Sermon Text

Acts 3:17–26

[17] “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. [18] But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. [19] Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, [20] that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, [21] whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. [22] Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. [23] And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ [24] And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. [25] You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ [26] God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.” (ESV)

Study Guide

Big Ideas

1. The Old Testament is all about Jesus.
   Why should the Jewish people have expected Jesus? What were they ignorant of? The Old Testament, from Abraham to Moses and through all of the Prophets, was ultimately about Jesus. Jesus is not a new idea per se. Rather, he is the fulfillment of the old promises. He is the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant and it is through Jesus that the nations shall be blessed.
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2. Gospel preaching calls us to repent and turn from eternal destruction. 
   Conventional wisdom tells preachers, churches, and Christians to avoid speaking on hard topics such as sin, repentance, eternal judgment, sexual immorality, and the exclusivity of Jesus. The preaching in Acts demonstrates not only the necessity of speaking on these things but the power and faithfulness of God to bless strong and biblically faithful preaching. God honors those who unashamedly honor his Word.

Study Questions

1. How is Jesus the fulfillment of the promise that God made to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-4)?
2. What did the prophets foretell about Jesus? Can you find specific examples of this in the Old Testament?
3. How is Jesus a better and greater Moses? In what ways are their stories similar?
4. Why would it be important to discuss issues like sin and judgment when talking to someone about Jesus?

Call to Worship

Psalm 91:1–4

[1] He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
[2] I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

[3] For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
[4] He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. (ESV)

Prayer of Confession

Almighty God, who does freely pardon all who repent and turn to Him, now fulfill in every contrite heart the promise of redeeming grace; forgiving all our sins, and cleansing us from an evil conscience; through the perfect sacrifice of Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Family Discipleship Weekly Resources

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