INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Doth God Hear Sinners?
Remarks.
1. In this lesson today, we will be discussing the theme: “Doth God Hear Sinners?” This is the first lesson, in the sermon-series entitled: “Re-digging in Old Wells.” There will be many others bearing this title. We are re-digging in old wells, to receive what Isaiah promised: "With joy, you will draw water from the wells of salvation," Isaiah 12:3. There are times we must re-dig in old wells, to obtain the joy found in the: “waters of salvation.” This sermon type is called, “expository preaching.” In these lessons, our goal will be: "to dig a little deeper," in the text of emphasis. We will allow the writer, the characters in the verses, and the words of the Master, to shed new meaning, to His words of eternal life, John 6:63; John 6:67-69.
2. We will answer the question in this sermon-series: "Doth God Hear Sinners?” By this, we mean: can a sinner pray for salvation under the "new covenant?" Is there such a thing as, "A Sinner's Prayer?" We will re-dig in old wells to find a biblical answer. Ulysses Shields, called this kind of teaching: “digging a little deeper,” in the word of truth. He was my grandfather in Christ. We will use as a foundational text, for this sermon-series: “And Isaac re-dug the wells of water, which they had dug in the days of Abraham...for the Philistines had stopped them (closed them up) after Abraham’s death, etc.,” Genesis 26:18. The Philistines: “Stopped them, and filled them with earth,” because they envied Isaac’s possessions, Genesis 26:14-15.
3. Our scripture of emphasis reads thusly: “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man is a worshipper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth,” John 9:31. This verse has troubled many over the years. Many have inferred that God does not hear a sinner's prayer. And, therefore, such prayers cannot save the petitioner. It’s essential to consider every text within its context of the scriptures. With God’s help, we will do just that, to draw: “New water from old wells.” With this introduction, let’s consider this topic carefully, with both our bibles and hearts opened unto God.
BODY OF LESSON
I DOTH GOD HEAR SINNERS?
A. Background of the lesson. The lesson's background is this: Jesus has just healed a blind man who was blind from his birth. The Pharisees are questioning him regarding how he had received his sight and by whom! Not belabor the point of this lesson; we will briefly introduce the man born blind from birth. Our reading begins at John 9:1. Consider, as we review the lesson’s background, scriptural context, and finally, the text of emphasis. Observe--
1. Jesus saw the man. John wrote: And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered: Neither hath this man sinned nor his parents: but that God's works should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world,” John 9:1-5; John 8:12; Isaiah 42:6-7.
2. Jesus heals the man. John continued: “When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way, therefore, and washed, and came seeing. Therefore, the neighbors and they who before had seen him that he was blind said: Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said: This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said: I am he. Therefore said they unto him: How were your eyes opened? He answered and said: A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed my eyes, and said unto me: Go to the pool of Siloam and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not,” John 9:6-12.
3. The Pharisee’s interrogation. John further inscribes: “They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. And it was the Sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes.” Observe--
a. Then again, the Pharisees: “Also asked him how he had received his sight.”
b. He said unto them, “He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.”
c. Therefore said some of the Pharisees, “This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the Sabbath day,” Matthew 12:8; Mark 2:28; Luke 6:5.
d. Others said: “How canst a man that is a sinner does such miracles? And there was a division among them,” John 7:43.
e. They say unto the blind man again: “What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened your eyes? He said, He is a prophet,” John 9:14-17; Acts 3:22-23.
4. Parents brought in and consulted. John again: “But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.”
a. And they asked them, saying: “Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? How then doth he now see?”
b. His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind: But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.”
c. These words spake his parents, “because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue,” John 7:13; John 19:38.
d. Therefore said his parents, “He is of age; ask him,” John 9:18-23.
e. Many Jews believed on Jesus, but would not confess Him: "lest they are put out of the synagogue," John 12:42-43; John 11:45-46.
5. Blind man re-interrogated. John wrote next: “Then again they called the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.”
a. He answered and said: “Whether He is a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.”
b. Then said they to him again: “What did he to thee? How did he open your eyes?”
c. He answered them, “I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? Will ye also be his disciples?”
d. Then they reviled him and said: “Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is,” John 9:24-29; John 1:11-12.
