**Introduction: The Scene at the Gate Beautiful**
Let's take a moment and picture this scene together. Peter and John, two early disciples, walk toward the temple for prayer—it is just an ordinary day for them. But right outside the temple gate, the one called Beautiful, they come across a man who had been crippled from birth. This man, desperate and likely feeling hopeless, is sitting there begging for money—this was his everyday reality.
Now, imagine Peter locking eyes with this man. The beggar is expecting some coins to be tossed his way, something to get him through the day. But Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, looks at him and says these powerful words: *"Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!"*
Here's what catches my attention: Peter didn't focus on what he didn't have—he didn't have money or material wealth to give. But he didn't get stuck there. He quickly shifted to what he did have—something far more significant. He had the authority and power of Jesus' name and wasn't afraid to use it.
This brings up a big question for us today: Do we, as believers, have what Peter had? If so, how do we tap into that power in our lives? What does it look like for us to "have" this same authority and use it for God's glory?
Acts 3:1-10. "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."
The Key Word: The word "have" stands out here. Peter doesn't focus on what he lacks (money) but on what he does have — the authority and power in the name of Jesus.
The Question: As believers today, do we have what Peter had? And if so, how do we activate it in our own lives?
1. The Meaning of "Have" in Acts 3:6
The word "have" in Greek is echo (ἔχω), meaning "to possess, to hold, to own." When Peter says he "has" something, he's referring to the Spiritual authority and empowerment given to him through the Holy Spirit.
Connection to Jesus' Promise: In John 14:12, Jesus told His disciples, "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father." Peter exercised the authority and power Jesus promised would be available to all believers.
For the Believer Today: Do we "have" this same power and authority? Yes, because Jesus promised it to all who believe in Him. The moment we accept Christ, we have the Holy Spirit and inherit Spiritual authority.
2. What Does It Mean to "Have" Spiritual Authority?
Authority in Christ: Jesus gave His disciples authority over sickness, demons, and even death (Luke 10:19). When Peter says, "What I have, I give you," he draws from this authority. For believers, this isn't just an empty promise; it's a reality we are called to live in.
A Matter of Faith and Obedience: The key is recognizing that this authority doesn't operate automatically. We must believe in it, have faith in the One who gave it to us and act in obedience.
Mark 11:23-24: Jesus says if you have faith and do not doubt, you can command mountains to move. This speaks to the power of believing and speaking with authority.
Romans 8:11: The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us. If that's true, what are we capable of? Peter understood this truth and acted on it.
3. Steps to Activate This Authority in Discipleship
If we, as believers, have this authority, how do we begin to walk in it like Peter did? Here are a few key steps:
1. Faith and Trust in Jesus' Name
Peter didn't perform the miracle by his power. He said, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." The power came from Jesus, not Peter. Likewise, we must fully trust the authority of Christ's name.
Philippians 2:9-11: Jesus' name is above every other name. It's in His name that healing, deliverance, and transformation happen.
2. Intimacy with God Through Prayer and the Word
Peter's confidence in healing the man didn't come out of nowhere. He spent time with Jesus and in prayer. The early church was known for its devotion to prayer (Acts 2:42).
John 15:7: If you remain in Christ and His words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. Our intimacy with Christ enables us to act with authority.
3. Boldness and Action
Peter didn't hesitate or doubt when he spoke healing over the man. He was bold. The difference between acknowledging our authority and utilizing it frequently lies in the bravery to take action.
Acts 4:13: Peter and John were recognized as unschooled, ordinary men who had been with Jesus. Boldness comes from being in Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit.
4. A Life Surrendered to the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit gives people the power to heal and perform miracles. Peter was filled with the Spirit (Acts 2), and his ministry became powerful from that point on.
Ephesians 5:18: Be filled with the Spirit. We need to continually seek the filling of the Holy Spirit to walk in the fullness of God's plan for us.
5. Speaking in Faith
When Peter said, "Rise up and walk," he spoke words of faith. His faith was anchored in Jesus' promise.
Proverbs 18:21: Life and death are in the power of the tongue. The words we speak in faith have the power to bring about the miraculous.
4. Do You Have It? Yes, You Do!
To answer the central question, yes, as believers, we have it! We have the same Spiritual authority that Peter demonstrated because authority is not dependent on who we are but on who Jesus is. It's His power working through us.
John 14:12: You are called to do the same works Jesus did, and even more incredible, through the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:8: You have received power when the Holy Spirit came upon you. You are a witness to this power, just as Peter was.
Conclusion: What Will You Do with What You Have?
The question isn't whether we have this authority but whether we will use it. Like Peter, we are called to act in faith, proclaim the name of Jesus, and believe that God still works miracles through His people today.
For the saved, this is a call to step into the fullness of your authority in Christ.
This is an invitation for the unsaved to receive the greatest miracle of all — Salvation in Jesus' name.
Here's a closing and altar call that blends the message for both the saved and unsaved:
Closing Prayer and Altar Call:
As we come to the close of this message, I want us to reflect on the authority and power we have been given in Christ. For those who have accepted Jesus as your Savior, this is a moment to enter that authority fully. The same authority Peter had, you *have* too. The question is: Will you use it? Will you walk in faith, boldness, and intimacy with Christ to see His power flow through you more significantly?
But perhaps you're here today, and you've not yet experienced the greatest miracle of all—the miracle of Salvation. Just as Peter extended healing to that man in Jesus' name, Jesus is here today, offering you something even more remarkable: a new life, a new heart, and eternal hope. The greatest miracle isn't physical healing; it's the transformation when you surrender your heart to Christ and receive His gift of Salvation.
Let's pray together:
*Father, we come before You, acknowledging Your power and authority. For those of us who know You, we ask for a deeper revelation of what it means to walk in Your authority, to step into the fullness of what You've called us to be as Your disciples. Give us the faith, boldness, and wisdom to speak and act in Your name, knowing that Your power flows through us.*
*For those who are hearing this message today and haven't given their lives to You, I pray that You will open their hearts right now. Jesus, You are offering the greatest miracle of all—Salvation and new life in Your name. I pray they will hear Your call, respond to Your invitation, and receive You as their Savior today.*
Altar Call:
If you're here today and already a believer, I invite you to come forward as an act of faith. Let this be a moment of commitment where you say, "Lord, I'm ready to walk in the authority You've given me. I'm ready to live boldly in Your name."
If you are present here today and have not embraced Jesus as your Savior, do not depart without accepting this fantastic gift. Just as Peter extended his hand to the beggar, Jesus extended His hand to you. If you sense His presence in your heart, welcome Him today. The most extraordinary miracle awaits you.
Let's gather as a faith family. The altar is accessible, and God is prepared to meet us exactly where we are.
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