“Hope for the Haunted” (Acts 3:11-26)

HOPE FOR THE HAUNTED

(Acts 3:11-26)

INTRODUCTION: What do we do with our epic failures?

I. FACE YOUR SIN FULLY.

II. ASSESS YOUR SIN HONESTLY.

III. CONFESS YOUR SIN BOLDLY.

Questions for Family Review/Discussion:

1. What do you think Peter would have felt like when the rooster crowed the second time and he realized he had denied Jesus? How do you excuse or even cope with such a colossal failure?
2. What kinds of moral failings do you think would be the most difficult to cope with? Why?
3. What is so ironic about Peter accusing his hearers of denying Jesus?
4. Why is the excuse, “I’m not as bad as Hitler!” of so little real comfort?
5. How could Peter be so patient and gentle with those who had murdered his friend?
6. Is someone a sinner because she sins, or does she sin because she is a sinner? Explain your answer.
7. What is probably the primary reason why sinners do not “understand” God’s law and gospel? What can overcome their lack of “understanding”?
8. What error do Christians who are paralyzed by guild and same make when they say, “I should be better than that!” What logical error is represented by the supposed need to “forgive yourself”?
9. Explain: “Repentance is impossible if we will not assess our sin honestly.” What does “confess” mean literally in the New Testament?
10. Sum up the great change we see in Peter in Acts 3. What alone can release you from the haunting guilt and shame of the sins of your past?