6. Blind man’s testimony. John penned: “The man answered and said unto them:”
a. First, “Why herein is a marvelous thing that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.”
b. Further, “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man is a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him He heareth.”
c. Next, “Since the world began, was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one born blind.”
d. Finally, “If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.”
e. They answered and said unto him: “Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out,” John 9:30-34.
7. Jesus finds the man and reveals Himself. John concludes: “Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him: Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said: “Who is he, Lord: that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. And Jesus said: For judgment, I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him: Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them: If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now you say: We see; therefore your sin remaineth,” John 9:35-41; Isaiah 8:20. Let’s now investigate our text of emphasis. Observe--
B. Text of emphasis. John wrote: “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man is a worshipper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth,” John 9:31; Matthew 7:24-28. This verse has been quoted by many to teach: “God doth not hear sinners.” However, does this verse teach such a doctrine? We can now see the importance of this man's comments before the Pharisees in that we have read the entire portion of the text, leading up to this teaching. Observe—
1. First, the word “Now” in Gr., is de, or de', which is a primary particle-like; but, and, etc.:—also, moreover, and now.
a. And, the words “we know” in Gr., is eido or a'-do, which is a primary verb; used only in certain past tenses, which means to know:—be aware, behold, to consider, (have) know (-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, and to understand.
b. The particle and verb combined are: “de'eídomen” or, “now we know.” The blind man said to the Pharisees: “Now we know” that, “God heareth not sinners.”
c. The phrase: “Now we know that God heareth not sinners,” implies both the blind man as well as the Pharisees believed this teaching. However—
1) The blind man believed this truth from “experiential knowledge” or by experiencing the divine healing from the one called Jesus, John 9:11.
2) The Pharisees knew it from either Old Testament scriptures or their human bias towards the one called Jesus, John 9:13-16.
a) If from the scriptures where is it taught? Where is this teaching in the Law, the Prophets, or the Psalms?
b) If it was due to their bias, was it from their disdain for Jesus? Was it from His teaching? John 8:52. Or His declaration of being: the Son of God? John 5:18; John 10:30-33. Which the Jews repudiated as Jesus’ being guilty of: “blaspheming the name of God,” Matthew 26:62-66; Mark 14:60-64.
d. Those that teach this doctrine, that: “God doth not hear sinners,” should be aware that it came originally from the blind man’s mouth, John 9:31.
1) Was he a teacher of the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms? I think not!
2) Have we placed this entire teaching of God’s refusal to “hear sinners” on the testimony of the blind man? If not, where are the scriptures for such a teaching? Recall beloved--
e. Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, Matthew 5:17-18. He taught of His life, suffering, death, and resurrection were to be the fulfillment of the Law, the Prophets, and Psalms, Luke 24:44-47. Where in His teaching he has taught this doctrine? That: “God doth not hear sinners?” We will discuss His teaching later in the lesson.
2. Further, the words “heareth not” in Gr., is akouo or ä-kü'-o, another primary verb, which means to hear (in various senses):—give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear (-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, to understand.
a. That is to be endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf; to attend to, consider what is said, or understand, perceive the sense of what is being spoken.
b. In the New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament, the words, “heareth not” in this Interlinear is translated: “does not listen to,” Page 359.
c. Now we know: “That sinners God does not listen to,” John 9:31a. God does not give attention to sinners; he does not acknowledge their prayers. He hears them but provides no answers to them regarding their prayers. Such sinners are described in the definition mentioned below. Consider--
3. Lastly, the word “sinners” in Gr., is hamartolos or hä-mär-to-lo's, which means sinful, i.e., a sinner:—sinful, or sinner. The truth here is a person devoted to sin, a sinner, one pre-eminently sinful, especially wicked, a tax collector, or a heathen, Matthew 9:11; Luke 5:30; Luke 15:1-2. Jesus ate and drank with publicans and sinners. He died for them, Matthew 20:28; Romans 5:6-8. However, there are some sinners; God will not hear or listen to, nor give ear unto their prayers. Consider—
a. David wrote: “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me,” Psalms 66:18-20.
b. Isaiah wrote: “And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood,” Isaiah 1:15; Isaiah 59:1-4.
c. Yet, even if these would repent and turn to God, He would hear from heaven on their behalf. Ezra wrote: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land,” 2 Chronicles 7:14; Isaiah 55:6-7.
