“RACISM, PREJUDICE, AND PARTIALITY”

Acts 10:1-23

I. INTRODUCTION:
A. Three synonyms of degree with one root cause:
1. Our terms:
a. Racism: “Discrimination, prejudice, antagonism
toward an individual or community on the basis
of their ethnic background.” Webster
b. Prejudice: “An unfavorable opinion of feeling
formed beforehand without the proper
knowledge, thought, or reason.” Webster
c. Partiality: “Unfair bias, favoring one person or
thing over another”. Webster

1. The one root cause - pride: “The ultimate shift from
   loving God to loving self.” (Pro. 16:8)

B. Our prejudicial bents that hinder the spread of the
Gospel:

C. The backdrop for a Jewish audience:

II. INSIGHT INTO AN AFTERNOON NAP ON AN EMPTY
STOMACH: vv. 1-23
A. Narrative that began with a hungry man in need of an
afternoon nap: v. 1

B. Christ prepares the recipient at Caesarea: vv. 1-8
1. The man: vv. 1-2
2. The vision: v. 3
3. The encouragement: v. 4

1. The direction: vv. 5-8
   C. Christ prepares the messenger in Joppa: vv. 9-23
2. Thinking about food: vv. 9-10
3. Dreaming about food: vv. 11-12
4. Three specific commands: vv. 13-16
5. One essential assignment: vv. 17-23

D. Tying it all together:
1. Christ’s viewpoint on prejudice: (See Ja. 2:9)
2. Addressing acceptance: (See Phil. 2:3) (See back)

III. PRINCIPLES TO PERSONALLY APPLY:
(Together becoming “people of the Word” in principle AND in practice)
A. Since pride (love of self) is such a deceitful thing, God
uses our emotions, (impulsive anger) tongues, and
actions to expose it. (Obadiah 1:3-4; Jer. 17:9)

B. God detests our pride since it blinds us to reality and
wraps us up in a lie with a false sense of security,
regarding our “calling” as a believer. (Jn. 15:16; II Tim. 1:9)

C. Living out Christ’s character, at the expense of our
pride, becomes the gateway in leading others to Christ.
(Ps. 103:8) (why God hates pride)