Change is something new and exciting. Not only that, it can be scary because when things change there is a certain unknown element we face. What will change bring? Will it be for the good or bad? Will this work? Did I make the right decision? All of these questions and thoughts are natural and normal reactions to change. Today is a day of change for us here at __________________. We are starting a new work with a new minister and must now move on in the work of the Lord.
At the beginning of Acts 10, we are introduced to Cornelius and his household. We learn that Cornelius is a Roman soldier, yet he is considered a just man, who fears God. The term “God fearer” was one given to Gentiles that had grown tired of their pagan religions and decided to pursue the true God. In this time, they converted or proselyted to Judaism. In the case of Cornelius, he was probably a proselyte of the gate, meaning he did not submit to circumcision, but did keep the festivals and that sort of thing.
I. REASONS FOR WHICH YOU DID NOT SEND FOR ME
A. You did not send for me to draw away disciples after myself.
1. Acts 20:28-32
2. II Peter 2:1-3- False teachers bring in destructive heresies
3. I Corinthians 1:10-12 the results of becoming a disciple of a person, splits in the church.
B. You did not send for me to teach some strange new doctrines.
1. Acts 17:21- The Athenians spent their time just listening for new doctrines, to have their ears tickled.
2. I Timothy 1-3- Paul’s charge to Timothy, Paul wants Timothy to see to it that only sound doctrine is
taught.
C. You did not send for me to tickle your ears.
1. II Timothy 4:1-5
2. II Timothy 4:5- I am to do the work of an evangelist and fulfill my ministry.
D. I am not here to be your favorite preacher But, I'm sure I will be LOL :) )
1. We intend to be here long term, a period of years, but, there may come a time when we will, for
whatever reason, move on to another work. If that happens, you must not sit around and wish we
were here, you must continue on with the work.
2. We do not want to be like the Corinthian church and other churches that look to a person not to
Christ. Keep your focus on the Lord, not me.
E. I am not here to do the work of an elder or run the show.
F. I am not here to do your work for you.
II. REASONS FOR WHICH YOU DID SEND FOR ME
A. Look at the text in Acts 10:
1. Acts 10:6- Cornelius was told that Peter would teach him what he needed to do. The preacher is to
proclaim the word of God, and HELP the brethren to stay on the right track.
2. Acts 10:22; 32-33 NOTE V:33- Cornelius told Peter he wanted to “Hear the things commanded you
by God.” Peter was to proclaim ONLY what is in the word, just as you and I are. Without adding or
taking away from it.
3. My work is related to teaching people two primary things:
a. How to become Christians.
b. Once converted, how to stay saved and in a right relationship with God.
B. You sent for me to speak the oracles of God, not opinion.
1. I Peter 4:11
2. I Corinthians. 4:6- We are not to think beyond what is written in the Bible.
C. I am to preach Christ and Him crucified. The death, burial and resurrection are the core of the Christian message.
1. I Corinthians 2:2
2. I am to proclaim the fact that Jesus Christ is the only way for man to be forgiven of sin and by
obeying Jesus we become God’s people.
D. I am to preach truth as written in the pages of the Bible.
1. II Timothy 4:1-5- It is not always convenient to preach the truth, but I must.
2. John 8:32- It is the ONE truth that will make us free, and provide salvation.
3. John 17:17- God’s word is truth, the only truth in religious matters.
E. I am to proclaim the whole counsel of God. Not just the parts I like or that you like, but all of it.
1. Acts 20:26-27
2. The whole counsel of God is more than “hear, believe, repent, confess and be baptized.” The whole
counsel of God tells us what we must do when we leave the building and head for lunch this afternoon
and what we do when we head for the office tomorrow.
F. I am to be fair and impartial when dealing with people.
1. Sometimes Christians get caught in the middle of church factions. I will not do that. If you have
problems with someone in the church or anyone else, it is up to you to work out the problems with the
people troubling you.
2. By the same token, I expect the same from you. I expect you to be fair and impartial in dealing with me
and my family. I will abide by Matthew 18:15-17 At the same time I insist you do the same. I will not pull a
surprise and ask you to leave a business meeting so I can make all kinds of accusations against you
without you being afforded the opportunity to defend yourself and present your side of the story, at the
same time I count on you doing the same thing. If you have a problem, come to me and I will do the same
if I have a problem with you. (NOTICE: No exceptions for preachers)
3. I Timothy 5:20-21- We get another look at what the work of a preacher is to include.
a. I am to rebuke those who persist in sin. Not just those I don’t like. I am not to look the other way
when dealing with the correction of sin and wrong.
b. I. Timothy 5:21- I am to proclaim the Word and do my work without showing favor or prejudice
toward anyone.
G. My Christian duty is the same as yours and all other Christians. It is to....;
1. To be there in grief, sorrow, joy, happiness, fun and fellowship.
2. To visit Gal. 6:1-27 James 1:27. These must also be done by you too. James is addressing the
responsibilities of the INDIVIDUAL. God wants you to be doing all the work as well as me.
CONCLUSION: Have you noticed anything? The work we have looked at in this lesson applies to everyone, not just me or the elders and deacons. God expects ALL Christians to work and pull their share of the load facing us. God has no room for bench warmers or people who do not want to work.
