Bible Study - Going Right - Loving in a Divided Culture - Acts 10 - January 22, 2012
Bible Study – Going Right – Loving in a Divided Culture – January 22, 2012
This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Going Right in a World Gone Wrong.”
Our scripture is Acts 10:9-15, 22-23, 28-29a, 34-36.
The last three (3) lessons have focused on us as a human but more importantly us as a Christian human. GOD chose to make Adam and Eve. They had no choice. Neither did any of us have a choice in our creation. But GOD in HIS foreknowledge knew when, where and to whom we would be born. HE has a plan and a purpose for each person who chooses to become complete by accepting CHRIST as his/her Savior and allowing HIM through the Holy Spirit to lead and guide him or her. The born-again Spirit lives eternally with GOD but those not accepting CHRIST as their Savior refuse the gift of the rebirth of their spirit and live eternally separated from GOD, which is death.
When we see that we had no choice in when, where or to whom we would be born and how blessed we are to live in a miracle called the body, we should not look down on anyone. Most of us do not look down on others because of their race, color, national or ethnic background or the way they look. It is by the grace of GOD that we are who we are but our attitude can help define us as a person. Our genetic structure and environment help shape our characteristics. We can be different through determination but real permanent change can only occur through the renewing of our minds which is accomplished through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Our prejudice can be a stumbling block to obediently serving the LORD. We see this potential in our focus scripture.
This is why we must be honest before GOD and reveal our hearts to him which includes any prejudices and hang-ups that we have. We are to ask HIM to search our hearts to reveal the hidden things that need to be brought to the forefront of our minds to be worked upon. Committing our lives to GOD can be a scary thing for many of us because HE may ask us to do something that we fear or might be beyond our ability. It is very likely that HE will challenge us but the beauty is that HE equips and prepares those who are willing to obediently follow HIM. If we feel this way, our part is to confess this fear to HIM and ask HIM to help us. HE will. I have found that HE gives us baby steps and as we gain confidence and trust in HIM, HE will increase the size of those steps or the size of our territory of service. Trust and confidence are very important as we build a loving, obedient relationship with HIM. HE teaches us trust and confidence as we obediently serve HIM.
Our scripture focuses on the Apostle Peter. This is what I love about the Bible - it tells it like is. Peter walked with JESUS, denied HIM three (3) times, repented, was forgiven and went on to serve our LORD. Our scripture deals with an issue in Peter’s life which prepared him to expand his territory and obediently serve CHRIST. Many Christians have prayed the prayer of Jabez, which is found in 1 Chronicles 4:10 - 10 Jabez called out to the God of Israel: “If only You would bless me, extend my border, let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so that I will not cause any pain.”[6] LXX reads And God granted his request. Many of us need to be prepared by GOD before HE can expand our borders or territory. GOD had to prepare Peter before HE could expand his borders. This event occurred about 10-15 years after the ascension of JESUS. Peter was a Jew through and through. Christianity was considered a sect of the Jewish religion and its followers became steeped in the Jewish lifestyle and practices which included circumcision. Peter’s ministry was to present the gospel of CHRIST to Jews.
Let’s read Acts 10:1-8: (This is background which leads into our focus scripture.)
Cornelius’ Vision1 There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a • centurion of what was called the Italian • Regiment. 2 He was a devout man and feared God along with his whole household. He did many charitable deeds for the [Jewish]* people and always prayed to God. 3 At about three in the afternoon[1] he distinctly saw in a vision an angel of God who came in and said to him, “Cornelius!” 4 Looking intently at him, he became afraid and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he told him, “Your prayers and your acts of charity have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa and call for Simon, who is also named Peter. 6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” 7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, he called two of his household slaves and a devout soldier, who was one of those who attended him. 8 After explaining everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.
Our background scripture reveals that a centurion named Cornelius was a devout worshiper of the GOD of the Israelites. He was a Gentile and a soldier. He reverenced GOD. Notice that GOD called him by his name. GOD knows each of us by name.
