Encouraging Faith

Faith is a decision - we can encourage those who have made it

Are you encouraging faith?

Are you being encouraged in your faith? Xx

Heb 10:24-25 (ESV)

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Encouraging Faith

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Read Act 11:19-24

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Act 11:19 (ESV) Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.

Jewish believers…

Encouraging Faith

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Act 11:20 (ESV) But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus.

These are those who had lived outside the district Jewish culture.

Encouraging Faith

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Act 11:21 (ESV) And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

God blessed this outreach.

Encouraging Faith

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Act 11:22 (ESV) The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

Barnabas’s qualifications included his encouraging heart and his common background of being from Cyprus

Act 4:36 (ESV)

36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,

Encouraging Faith

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Act 11:23 (ESV) When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,

Barnabas observed the heart change of these in Antioch and acknowledged that it was ONLY by gods grace but this could happen. Men’s hearts don’t change unless God is involved!

His character came out as he encouraged them…

Encouraging Faith

The focus of his encouragement was to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.

What does it look like?

Encouraging Faith

Act 13:43 (ESV)

43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.

Encouraging Faith

Act 14:22 (ESV)

22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

Encouraging Faith

Joh 8:31-32 (ESV)

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,

32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Encouraging Faith

Joh 15:4 (ESV)

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

Encouraging Faith

Heb 10:19-26 (ESV)

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,

20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,

21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,

22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,

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Act 11:24 (ESV) for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

How was Barnabas’ faith beneficial in this process?

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Encouraging Faith

The Holy Spirit is the crux of the matter

(The basic, central, or critical point or feature)

The connecting point to The Eternal God

God is infinite - I will not attempt to describe or define Him but share the following perspective…

One aspect of God as trinity:

God the Father loves us

- God the Father is the eternal source of all things - the Creator - and He is Spirit.

Joh 4:24 (ESV)

The Holy Spirit is the crux of the matter

The connecting point to The Eternal God

Christ came in the flesh to reveal God to us

Col 1:15-20 (ESV)

The Holy Spirit is the crux of the matter

The connecting point to The Eternal God

The Holy Spirit unites us with God

The Spirit is our eternal connection.

Rom 8:16-17 (ESV)

The Holy Spirit is the crux of the matter

The connecting point to The Eternal God

Joh 16:13-14 (ESV)

The Holy Spirit is the crux of the matter

The connecting point to The Eternal God

Rom 8:26-27 (ESV)

The Holy Spirit is the crux of the matter

The connecting point to The Eternal God

Spirit

- confirms that we are God’s children

- Speaks God’s Truth directly to our hearts

- Intercedes directly with God for us

Col 1:27 (ESV)

The Holy Spirit is the crux of the matter

The connecting point to The Eternal God

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Read Act 11:1-18

The Holy Spirit is the crux of the matter

The connecting point to The Eternal God

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Act 11:1 (ESV) Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.

Act 11:2 (ESV) So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying,

Act 11:3 (ESV) “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.”

Act 11:4 (ESV) But Peter began and explained it to them in order:

Act 11:5 (ESV) “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me.

Act 11:6 (ESV) Looking at it closely, I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air.

Act 11:7 (ESV) And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’

Act 11:8 (ESV) But I said, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’

Act 11:9 (ESV) But the voice answered a second time from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.’

God has made US clean thru Christ’s blood

Eph 1:7 (ESV)

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Act 11:10 (ESV) This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven.

Act 11:11 (ESV) And behold, at that very moment three men arrived at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesarea.

Act 11:12 (ESV) And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house.

Act 11:13 (ESV) And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter;

Act 11:14 (ESV) he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’

Act 11:15 (ESV) As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning.

Affirming SIGN

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Act 11:16 (ESV) And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’

Confirming sign

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Act 11:17 (ESV) If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?”

Eph 1:13-14 (ESV)

The Holy Spirit is the crux of the matter

The connecting point to The Eternal God

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Act 11:18 (ESV) When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

What is the repentance that leads to life?

What is life?

