor identity in Christ, ready for moments when approval or credit beckon (Galatians 6:14). – In public ministry moments, weave Scripture naturally into explanations just as Peter quoted prophets in Acts 3:13-26. – Trust the Word’s authority; it pierces hearts far better than polished arguments (Hebrews 4:12). Living Out Acts 3:12 Today Peter’s reflex was to turn astonished eyes away from himself and toward the risen Lord. Each step above trains the heart to do the same, ensuring that in every success—large or small—Jesus remains unmistakably center stage. |
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