Cornelius was GOD-fearing but we do not know if he belonged to a specific group called the GOD-fearers. This was a group of Gentiles that followed the ways of the synagogue but had not taken the final step of becoming a proselyte of the Jewish religion. The Jews followed three (3) acts of piety which were prayer, fasting and charitable deeds. We see from our scripture that Cornelius was observing two (2) of the three – prayer and charitable deeds.
GOD knew his heart and his desire to serve HIM but he was still lacking that which would make him complete. He needed a personal relationship with CHRIST. Through CHRIST, Cornelius could get to know GOD, grow and mature Spiritually. By accepting CHRIST as his Savior it would make him complete through the miracle of the rebirth and would open the path to personally know GOD. We know that Cornelius’ entire household also worshiped GOD. This likely meant that his slaves also worshipped GOD along with his family. Cornelius was a man who put his faith into action by meeting the needs of others. He was seeking truth and his household was following in his footsteps.
Moms, dads, leaders and those of influence, who are you influencing and leading through your life? Are you leading them in the right direction?
GOD knew that all of Cornelius’ human efforts fell short of what he needed for salvation. When people seek GOD, HE will lead them to the truth. Once they find the truth, which is CHRIST, they must make a decision to either accept or reject that truth. (Tradition can rob us of finding truth.) GOD revealed Himself to Cornelius and revealed a message. Cornelius had to decide whether he would respond to the message or reject it. We know that Cornelius was obedient and sent two (2) household slaves and one (1) devout soldier to Joppa to find this person named Simon, called Peter. Peter was staying with a man named Simon, the tanner.
It was about thirty-six (36) miles from Caesarea to Joppa. It would take a person about 14-15 hours to walk it. It was about 3 PM when Cornelius encountered GOD. We see in our next scripture that Cornelius’ group arrived the next day about noon at the house where Peter was staying.
This is so neat that this story has been recorded because we have the privilege of seeing the working of GOD in the lives of two (2) faithful men who had Spiritual needs. Cornelius needed Salvation and Peter needed to deal with his prejudice to help him increase his territory of obedient service to GOD through the leading of the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is so exciting when GOD brings people together and meets their needs.
Cornelius’ group was traveling to get Peter to come to Caesarea. GOD needed to prepare Peter for service beyond his comfort zone. GOD knew that Peter had the truth and light of salvation through CHRIST. All Christians have the truth and light of salvation. GOD called Peter to serve outside of his comfort zone and HE prepared Peter for the calling he was about to receive. Christians must trust that GOD will prepare them to serve HIM as HE leads them by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
In our scripture, we have two (2) men who GOD will bring together to meet the needs of both, as well as, serve HIM. This is why those of us who know the truth, need to stay alert to the call of GOD to serve. HE knows where the needs are; it is just a matter of getting the need met with the right person or persons.
Let’s read Acts 10:9-15:
Peter’s Vision9 The next day, as they were traveling and nearing the city, Peter went up to pray on the housetop at about noon.[2] 10 Then he became hungry and wanted to eat, but while they were preparing something he went into a visionary state. 11 He saw heaven opened and an object coming down that resembled a large sheet being lowered to the earth by its four corners. 12 In it were all the four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, and the birds of the sky. 13 Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat!” 14 “No, Lord!” Peter said. “For I have never eaten anything common[3] and unclean!” 15 Again, a second time, a voice said to him, “What God has made clean, you must not call common.” 16 This happened three times, and then the object was taken up into heaven.
Cornelius’ group was getting close to the house where Peter was staying. GOD needed to prepare Peter’s heart for service. It was about noon and Peter went up on the roof top to pray. Cornelius’ group was getting close. Peter became very hungry and while food was being prepared he went into a visionary state. We must keep in mind that GOD knows us in minute detail. HE communicates with us the best way possible for us to get HIS message. In this case, Peter went into this state where he could focus on the message GOD had for him. Peter was steeped in the Jewish culture and prided himself on still being a devout Christian Jew. But being a devout Christian Jew limited Peter and the ministry that GOD had for him with the Gentiles.