The Holy Spirit is the crux of the matter

The connecting point to The Eternal God

“A sign“ versus “THE sign“

It is not about the “signs”, it is a about the eternal reality indicated by the signs.

Examples of salvation with and without outward signs…

Act 2:1 (ESV)

1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.

Signs are NOT the destination!

What is the eternal reality God is highlighting?

God‘s Spirit is being deposited in men!

Act 2:41 (ESV)

41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Signs are NOT the destination!

What is the eternal reality God is highlighting?

Men are indicating their commitment to change, to be transformed to a new life style.

Act 4:4 (ESV)

4 But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

Signs are NOT the destination!

What is the eternal reality God is highlighting?

A commitment to a different course in life.

Act 8:12 (ESV)

12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Signs are NOT the destination!

What is the eternal reality God is highlighting?

Outward sign of an inward change of heart motivation – starting on the course of transformation by renewing their minds.

Act 8:14-17 (ESV)

14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John,

15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit,

16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

Signs are NOT the destination!

What is the eternal reality God is highlighting?

SAMARITANS can be included in God‘s kingdom!

Act 9:18 (ESV)

18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;

Signs are NOT the destination!

What is the eternal reality God is highlighting?

Outward sign of his N-word commitment to a new life!

Look for the indications but don’t worship them.

Baptism equals obedience

Fruit of the spirit indicate transformation from the old to the new

Outward signs are just that… Signs. They can be different but they serve the purpose of pointing to something God wants known.

Signs are NOT the destination!

What is the eternal reality God is highlighting?

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Read Act 10:44-48

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Act 10:44 (ESV) While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.

What is God indicating with this?

HE is indicating these are ones to be included in the Body.

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Act 10:45 (ESV) And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles.

Signs are NOT the destination!

What is the eternal reality God is highlighting?

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Act 10:46 (ESV) For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,

Signs are NOT the destination!

What is the eternal reality God is highlighting?

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Act 10:47 (ESV) “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

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Act 10:48 (ESV) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

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What is the Gospel

Read Act 10:34-43

Act 10:34 (ESV) So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,

Act 10:35 (ESV) but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

Act 10:36 (ESV) As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all),

Act 10:37 (ESV) you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed:

Act 10:38 (ESV) how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

Act 10:39 (ESV) And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree,

Act 10:40 (ESV) but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear,

Act 10:41 (ESV) not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

Act 10:42 (ESV) And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.

Act 10:43 (ESV) To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Created Equal under God

God created us with inherent value!

Our value is not in our position…

Our value is not in our worth…

Our value is not in our identity…

Rom 3:21-24 (ESV)

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—

22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Created Equal under God

What differentiates us is our response to God.

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Read Act 10:24-33

Created Equal under God

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Act 10:24 (ESV) And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.

Cornelius saw value in Peter…

But he was about to learn that…

Created Equal under God

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Act 10:25 (ESV) When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.

Cornelius made the common mistake of elevating the messenger

Created Equal under God

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Act 10:26 (ESV) But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.”

Peter got straight to the point - we are all just men!

Created Equal under God

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Act 10:27 (ESV) And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered.

Act 10:28 (ESV) And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.

What was God’s purpose in directing the Jews in this way originally?

Created Equal under God

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Act 10:29 (ESV) So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me.”

Act 10:30 (ESV) And Cornelius said, “Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing

Act 10:31 (ESV) and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God.

Act 10:32 (ESV) Send therefore to Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.’

Act 10:33 (ESV) So I sent for you at once, and you have been kind enough to come. Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.”

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Created Equal under God

Gal 3:28 (ESV)

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Created Equal under God

Gal 5:6 (ESV)

6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

Created Equal under God

Rom 1:16 (ESV)

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Created Equal under God

Rom 2:9-11 (ESV)

9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek,

10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek.

11 For God shows no partiality.

Created Equal under God

Comfortable or Hungry?

Walking in faith means being ready, willing, and able to move in any direction at any time to do whatever the Lord desires.

“When I say jump, I want you to ask how high ON THE WAY UP!”