NOTE: Illustrate prayer of two men: a Pharisee and a publican, Luke 18:9-14. The Lord heard both prayers, but only answered favorably, one – the publican. In the Lord's conclusion, He stated why such was so. One prayed to himself; about his righteousness, the other begged God, for mercy regarding his sins. One was lifted up in pride; the other, humbled in the sight of God. Keep this man in mind!
4. Prayers of Jesus. It was customary before Jesus did anything. He would acknowledge and glorify the name of His Father. Observe—
a. Jesus prayer at Lazarus tomb: “Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead is laid. And Jesus lifted his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I know that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they might believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave-clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them: Lose him, and let him go,” John 11:41-44. The Lord does what we can't and then permits us to do what we can. He said: "Lazarus come forth; and, then to them, lose him and let him go."
b. Jesus prayer at the feast: “Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it and will glorify it again. The people, therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it was thunder: others said: An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said: This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes,” John 12:28-30; John 12:20-27; John 17:1.
c. Jesus prayer in the Garden before his betrayal and arrest, Matthew 26:38-42; Hebrews 5:7. Jesus would do nothing without first acknowledging His Father. He gave glory unto God! This must be our attitude also, Matthew 5:17.
5. Conclusion: Now, we must ask ourselves if the person who prayed for this man’s sight fits, the description of a person (devoted to sin, or pre-eminently sinful, especially wicked, like a tax collector, or heathen). God forbid! The Lord was praying to His Father to give His name glory in this man's healing. It was Jesus; this blind man was defending, who is righteous and holy! He continued--
a. The blind man: “Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing,” John 9:32-33; John 3:1-2; John 11:47-52; Acts 2:22; Acts 10:38.
b. By inspiration, John wrote that: "Sinners God does not listen to," so indeed He who led this prayer was not a sinner. The Pharisees accused Jesus of being a “sinner.” But, Jesus is, in fact, the "Son of God," John 9:35-38. Observe—
1) Jesus declared unto the Jews that He was the Son of God, John 5:18. They understood this to mean: “He was equal with God.”
2) Jesus said: "My Father and I are one," John 10:30-33. Jesus asked the Jews, why seek you to stone me? They said: "Because that thou, being a man, maketh thyself, God."
3) Thomas declared Him to be: “My Lord and My God,” John 20:28.
4) John wrote of His pre-incarnated existence: “As the Word and God,” John 1:1-3. He is the Word made flesh: that dwelleth among us, John 1:14. He is Emmanuel, that is, God with us, Matthew 1:23.
5) Paul wrote that He was: “Equal with God,” Philippians 2:5-11.
c. The blind man said: “He made clay of the spittle, he anointed my eyes, and told me to go wash; and now I see. It was Jesus who told me: “Go wash, and now I see.”
NOTE: Marshall Keeble once said: "If this were some of us, we would have said unto Jesus: I don't want any spit in my eyes.”
d. Jesus confirms it was He: That open the eyes of the blind man. Jesus asked him: “Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said: Who is he, Lord that I might believe in Him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen Him and He that talketh with thee, is He. And he (the man once blind) said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped Him,” John 9:35-38; Hebrews 1:6; Matthew 4:10.
e. Conclusion: It was Jesus' prayer; the blind man was defending before He anointed his eyes with spittle. It was Jesus that the blind man said: “Sinners God doth not hear,” John 9:31. It was the Son of God that opened this man’s eyes. The man once blind, now can say: I heard Him pray, now I have seen Him and experienced the power of both His prayer and His hand of healing. Lord, I believe. And he worshipped Him. With this foundation, let’s move forward and inquire about the word of God. Let’s “dig a little deeper.” We now ask this question!
C. Who doth God hear? Notice the blind man again: "But if any man is a worshipper of God, and doeth His will, Him he heareth,” John 9:31b. Through an investigation of the Old and New Testament, we have found the following for your consideration. Observe, the word of God--
1. First, God hears the righteous’ prayers: "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous…The righteous cry and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles," Psalms 34:15-18; Proverbs 15:29; 1 Peter 3:12.
2. Further, God hears the poor's cries: "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him and delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him," Psalms 34:6-8; James 5:4.
3. Next, God hears the desires of the humble: “Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou will prepare their heart, thou will cause your ear to hear,” Psalms 10:17. Are there any humble in this audience today? Have you been praying to God for guidance and instruction on “what to do to be saved?” He is providing you the answer today. I pray you will have a "good and honest heart,” Luke 8:15. It was in this kind of heart, the word grew and multiplied: “Some a hundredfold, some sixty (and), some thirty,” Matthew 13:23. Remember the prayers of the two men, we gave as an illustration? One was a Pharisee, the other a publican.