We see how GOD dealt with Peter in order to prepare him for greater service. What are our hang-ups? In last week’s lesson, we studied that GOD knows us in minute detail. HE knows how our genetic structure came together and what makes us tick. HE will reveal our hang-ups to us. We can also ask GOD to search us and reveal them to us. It is vital that once GOD reveals our hang-ups that we do something about them or ask HIM to help us do something about them. Believe me HE will give you an opportunity to put into action what HE has revealed to you.
When we obediently respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit and we see the hand of GOD working, it is the most exciting experience possible. But Christians must be careful that they wait upon the leadership of the LORD before responding. Often such an experience is so overwhelming that our desire is to experience it again and again. Some of the times, we make the mistake of seeing things as the leading of the Holy Spirit, which are coming from our desire to experience the overwhelming joy of serving HIM. How do I know that? Because, I have been there! GOD wants us to keep in step with HIM, not ahead of HIM or behind HIM but in step with HIM. When we are in right relationship with HIM then we will always be in step with HIM.
GOD prepared Peter to go beyond his comfort zone to serve HIM. When GOD instructed him to kill and eat the animals, Peter, being a faithful Jew, responded with “No, LORD.” I understand from Bible scholars that his response was a courteous “no” but a firm “no” that came from the conviction that it was wrong to eat anything which had been declared common or unclean. Peter had to deal with a teaching that came from the old school of religion. Many Christians have to confront notions and teachings which they have carried over from their early Christian development. This is why it is important to ask GOD to search our hearts and reveal things in our lives that need to be changed in order to better serve HIM.
The Greek word for “unclean” can refer to ceremonial and moral unclean. The way it is used in our scripture refers to being ceremonially unclean. The Jewish religion considered anyone who had eaten or even had come in close contact with food considered unclean, rendered that person unclean. Since Gentiles did not follow the ceremonial laws of the Jews, the Jews considered them unclean.
In Ephesians 5:5 - 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God (KJV) we see that the definition of “unclean” shifted from a person being ceremonially unclean to meaning “morally unclean.” We studied verse 5 in our January 8, 2012 lesson.
Although Peter had not ministered to the Gentiles Acts 8:5 reveals - 5 Philip went down to a[1] Other mss read city in Samaria and preached the • Messiah to them. Philip had a ministry to the Gentiles.
It was likely that Peter was puzzled about what had just happened. Since what he had just encountered was against what he believed as truth, did he question the source of the vision? GOD did not let him wait long before he found out. GOD made it clear that what HE had declared clean, he was not to call common or unclean. WOW!!! Just think of the many people who have lived a life of wretched sin and feel so unclean because of their past. What a joy it is for all Christians to know that the precious shed blood of JESUS washes them whiter than snow the instant they receive HIM as their Savior.
Notice that in verse 16 - 16 This happened three times, and then the object was taken up into heaven. I think it is interesting that the LORD revealed this to Peter three (3) times considering that he denied CHRIST three (3) times. Was it to emphasize the importance of the revelation? Was it to emphasize, that false notions can lead to wrong conclusions? This is something to ponder.
Let’s read Acts 10:22-23 and 28-29a:
22 They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who has a good reputation with the whole Jewish nation, was divinely directed by a holy angel to call you to his house and to hear a message from you.” 23 Peter[4] Lit then invited them in and gave them lodging. The next day he got up and set out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went with him. 24 The following day he entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell at his feet, and worshiped him. 26 But Peter helped him up and said, “Stand up! I myself am also a man.” 27 While talking with him, he went on in and found that many had come together there. 28 Peter[5] Lit said to them, “You know it’s forbidden for a Jewish man to associate with or visit a foreigner. But God has shown me that I must not call any person common or unclean. 29 That’s why I came without any objection when I was sent for. So I ask, ‘Why did you send for me?’ ”
The group of three explained why they had come to find Peter. Did the fact that Cornelius’ encounter with an angel from GOD helped remove some of the barrier for Peter? We do not know but it was clear that Peter put aside his prejudice. He got the message GOD intended for him to get from the vision. We know this when he immediately invited them to spend the night and eat with them. The next day they set out to return to Cornelius.