2Ti 4:2 (ESV)

2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

God doesn’t want us comfortable, He wants us ready!

Relaxed or Ready?

Joh 4:32-34 (ESV)

32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.”

33 So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?”

34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.

Comfortable or Hungry?

Relaxed or Ready?

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Read Act 10:17-23

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Act 10:17 (ESV) Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood at the gate

God‘s timing and God’s input are perfect.

God repeated the message He gave to Peter three times. This was enough to pique Peter’s interest but not enough to have him understand the message.

It shook Peter up and got him out of his comfort zone – he was pondering…

God got him out of his arm chair and ready to consider something new and different.

Relaxed or Ready?

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Act 10:18 (ESV) and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there.

Act 10:19 (ESV) And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you.

Once God got Peter out of his comfort zone and wondering, then God could redirect him…

Relaxed or Ready?

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Act 10:20 (ESV) Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.”

Act 10:21 (ESV) And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?”

Note that God has not given Peter all the information… He’s still wondering where he’s going. BUT he IS GOING!

Relaxed or Ready?

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Act 10:22 (ESV) And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.”

God needed Peter to break out of his life long course of associating only with Jews. So God shook him up, got him out of his comfort zone, which opened the door for Peter to change direction.

Relaxed or Ready?

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Act 10:23 (ESV) So he invited them in to be his guests. The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him.

Peter didn’t dillydally… He got about doing that which god had open the door for him to do.

Relaxed or Ready?

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What are you hungry for? Are you satisfied and not for showing anything . Or are you hungry to know God and to do His will?

Our human nature is to seek comfort and stability. We want to set a course and stay on it the rest of our lives.

This mindset implies that we can have enough wisdom, insight, and foresight to set a perfect course one time and continue on. That in and of itself is obviously false. But in the bigger picture, we need to be willing and able to follow GOD‘s course, which we cannot/do not have the capacity to comprehend.

What is your objective in life? What is your aim?

To be comfortable? To be at ease? Or to be ready?!

Relaxed or Ready?

2Ti 2:4 (ESV)

2Ti 3:10 (ESV)

Relaxed or Ready?

Php 3:12-15 (ESV)

Relaxed or Ready?

Pa Moses’ additional comments

Prayer - Bridge to Eternal Things

Prayer is our bridge to God

What are we sending and receiving across that bridge?

Prayer, at the most basic level, is communicating with God.

God has given us a direct connection to Him through His spirit deposited in us.

Rom 8:26-27 (ESV)

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Stay in touch with God so that you are able to maintain course through all the waves and wind that will impact you throughout the day, throughout the week - throughout your LIFE!

Practice Prayer

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Read Act 10:9-16

Peter was pursuing God in prayer… God honored that pursuit.

Practice Prayer

Act 1:14 (ESV)

14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

Act 6:4 (ESV)

4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Cornelius

Act 10:2 (ESV)

2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.

Rom 12:12 (ESV)

12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Php 4:6 (ESV)

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

1Th 5:16-17 (ESV)

16 Rejoice always,

17 pray without ceasing,

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Act 10:9 (ESV) The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray.

Peter was pursuing God-he was walking in the fear of the Lord.

Jews set aside two primary times to pray and added a third

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Act 10:10 (ESV) And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance

God can direct our physical, emotional, mental, AND spiritual state

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Act 10:11 (ESV) and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth.

Heavens opening is a clear indication that this is coming from the holiest place

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Act 10:12 (ESV) In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air.

God is consistent about being inclusive

God is also consistent about requiring us to engage our brains - few things are black and white.

Ecc 3:11 (ESV)

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

Rom 1:19-20 (ESV)

19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.

20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Pro 25:2 (ESV)

2 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.

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Act 10:13 (ESV) And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”

Act 10:14 (ESV) But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.”

Peter is known for his impetuous nature.

Mat 16:22 (ESV)

22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.”

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Act 10:15 (ESV) And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.”

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Act 10:16 (ESV) This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to

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Eph 6:13-18 (ESV)

Honor God and he will honor you.

Walk in the fear of the Lord…

In today’s passage we see a man who God honors to be the first gentile to formally receive the gospel.

Honor God and he will honor you.

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Read Act 10:1-8

Honor God and he will honor you.

- Eli was priest of Israel for many years

- he knew God’s standards.

- Eli‘s sons were living in direct opposition to God

- Eli had to decide whom he would honor. He could not Honor both his sons in moral lifestyle and the holy God

- By default, Eli chose to honor his sons, for he did not insist that their behavior conform to God’s standards.

1Sa 2:27-31 (ESV)

27 And there came a man of God to Eli and said to him, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Did I indeed reveal myself to the house of your father when they were in Egypt subject to the house of Pharaoh?

28 Did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up to my altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? I gave to the house of your father all my offerings by fire from the people of Israel.

29 Why then do you scorn my sacrifices and my offerings that I commanded for my dwelling, and honor your sons above me by fattening yourselves on the choicest parts of every offering of my people Israel?’

30 Therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever,’ but now the LORD declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

31 Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father's house, so that there will not be an old man in your house.

Honor God and he will honor you.

- Eli would’ve argued that he was doing the best he could

- God thought otherwise…

1Sa 3:11-14 (ESV)

11 Then the LORD said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.

12 On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end.

13 And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them.

14 Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.”

Honor God and he will honor you.

1Sa 4:17-18 (ESV)

17 He who brought the news answered and said, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has also been a great defeat among the people. Your two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been captured.”

18 As soon as he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell over backward from his seat by the side of the gate, and his neck was broken and he died, for the man was old and heavy. He had judged Israel forty years.

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Act 10:1 (ESV) At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort,

Act 10:2 (ESV) a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.

devout - pious, dutiful, reverent

feared God - reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience

Honor God and he will honor you.

Act 10:3 (ESV) About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.”

Act 10:4 (ESV) And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.

Honor God and he will honor you.

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Act 10:5 (ESV) And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter.

Act 10:6 (ESV) He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.”

Act 10:7 (ESV) When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him,

Act 10:8 (ESV) and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Serve in faith

Service is our calling!

Answer your calling - serve in faith

Faith motivates us to do good works even when it doesn’t make sense to the world

Serve in faith

When you do good things for others, God has built into you an affirmation – you feel good even though it may cost you.

Dopamine and serotonin

Do Good to Feel Good

We were literally created to do good works!

Answer your calling - serve in faith

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Read Act 9:36-43

Mat 5:16 (ESV)

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Answer your calling - serve in faith

Eph 2:10 (ESV)

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Answer your calling - serve in faith

Tit 2:7 (ESV)

7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,

Answer your calling - serve in faith

Tit 2:14 (ESV)

14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Answer your calling - serve in faith

Tit 3:8 (ESV)

8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

Answer your calling - serve in faith

Heb 10:24 (ESV)

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

Answer your calling - serve in faith

1Pe 2:12 (ESV)

12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

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Act 9:36 (ESV) Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.

A follower of Christ and her actions showed where her heart was.

Jas 2:14 (ESV)

14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?

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Jas 2:19 (ESV)

19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!

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Jas 2:26 (ESV)

26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

Answer your calling - serve in faith

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Act 9:37 (ESV) In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.

Act 9:38 (ESV) Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.”

Act 9:39 (ESV) So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.

Dorcas was doing!

Answer your calling - serve in faith

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Act 9:40 (ESV) But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.

Peter was speaking to a dead body in faith that God had called him to raise that body back to life!

Call Peter KNEW God well enough to know what he was going to do.

Faith is not presumption – we don’t take action and expect God to fill in the gap.

Faith is knowing the heart of God and trusting that He will act in accordance with who He is. Because He is faithful to His character, not because we have obligated him to

Answer your calling - serve in faith

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Act 9:41 (ESV) And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.

Act 9:42 (ESV) And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

Act 9:43 (ESV) And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.

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Do what you were created to do!

Answer your calling - serve in faith