4. Finally, The Lord is nigh unto all: "The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear (reverence) him: he will also hear their cry and save them,” Psalms 145:18-19.
5. Our text of emphasis also defines the kind of character that God will listen and attend unto: "But if any man is a worshipper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth," John 9:31b. Continuing--
a. We not must revisit the Greek, to re-clarify the word, “heareth,” in our text of emphasis. Surprisingly, it is the same word used earlier in this verse. It is akouo or ä-kü'-o, another primary verb, which means to hear (in various senses):—give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear (-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand. In essence, the word means to hear, hearken unto, listen unto, understand, and give one audience.
b. It’s not like, God does not, “hear an audible sound, a voice or speech,” from the petitioner! We must be careful in our exposition of the word. Heareth, “akouo or ä-kü'-o,” in this context of the verse, infers God does hear. “Any man who is a worshipper of God and doeth His will,” John 9:31b. To them, God listens unto, acknowledges, and responds favorably unto any request, asked of Him, "in accordance with His will,” James 4:13-17; Acts 18:19-21.
c. The Spirit helpeth our infirmities. Paul wrote: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what the mind of the Spirit is: because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God,” Romans 8:26-27; 1 John 5:14-15. Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit’s help in the saint’s prayers. Let's notice now, Saul's prayer to the Lord for help.
D. Prayer of Saul. We are all aware of Saul's persecutions upon the church and God’s people. Saul was a man in total opposition to the will of God. However, the Lord called him into His kingdom. So as not to recount his entire conversion experience, we will focus upon his prayer while in Damascus. Observe—
1. Saul’s persecution of the saints, Acts 8:1-3; Acts 9:1-2.
NOTE: Illustrate: Saul's Significant Emotional Event.
2. Encounter with Christ on the Damascus highway, Acts 9:3-7.
3. Saul, “arose from the earth, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man," Acts 9:8-9. He had to be blinded that he might see the light of Jesus Christ, 2 Corinthians 4:1-6.
4. Saul’s prayer was in sincere repentance, unto the Lord, 2 Chronicles 7:14; Proverbs 28:13. Now here is where many go wrong. They like to uses this example of regret as the "Sinner's Prayer." But how did he answer it? We cannot ignore the rest of the text. Observe--
5. God’s call unto Ananias. God called upon Ananias to visit with Saul in Damascus. To heal him and instruct him in the way of the Lord, Acts 9:10-18.
a. Let's be clear here: Saul's prayer did not save him! What it did was to prompt the Lord, to send a man to help him.
b. The question then before us is: did the Lord hear Saul's prayer? He was a notorious sinner; and a persecutor of Christ and the church.
c. Notice the Lord’s instruction: “And the Lord said unto him (Ananias):”
1) First, “Arise, and go into the street, which is called: Straight.”
2) Second, “And inquire in Judas' house, for one called Saul, of Tarsus.”
3) Third, “For, behold, he prayeth,” Acts 9:10-11.
4) Fourth, did the Lord hear and answer Saul's prayer? Yes, He did! But how did God answer him? We must acknowledge that the Lord "heard his prayer." Because the Lord told Ananias: "For, behold, he prayeth.” For those who might struggle with this plainness of speech, I say like Paul: “Let God be true, but every man a liar,” Romans 3:4a; Psalms 116:11; 2 Corinthians 13:8.
d. Now somehow, we must reconcile John 9:31, with Acts 9:11. John 9:31, says: "God heareth not sinners." This could not mean He did not audibly hear and carefully listens to, what Saul was asking of Him. What was his request? That which is set before us is this: "God heard his prayer, but answers it in keeping with His will. He did not save Saul on the road to Damascus; nor from his prayer. He sent Ananias a disciple, to tell Saul: “what he must do to be saved,” Acts 9:6; Acts 22:16; Acts 26:19. Amen, brother Walls!