Can you imagine how excited Cornelius must have been when he received word that those he dispatched were returning with more people than they left with? Had Cornelius questioned his encounter with the angel or GOD? People were coming along with his trusted soldier, so he knew they likely found the person called Peter. It is exciting when our encounter with GOD is confirmed. Cornelius did not wait to invite his relatives and friends over to meet this person GOD had directed him to called Peter. Cornelius had a house full of people ready to listen to what GOD had for them through the man called Peter.
It would be natural for us to consider someone special who the LORD has led us to. That person has the endorsement of GOD and that is a very good stamp of approval. So when Peter entered his home Cornelius bowed down to him. If Peter had been egotistical he could have enjoyed the veneration that Cornelius showed him but NO! Peter told him to “Stand up! I myself am also a man.” That is exactly where we all are. We are sinners saved by grace. Anyone of us is subject to committing grievous sin at any moment. We live in a body of flesh.
Peter acknowledged that he too had an encounter with GOD that allowed him to enter the home of a Gentile. GOD was working in the lives of both men. Peter asked the question, which in essence was, “Since we have both encountered GOD, why am I here?”
Why are we at a certain point as we journey through life? Christians have the truth and are the light. We travel in a world with those searching for truth and those who need a word of encouragement. Life’s journey is a two (2) way street. We may be the one in need, we may be needed or as we serve, our needs are met and we meet the needs of others. Christians must stay in tune with the Holy Spirit Who knows all things and leads those willing, to go where they are needed to serve or to be served.
Let’s read Acts 10:34-36:
Good News for Gentiles34 Then Peter began to speak: “In truth, I understand that God doesn’t show favoritism, 35 but in every nation the person who fears Him and does righteousness is acceptable to Him. 36 He sent the message to the sons of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all.
What a message Peter had for all people because his heart had been changed and his territory expanded and his prejudice had been dealt with by GOD. He spoke with great freedom because GOD had anointed his message to the Gentiles. Peter was no longer shackled by tradition. Yes, the message of salvation came through Israel because JESUS was a Jew. But salvation is for anyone who accepts CHRIST as his/her Savior. Is HE your Savior? If not, ask HIM to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life now.
Printed below are two (2) true stories which reveal the working of the Holy Spirit that I felt led to pass along.
I recall a friend many years ago telling several of us about the leading of the Holy Spirit in her life. She was in the grocery buying food for her family and felt led to purchase bread, milk and eggs. She did not need those items but she purchased them. Now that she had them, what was she to do with them? When she left the grocery, she prayed and asked the LORD what she should do with the items she had purchased. HE led her to make several turns and finally to a house where an elderly man and a little girl were sitting on the front porch of the house. The Holy Spirit told her that she had arrived. She went up to the man and said she had some food for them. The little girl led the lady back to their kitchen and refrigerator. When she opened the refrigerator, it was completely empty. She placed the milk and eggs into the refrigerator and the bread on the table. As I recall, the little girl stated that they had no food. GOD is still in the business of leading Christians to meet the needs of others whether it is the need of physical or Spiritual food. When HE calls, will we respond? When HE calls HE also prepares us for the task ahead.
I recall a time many years ago when I was driving to Raleigh, NC for a meeting, which was expected to last to the next day. I had reservations in Raleigh for that night. I was listening to a pastor on the radio and he was preaching on “Ask and you will receive.” That sent me into a tail-spin, so-to-speak. I told GOD that I had asked and had not received. When I finally shut up the still small voice of GOD spoke and said, “When you asked, was it according to MY will?” I thought likely not. So, I said, “Okay, I will do whatever YOU ask me to do.” We pressed on to complete our meeting that day but it was late. The conversation I had with the LORD that morning came to mind. I prayed and asked the LORD what HE wanted me to do. I said, I can stay in Raleigh or drive back toward Spartanburg. HE said drive toward Spartanburg.” I cancelled my reservation in Raleigh and headed toward Spartanburg.
As I drove toward Spartanburg I asked HIM where HE wanted me to stay. He gave me an answer, “I want you to drive to Greensboro.” As I approached Greensboro, I saw billboards that stated the NCAA tournament was in Greensboro. I had no reservations there. I began looking for a motel but every sign I saw stated “No Vacancy.” I said, “LORD, with the NCAA tournament in Greensboro, there are no rooms available.” I continued to drive and then asked as I got near Greensboro, I asked the LORD again, “Where do you want me to stay?” HE brought a name to my mind, which was a motel near the airport.
