PONDERING... How Will Your Story End? (Part II) (Acts 28:24-31)

VIDEO
How Will Your Story End? (Part II) (AM Sermon Notes)

GIST: Seek opportunities to share the gospel, be prepared for two responses, and remember: there is only one way to end well. 

SCRIPTURE: Acts 28:24-31

After about a year and a half and 67 sermons, we are coming to the end of our second complete book study since I’ve been blessed to be your pastor. (If you were with me in youth, it’s more like number 8 ☺️.) That’s exciting to me! 

This morning, we’re picking up where we left off last week. In fact, technically, this is a continuation of that sermon. What was meant to be our final message ended up being too long for one sitting, so we’re finishing that up today. Paul has finally made it to Rome. He’s under house arrest and has a series of guards chained to him. Last week, we pointed out that this provided him with a ready-made opportunity for witnessing to these guards. However, he wasn’t limited by only those opportunities, but also sought others. Not only did he pen at least four New Testament letters during this time, but he also went out of his way to talk to people. When he first arrived, he specifically called for the local Jewish community to come and talk to him. He had common ground with these people and desperately wanted to share Jesus with them. They came, and they listened. Today, we’re going to pick up with their responses. Here’s our final gist: Seek opportunities to share the gospel, be prepared for two responses, and remember: there is only one way to end well. 

I. BE PREPARED FOR TWO RESPONSES

I want to be straight and to the point here (especially given the length of that first point…which took an entire service ☺️). Look at the responses of the Jews as recorded in the next four verses.  

“24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: "The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: 26 "'Go to this people, and say, "You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive." 27 For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.' 28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen."” 

Here’s the bottom line: some will believe, and some will reject. Let me just make these observations. First, we’re told some are→ 

Convinced, But Do They Believe? It is actually possible to be convinced intellectually without actually coming to saving belief. I don’t know for sure, but it seems at least some are in this boat because they all left still arguing amongst themselves. Belief cannot be just an intellectual exercise. Praise the Lord if you know that God’s Word is true and that Jesus really did come to die for you, but if you aren’t making a personal connection between that knowledge and your need, then you’re missing out. Jesus didn’t come so that you’d give Him intellectual assent. He came to save you, to rescue you, and to be your personal Lord. You’ve heard this before, but please let this sink in. Christianity is all about a real and intimate relationship. If that is not your experience, do not take for granted that your head-knowledge is enough to save you. Our next study together, which we’ll tip-toe into tonight, will be in the book of James. One of the more convicting verses in that book is this: “19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” (James 2:19). Just acknowledging that this is probably true isn’t enough. I know this sounds harsh, but I never want to mislead any of you. Your eternal salvation is too important for that. So, we need to realize there will be some who just give intellectual assent but do not experience salvation, and we need to be aware, there will be some who will straight up→  

Reject Jesus’ Salvation. When Paul quotes Isaiah, that’s what he’s hammering home. There will be some who don’t listen and don’t see because if they did, they’d be saved. They are choosing to reject Him because they do not want His rescue. If you have heard the truth and have not accepted Jesus as your savior, it is because you’re choosing not to. His offer is a free gift. Does it cost you everything? Oh, absolutely. But does it take you from bondage and bring you life? 100%! Unfortunately, many prefer their bondage, which is why we must be bold proclaimers of the hope we all need… even if everyone acts like they’re ok. Expect rejection, but don’t be ok with it. Time is too short for us to sulk because people aren’t coming to Jesus in the timeframe we wanted. They need Him. You know Him. Live like the one who has hope and be persistent in trying to show that to the world. And remember→ 

Some Will Listen & Be Healed. I know technically this looks like three responses here ☺️, but the first two are really two subcategories of disbelief. This response is significantly different. Paul told these individuals who were walking away from the truth that the Gentiles would listen. He just said, ‘you’re rejecting this because you don’t want to be saved, but there are people who will accept this free, life-changing gift!’ Do we forget this sometimes? Do we forget that Jesus is moving in lives still today? Oh, I pray we don’t. If you’re afraid to share the gospel because you don’t want to be rejected, remember: 1) It’s not you they’re rejecting, and 2) Jesus is working in someone’s heart right now, and you could be part of that story! See, we have to→ 