NOTE: Illustrate, download our lesson: Saul of Tarsus’ Conversion, from SermonCentral.com. It explains in more detail his conversion experience. Link: https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/saul-of-tarsus-39-conversion-ron-freeman-evangelist-sermon-on-saul-199491?ref=SermonSerps
5. Conclusion: I'm afraid, at times; we want to restrict God in what he does. He calls all unto repentance and remission of sins. He has already answered every sinner’s prayer for salvation. He sent Jesus; the sinner must hear and be obedient to Him. God will answer prayers when they are in keeping with His will. We will notice how, as we continue in this lesson. Do I have any help out there?
E. Prayer of Cornelius. This man was a devout Gentile, and prayed to God always; and, gave much alms to the people. We will not recount his conversion experience either, but we will focus on his prayers to God.
1. Cornelius’ background. Luke gives us some background history of Cornelius: "a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God with his entire house, which gave much alms to the people and prayed to God always. In a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day, he saw an angel of God coming into him and saying unto him, Cornelius,” Acts 10:1-3.
a. The angel’s visit. During Cornelius’ devotional hour, he prayed to God. The ninth hour was one of his times of prayer, Acts 10:3; Acts 10:30. Luke gives us the words of the angel to Cornelius in Acts 10:4-7. We will note Cornelius’ report of the angel’s visit unto Peter, after he arrives in Caesarea, Acts 10:30-31. Observe--
b. Cornelius’ account of the angel’s visit:
1) First, "Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and I prayed in my house at the ninth hour."
2) Next, “And behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing.”
3) Finally, "And said, Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in God's sight," Acts 10:31.
c. Cornelius’ character. Recall, what the blind man said of those who God heareth? "But if any man is a worshipper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth,” John 9:31b. Do Cornelius and his entire house, meet God’s criteria? Luke wrote: he was a devout man, he prayed to God always, and gave much alms unto the people. This last phrase: “gave much alms to the people,” would exclude many today!
1) These are not generous in their financial help and personal care of others.
2) In this time of worldwide crisis, the poor and needy are being exploited, evicted from their homes, and neglected in the care and provisions for their families.
3) What is the wealthy doing to help: while the government argues, debates, and delay in their assistance to millions of Americans?
4) We pray that all people will do what they can with God's abundance given to them. Now, let’s consider the angel’s announcement and message unto Cornelius.
2. The angel’s announcement and message to Cornelius. We are back to Acts 10:4.
a. First, the angel’s announcement: “Cornelius...your prayers (prayer) and alms have come up for a memorial before God,” Acts 10:4; Acts 10:31. There is no good or evil that we do that goes unnoticed by God. Jehovah heard his prayer(s), as well, as beholding his alms among the Jews. The Lord seeth and heareth all things: the good, the bad, and the ugly in all people. The Lord told his apostles:
1) Nothing is covered: “For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known,” Luke 12:2; Matthew 6:1-4; Hebrews 4:13.
2) Nothing is unheard: “Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops,” Luke 12:3; Matthew 6:5-8; Matthew 12:36-37.
3) If God is to judge all sinners, in righteousness. He must see and hear everything they say and do. Is there anyone contending (those that deny that God hears sinner's prayers) that God sees only their evil, and hears only their condemnation; but, does not see their good deeds, or hear their cry for His help? This does not describe the Lord of Glory, in whom I have put my trust! Psalms 112:5; Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 10:42; Hebrews 6:10.
4) Conclusion: God sees and hears all things. He will judge men for their words and their actions. God sees and hears all our good and evil. He listened to Cornelius's prayer(s) and sent an angel to direct him, to send men to Joppa to fetch Peter that he might: “hear all things that are commanded of God,” Acts 10:32-33.
b. Further, the angel’s message: "Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter; he is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside, he will tell you what you must do,” Acts 10:5-6. Let’s dig a little deeper into the words the angel spoke unto Cornelius. Consider—
1) Send men to Joppa, and ask for Simon whose surname is Peter.
2) He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside.
3) He will tell you what thou must do. What was Cornelius asking of God? The answer will be evident in a few moments!