When I arrived at the motel, I asked the desk clerk for a room. He said, “Sir where are you from? Don’t you know that the NCAA is in town and there is not a room within fifty (50) miles of here?” I said, LORD this is where YOU told me to go.” He paused and looked at his list of reservations and said, “I have one (1) room and if the person does not show in “X” minutes, you can have his room.” I sat in the lobby. As I waited, I asked the LORD what HE wanted me to do in Greensboro. I suggested getting tickets to the NCAA tournament would be nice. I could witness to those I sat next to at the tournament. But HE said, “I want you to go to church.”
It was Wednesday night. I asked how would I know which church to go to? I went over to the telephones and began looking through the “Yellow Pages.” GOD communicates anyway HE chooses. I found the listing for churches. I went up and down the list of churches. I ran my finger up and down the pages asking is this one or is it this one? Oh, this one looks good. I went past one and was prompted to go back to it. I went back but then purposely went to another listing. I was led to go back to one specific church. I have forgotten the name of the church but it was a Baptist church in Greensboro. It was clear to me which church HE wanted me to attend.
I went back to the lobby and waited to see if I had the room. As I waited, I was getting anxious and it was getting late to attend a church service. The LORD said, “He (meaning the desk clerk) will call you in two (2) minutes and tell you that have the room.” I am sure it was two (2) minutes on the nose because the desk clerk called me over to tell me I had the room. As I checked in, I asked the desk clerk if he knew where this church was located. He gave me general directions. It was in the direction of downtown Greensboro. I put my luggage in the room and left to find the church.
I drove in the general direction the clerk had given me. I knew that I was running late for a Wednesday night church service. I asked the LORD, “Can you guide me to the church?” It was dark and HE said, “Look up.” I saw three (3) lighted church steeples in the distance. HE said, “Do you see the church steeple in the middle, drive to it.”I did and you guessed it, it was the church. I thought this is great! So I said, “LORD I am running late, if YOU could have someone who could show me where the worship service will be, that would be great.” I was feeling reassured of HIS leading. So when I entered the back of the church, I expected to see someone who could guide me to where I needed to go. Do you see a little self confidence or cockiness?
As I entered the back of the church there was a man propped against a table at the end of a hallway. I thought this is great! I went up to the man and asked him if he could tell me where the Wednesday night service would be held. He said, he did not know. My heart sank for a second. He quickly said, “I do not know but” reaching out his hand “But this lady may know because she is the preacher’s wife.” She turned and told me to follow her. She introduced herself and said that she was going to the service. She told me that her husband was out of town and a deacon would be leading the service.
We sat on the same pew about four or five feet apart. They had their preliminary program and the deacon got up to speak. He had his Bible marked with various slips of paper. The LORD said that HE wanted me to give my testimony. I said, “LORD, this man has prepared his message for tonight and it would be impolite for me to speak but if YOU work it out I will speak.” I felt comfortable that would not happen. The man told us that the pastor was out-of-town and he had asked him to speak. He said, “As you can see by these slips of paper in my Bible, I have tried for “X” period of time to prepare what to say tonight but I have nothing to say.” He asked, “Does anyone here have anything to say?” My heart about jumped out of my body. I said, “LORD, I will speak but I want to be asked.” At that moment, the pastor’s wife leaned over stretching out her arm and touched my arm turning toward me and said, “Sir, don’t you have something to say.” It was like I had been sitting on a spring that had just been released. I sprang up. I told those present what I just wrote plus I gave my testimony. I recall folks thanking me for sharing my testimony. As I left that church rejoicing in the LORD, HE reminded me, “When you are doing MY will, ask and you will receive.” It was an exciting and learning experience.
I do not know how the LORD used what I just related to you in the lives of those to whom I spoke. I do know, HE used it to teach me a lesson in obedience. Ask according to HIS will and you will receive. Does this event in my life make me special? No, it makes me more accountable to GOD.
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