The True Light Shines, Acts 10:17-33
September 14, 2024

Acts 10:17-33

17 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 18 and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. 19 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” 21 And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” 22 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.” 23 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. 24 And on the following day they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 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.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many persons gathered. 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.” 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.”

SERMON NOTES

(Add your own notes by clicking on the blue text bubbles.)

VERSES 17-18

VERSES 19-20

VERSES 21-23A

VERSES 23B-26

VERSES 27-29

VERSES 30-33

APPLICATION:
1. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.
2. Take the next step in your relationship with God and step into church membership.
(a) In joining a church you make visible your commitment to Christ and his people.
(b) Making a commitment makes a powerful statement in a low-commitment culture.
(c) We can be overly independent.
(d) Church membership keeps us accountable.
(e) Joining the church will help your pastor and elders be more faithful shepherds.
(f) Joining the church gives you an opportunity to make promises.

GROUP STUDY

READ

⬆️ Text Above ⬆️
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. KJV

Galatians 2:16 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law. NLT

MEMORIZE

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (KJV)

REVIEW

Even though Cornelius was “a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews,” why was he not right with God? (That is…saved?)

What is the first of the Ten Commandments? (What are the other nine?)

How does this story of Cornelius teach us that God reveals more light to those who receive the light they already have?

REFLECT

Why do you think Peter was so perplexed by the meaning of the vision God gave him?

Why do think Peter thought it was important to But Peter lift up Cornelis, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.”?

How can racism limit our evangelistic efforts?

RESPOND

Read through the application steps again. Which one resonates the most with you? Why?