247. ACT 3:6. THE CURE OF THE IMPOTENT MAN

Act_3:6. The Cure of the Impotent Man

"In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."’97Act_3:6.

See the preceding verses. Peter and John went to the temple. The man seeking alms. The reply; then the cure wrought.

Let us notice,

I. The Condition of the Man.

He was,

1. An afflicted cripple Unable to walk, &c. Emblem of the sinner.

2. He had been afflicted from his birth.

So sin is hereditary. Naturally depraved, &c.

3. His affliction had lasted for many years.

He was about forty years old. Sin never cures itself. Grows with our growth. Go further and further from God.

4. He was in circumstances of destitution.

Disease and poverty often go together. Sin produces every species of misery. Has totally robbed us. Left us poor, wretched, &c.

5. After all, his case was not utterly hopeless.

He was alive. In the way of Divine Providence. Now this is the state of sinners in this life. Not dead, not lost, &c. Within reach of mercy, &c. In the field of hope.

Notice,

II. The Cure which was effected.

1. It was effected by the power of God.

Nothing else could avail. So in the restoration of the soul to God. Gospel the power of God. This alone can soften, convince, renew, &c.

2. It was effected through the merits of Christ.

"In the name of Jesus," &c. God deals with us through Christ. Salvation in his name, and in his only. All blessings through him. He is made to us "wisdom righteousness," &c.

3. It was effected through human instrumentality.

The apostle was the agent employed The Gospel treasure is put into earthen vessels, &c. God employs men to be fishers, &c. "To turn men," &c.

4. The cure was instantaneous.

It was effected immediately. God only has to speak and say, "Thy sins be forgiven," &c. He says, "Be thou whole."

5. The cure was gratuitous.

Man was poor, and had nothing to pay Just suited to his case, &c. So the Gospel, without money, &c. Isa_55:1.

6. It was real and permanent.

He was radically healed Could be no deception, &c. Public, &c. So the Gospel really restores, truly changes. Effects obvious, &c.

III. The Results which followed.

1. He stood up. 2. He walked. 3. Leaped. 4. Praised God. 5. Held the apostles, no doubt from love and gratitude, &c. 6. The people glorified God.

How applicable to converted souls. They are elevated from the prostration of sin. They walk in God’s statutes. They dance for joy. They bless God. They unite with his people. And the world seeing their good works glorify God.

Application

1. See man’s ruined state.

2. His only help, and,

3. The effect of grace upon the heart.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS