Grow
Be Obedient to the Holy Spirit

Sunday August 28, 2022 - Pastor Wungreiso Valui

Acts 10

THE BIG IDEA

God's story is big and you are part of His story.

THE MESSAGE:

To Grow In Life And Become A Better Person, Be Obedient To The Holy Spirit - Acts 10
Invite your family and friends to encounter and experience the Holy Spirit.

THE SCRIPTURE

KEY VERSES

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. -Acts 10:44-46 (NKJV)

"NOT SO, LORD!": In order to grow we need to change.

And a voice came to him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." But Peter said, "Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean." -Acts 10:13-14 (NKJV)

Background

1. It was noon and Peter was hungry and he wanted to eat. (v.9)
2. Heaven opened and revealed all kinds of four-footed animals, wild beasts, creeping things and birds of the air for Peter to eat. (vs 11-12)
3. Peter said, "No! I don't eat anything common and unclean." (v 14)

We don't want to change because we don't want to take responsibility.

1. Peter did not want to change because he did not want to be seen eating with a non-Jew and break a custom.
2. Take responsibility in order to grow.

We don't grow because the little (sad) story we tell about ourselves dictates our identity and decision making.

1. Peter did not embrace God's big inclusive story. He said "No!" to God because He was afraid of what others might say. A threat does not need to be real to bring resistance to change.
2. The story we tell about ourselves shapes our identity and influences our decision making.
3. Embrace God's big story.

We don't grow because we are used to what is familiar.

1. Peter was used to eating kosher food with his people.
2. Letting go of what is familiar (common) and embracing what is new (uncommon) is scary, but it creates a new path.

"NOT SO LORD!": Some People Never Change.

1. Old habits die hard. (Peter is still Peter, talking without thinking first.)
2. We make blunders because we are in such a hurry.
3. What were your bad habits before you changed? Guard against them now.
4. Old habits can still remain within 'the new man.'

"WHAT IS IT, LORD?": Growth Is Tied To A Willingness To Change.

About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, "Cornelius!" And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, "What is it, lord?" -Acts 10:3-4a (NKJV)

Background

1. Cornelius, a devout and generous military officer of the Italian Regiment, saw a vision of an angel in the mid-afternoon. (vs.1-3)
2. The angel told Cornelius that God heard his prayers. (v. 4)
3. The angel told Cornelius to go to Joppa and look for Peter. (v. 5)
4. The angel told Cornelius that Peter would tell him what to do. (v. 6)

True change happens when you are willing to take action.

1. Cornelius sent two servants and a devout soldier to look for Peter. (vs. 7-8)
2. It takes real guts to see real changes.

You have to change your mind to see real change.

1. Peter changed his mind. He invited the three Gentiles to lodge with him and the next day he went to meet Cornelius. (v.23)

GET INSPIRED!

1. Associate with Inspiring people.
2. Hang out with Passionate people.
3. Spend time with Generous people.

FOR WHAT REASON?: Create A Willingness To Change.

Then he said to them, "You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?" -Acts 10:28-29 (NKJV)

People change when there is understanding for reasons to change.

1. Peter understood that he should not call any man common or unclean. (v. 28)

People change when there is accepting the reality that change is going to happen.

1. Peter accepted the reality that God shows no partiality. (v. 34)

People change when there is a desire to engage in change.

1. Peter desired to help Cornelius. (v. 29)

THE CHANGE: God gave supernatural power to the Gentiles. He added the Gentiles into His big story.

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. -Acts 10:44-46 (NKJV)

THE RESPONSE: Many people were added to the Lord.

Then Peter answered, "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days. -Acts 10:47-48 (NKJV)