II. REMEMBER: THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO END WELL

Many people have looked at these last two verses as An Unusual Ending.  “29  30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” It can almost seem anti-climatic. What happens to Paul? From church history and some of the descriptions he gives in his final letters, it seems like he was possibly released after two years temporarily. Then, he went on one more missionary journey before being arrested once more, taken to Rome again, and beheaded. But we don’t get any of that here. Why? This book isn’t about Paul. It’s about what Jesus is doing through His people, and that story isn’t over yet! In that context, remember→ 

Your hindrance might be serving God’s greater purpose! From one angle, this looks like a dead-end ending for Paul. He’s stuck in Rome and limited in his movements. However, last week we addressed how these “limitations” opened doors he would not have otherwise had. Books of the Bible were written here, and Roman soldiers became his captive audience. You might not be where you want to be right now, but never forget God has you here for a very specific purpose. Cling to Him and watch what He does! So→ 

How will your story end? What do we see Paul doing in these final verses? He welcomed others which means he was actively reaching out to people. When he did this, he proclaimed salvation and taught about Jesus. Do you see his priorities here? He’s making a conscious effort to share Jesus with whoever he can. In doing so, he was bold & unhindered. Both of these are gifts from God. The Holy Spirit filled him with boldness and because he was doing what God has called each of us to do, he saw opportunities to do it!

What about you?

TAKEAWAYS

1. Will you make sharing Jesus your life’s priority? And in doing so→ 

2. Are you prepared for both possible responses? That means, do you expect some people to reject Jesus and some to actually be saved? That might sound silly, but I think most of us just expect the rejection part. Why do I say that? Because if we truly believed there was even a chance someone, anyone, would experience the life-saving rescue of Jesus when we spoke to them, would we be afraid to share the gospel? And here’s the last question from our Acts study together→  

3. What response will you make? How will your story end? There is only one way to end well and that is by giving Jesus control of your life. Where are you today? Are you rejecting His rescue because you’d rather be in control of your own sinking ship? Or, are you willing to give lip-service to the truth of Jesus’ claims as long as it doesn’t have to actually change anything in your life? Or, and I pray everyone sees their need here, will you come to Him knowing you’re a sinner who needs rescued, knowing that He came and died and rose again for you, seeking His forgiveness, and receiving His salvation? Remember when Paul and Silas were in prison and the earthquake broke open the cells, but they didn’t leave because they needed to share the gospel with the jailer? He came them and asked, “30....Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:30b-31) There is hope in Jesus. Will you come to Him today?

PONDERING... Are Your Expectations Eager or Meager? (Acts 10:24-48)

Are Your Expectations Eager or Meager? (PM Lesson Outlines)

GIST: We must be eager to hear from God and speak the truth of the gospel, and we cannot allow personal prejudices to limit our expectations.

SCRIPTURE: Acts 10:24-48

Tonight, we’re going to look at the second half of Acts 10. As I noted this morning, it’s the longest narrative in the book, and one that will be repeatedly revisited by Luke. Why? Because this is huge! Here we see the first Gentile conversion. Until now, we have only seen Jewish people saved, but extending salvation to the world has always been God’s plan. Remember what God promised Abraham? “17 I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18 and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”(Genesis 22:17-18 emphasis added)

Since this passage is lengthy, I want to read it as we come to it like we did this morning. However, the big picture I want to take from this is what we, again, will observe in the actions of Cornelius and Peter. Here’s our gist: We must be eager to hear from God and speak the truth of the gospel, and we cannot allow personal prejudices to limit our expectations.

