Clean & Do Not Profane (8/1/23)
Acts 10
Freya
8/2/2023
Life Lesson(s)…
Acts 10 reflects the character of God explained in Deuteronomy 10:17, application of Mosaic law found in Leviticus 19:15 and what Jesus taught in Matthew 7:1-6. God is the supreme judge, who is able to see into the hearts and intents of man. This is opposed to the fallibility of man to observe and infer intent of men by what they say and how they behave.
Observe the interaction of Jew and Gentile and note that faith in Christ and guidance of the Holy Spirit bring unity and destroy the preconceived notions and beliefs that men rely upon in their limited understanding. The Holy Spirit acting upon Cornelius and Simon Peter were specifically chosen to exemplify the Good News being spread beyond those of the Jewish faith. The Holy Spirit broke the barriers separating Jew from Gentile. Conquered people (Jews/Simon Peter) and their conquerors (Rome's Italian Cohort/Centurion Cornelius) became children of God with their heartfelt acceptance of Christ as their savior and king. Christ was with them and their hearts were judged by God Most High. Basically, as Peter said, "God shows no partiality."
Consider yourself and your fellow Christians today. Do you see this unity among Christ followers? Do you see this acceptance and unity between Christians and non-believers? What do you believe separates them? Now, think about your own interactions with Christians and non-believers alike? How do you measure up to Leviticus 19:15 and Matthew 7:1-6?
Your Thoughts…
Pray about and journal your thoughts on the following:
Revelation as to Acts 10 and the other above-referenced verses in the Bible.
The above-referenced questions.
Explain and discuss your understanding of Matthew 7:1-6 with someone else and consider:
If your understanding keeps to the foundational precepts of Acts 10, Deuteronomy 10:17 and Leviticus 19:15; and
Where does your understanding deviate from that of God's? Why does it do so?
Challenge: Get to know someone new. Pray for guidance from God on whether or not this person is the one you are to approach and, if it is, how you are to introduce yourself. What are your first thoughts about the person before you approached them? After getting to know the person, did any of your prior impressions hold true?
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So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him…"
ACTS 10:34-35 (ESV)