warm-up

Recall a time when you brought good news to your family or friends. What was it, and how did they react?

Tell us about a story (from a book, movie, historical event) with a plot twist that you liked.

Recall a time you were forgiven by a close friend. How did you feel?

word

36”Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” ³⁷Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” ³⁸And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:36-38

(Read Acts 2:22-32.)

When Peter preached the gospel to Jews who had gathered in Jerusalem, he did not start with good news. Peter reminded them that even though Jesus did mighty works and wonders and signs, He was still crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. However, death could not hold Jesus, and God raised Him from the grave. Through this, He showed His power to all peoples, power even over death. By that power, He exalted Jesus at His right hand, and confirmed Him as Lord and Savior. Today, we will look at three appropriate responses to knowing and understanding the gospel.

1
Submit to God.

“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Acts 2:36

Peter’s audience, from as far south as Africa and as far west as Europe, had heard of Jesus’ signs, wonders, and miracles. They also knew Jesus had been crucified by the Roman soldiers, with their approval. As far as they were concerned, the story of Jesus was over and done with. However, Peter told them the plot twist: Jesus Christ had been raised from the dead, and His power was living and active in His disciples. The conclusion? He is Lord. Our response? Submit to His Lordship. What does Lord mean? What do you think it means to acknowledge Christ as Lord?

2
Repent of sin.

³⁷Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” ³⁸And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ . . .” Acts 2:37,38

At this time, no one but the disciples knew Jesus was alive. Peter was preaching the continuation of the story—how Christ had risen from the dead to bring salvation to all, even to those who had approved of agreed with His crucifixion. The listeners were cut to the heart, and asked, “what shall we do?” Like them, our response should be repentance—a 180-degree turn away from sin—and a decision to follow Christ for the rest of our lives. Why is repentance necessary, once we realize that we are sinners and we need Jesus to save us? How is baptism a reflection of this repentance?

3
Receive forgiveness.

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins . . .” Acts 2:38

When we submit to the Lordship of Christ, we are acknowledging that He is the only one who has the power to save us from our sins—by forgiving them. He alone can forgive us and not hold our sins against us. Now that we have been forgiven, how are we to respond to others when they sin against us? (Colossians 3:13)

application

Have you put your faith in Christ for salvation? If not, would you like to do so today?

Are you living a life that reflects how Christ saved you from your sins? How can you grow in your understanding of the gospel’s power this week?

Do you believe that Christ has forgiven you of all your sins? How will this truth affect the way you will live?

prayer

Thank God for your salvation, which has been made possible through the death and resurrection of Christ. Thank Him that we can have new life in Him.

Ask God for a deeper understanding of the gospel, and for a heart that is willing to submit, repent, and live for Him everyday.

Pray that as your relationship with Christ deepens, you would help your family and friends gain a deeper understanding of the gospel.

© 2017 by VICTORY®
All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Copyright © 2001
by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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