I. How Eager Are You To Hear? (24-27)

First, let’s look at Cornelius. If you remember from this morning, he was a good man. In fact, he was a very good man. He feared God, prayed continually, and provided for the needy. Nonetheless, he was missing Jesus. An angel appears to him and tells him he needs to hear from Peter, and immediately Cornelius sends messengers. He wants to know the truth. Now, let’s not gloss over the fact that he does start this passage with some→

Misguided Praise “25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I too am a man." This is where we see his need. He wants to worship, and he knows he needs something more than himself. As of yet, his understanding of who meets that need is incomplete. Nonetheless, though his praise is initially misguided, his desire was good. He wanted to hear the truth---and he didn’t want to do this alone. Here’s a huge point→  

He Gathered MANY Friends & Family Members “24 And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.” In fact, verse 27 tells us Peter confronted a large crowd, “27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered.” Compare this to your own excitement, and be honest with yourself. Personally, you have the opportunity to open God’s Word whenever you want. You can also come and worship with fellow believers freely. How excited are you to do these? How big of a priority are they for you and your family? How often do you invite others to join you? I know these questions might seem like a pastor just trying to guilt you into being more active in church. If this convicts you, well, that’s not a bad thing at all☺️. However, the reason I’m asking these questions is because it is convicting to me. If we’re really excited about something, it shows in how we live our lives. If we’re not...that’s evident too. Everyone in this room would agree that nothing and no one is more worthy of our excitement than Jesus, but if this truth has not invaded our hearts and taken over our lives, then it’s not something we really believe. Don’t lose that thought. We’ll come back to it.

II. How Eager Are You To Speak? (28-43)

Now, let’s look at Peter. He’s called to tell these people the good news--the only news that will change their lives. However, he was→

Initially Guarded “28 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. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without objection. I ask then why you sent for me." At first, he’s not eager. Why? Because he doesn’t want to be here! Remember, this goes against everything he’s ever believed about society. God is changing him, but there is still resistance. Still yet, he is→

Open to God’s Redirection “30 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 31 and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. 32 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.' 33 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." 34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” Cornelius explains, and all the prep Jesus had done clicks for Peter. Remember, Jesus has been working on Peter for a long time on this. Not only, did He walk with Peter for three years, but most recently He has also led Peter to stay in the home of an “unclean” tanner and shown him a vision of animals no longer being “unclean”. It’s like in that moment a lightbulb goes off, and Peter is like, “Oh, so that’s what the sheet thing was about!” And what a wonderful truth this is: there is no partiality. Anyone who calls on the name of Jesus can be saved! Peter realized this and then→

Proclaimed The Gospel That Made This Change Possible Look at how he quickly and succinctly lays out the good news that Cornelius needed so desperately to hear. “36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), 37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 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. 39 And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death...” Don’t forget, he’s talking to a Roman official here! “...by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, 41 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. 42 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….” You want hope? Come to the one who holds the whole world in His hands… and died for you! “...43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." AMEN! (Emphases added ☺️)

III. Do Any Prejudices Make Your Expectations Meager? (34, 44-48)

Before we get to the takeaways this evening, let me end with these two quick observations. Like we just said →

Peter Has A Revelation “34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. … “ He wasn’t expecting this, but was hit in the face with this amazing truth. AND this revelation was immediately confirmed in such a way→

That Is Beyond A Shadow Of A Doubt There is actually an abrupt ending to Peter’s sermon. But it was a beautiful ending. He had just proclaimed that forgiveness comes from Jesus. Then→  “44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 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. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 "Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days." Jesus makes it clear that He is changing Gentile lives just like He has been amongst the Jews! →

But This Isn’t How He Came Into The Situation. I know we’ve probably established this to the nth degree. BUT...we can’t miss this. Peter came into this situation resistant. He didn’t want to be there and was pretty guarded in his approach. He leaves changed because he let God overcome his personal struggles. Yeah, we could learn so much from adopting this attitude.

TAKEAWAYS

1. How eager are you to hear from God? Is there a longing in your heart for Him? How seriously do you take His voice?

2. How eager are you for others to hear from God? Who are you gathering? Let’s lay this out there, too. Reaching out to friends and family is the hardest. It’s hard to call them to repentance, too. How can we face this? By being eager to share the gospel. It’s not as scary if it means everything to you! So→

3. How eager are you to share the gospel? Are His Words on your lips?

4. Do you have any prejudices that are getting in the way of any or all of the above? There will be calls of God we don’t immediately understand, but we still need to go! Two quick points: 1. Those calls only come when you’re listening! 2. Salvation is for all who believe!

There are a lot of convicting thoughts here. Let’s end with an intentional time of prayer.