4) The angel gave Cornelius instruction: to send men to Joppa, to ask for Simon Peter, he shall tell thee: “what you must do.” The angel did not instruct him in his salvation. His work was to get the man to the preacher, or the preacher to the man! We will review Peter’s words a little further in the lesson.
a) God answered Cornelius' prayer. The angel's message was to send for Peter, to hear words from the preacher, Romans 10:13-17; 2 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 2:9. It was not permitted for angels, nor Old Testament prophets, to give witness of this salvation sent down from heaven, Galatians 1:6-12; 1 Peter 1:10-12.
b) If you have been praying a similar prayer: God has sent you an answer. Like Isaiah: “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me,” Isaiah 6:8; Isaiah 65:1; 1 Peter 2:9-10.
c) The Lord has sent me to help you "learn of God's will more perfectly," Acts 18:26. I am not there, but His words are life-giving today, just as they were yesterday, Hebrews 13:8. You only need to do as Cornelius and his entire house had done: to obey the gospel of Christ, Romans 1:16; Acts 6:7; 1 Corinthians 1:18-24.
c. Finally, Cornelius’ obedience. He sends men to Joppa to find Peter; that he might hear words from the preacher, Acts 10:7-8; Romans 10:13-17.
3. Peter’s preparation and reception. Sometimes, God has to prepare the preacher for his future work. This He did in the city of Joppa, for Peter, Acts 10:9-16. After God's direction, the plan was now ready to be unfolded. Consider--
a. The messengers from Caesarea arrive in Joppa, Acts 10:17-22.
b. Peter’s departure and arrival at Caesarea, Acts 10:23-24.
c. Peter’s entering into Cornelius’ house, Acts 10:25-35.
d. Peter’s message of salvation unto Cornelius and his entire house, Acts 10:36-48.
Peter’s message was the answer to Cornelius’ prayer. Peter now tells Cornelius what he and his entire house must do to be saved. Observe--
1) Peter, now tells Cornelius: “What thou must do,” Acts 10:6. This statement is repeated three other times during this account, Acts 10:22; Acts 10:32-33; Acts 11:14. Let’s consider the question, and Peter’s answer--
a. Question: What words, was Peter to speak unto Cornelius and his entire house?
b. Answer: Peter's response came during his interrogation by his brethren in Jerusalem, Acts 11:1-12. Peter explained his visiting with these Gentiles, entering into their house, and eating with them, Acts 10:28; Acts 11:1-3; Acts 11:18.
c. Peter said: “And the Spirit bade me go with them...And he showed us how he had seen an angel...which stood and said unto him: Send men to Joppa for Simon, who surname is Peter: Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and thy entire house shall be saved,” Acts 11:13-14. Now we know what Cornelius was praying for unto God. To hear words that he and his entire house might be saved.
d. This is how God answered Cornelius’ “prayer for salvation.” If you pray in the same fashion, God will send someone to answer! 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-6. It might be He is speaking to you right now through this lesson!
NOTE: Illustrate, review our lesson entitled: Cornelius’ Conversion, on SermonCentral.com. Download this lesson to obtain Peter’s message of salvation, we expanded on his sermon, to Cornelius and his entire house. Link:
https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/cornelius-conversion-ron-freeman-evangelist-sermon-on-faith-199599?ref=SermonSerps
4. Now somehow, again, we must reconcile John 9:31, with Acts 10:31. John 9:31 says: "God heareth not sinners." This does not mean He does not audibly hear and carefully listens to what we ask of Him. Again, He answers our prayers in line with His revealed will. He sent a man down to Caesarea to help Cornelius and his family to receive words: "Whereby he and his house shall be saved," Acts 11:14.
5. Conclusion: If you have been seeking a word of understanding to your prayers, the Lord is granting you instruction right now, in this lesson. There will be no visit from an angel, no confrontation from Jesus. He has given you your answer. What will you do with it? “Today is the day of salvation, now is the acceptable time,” 2 Corinthians 6:2. We are now ready to conclude this lesson. Recall we discussed--
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Doth God Hear Sinners?
B. Summarize main points.
1. In this sermon-series, we answered the question: “Doth God Hear Sinners?” We mean: can a sinner pray for salvation under the “New Testament Covenant?” Is there such a thing as a "Sinner's Prayer?" We actually, re-dug in an old well to find our answer. We really, "dug a little deeper," in the word of truth. In our scripture of emphasis, which reads: "Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man is a worshipper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth,” John 9:31.
2. This verse has been troubling to many over the years. Many have used it to infer that God does not hear a sinner's prayer. And, therefore, his prayer cannot be the source of his salvation. We found it essential to consider this text within the context of the scriptures.
3. This we did, to get some: "new water from an old well." Our conclusion was this: There is no biblical truth that God does not hear sinners. He does listen to them; but, answers them in light of His revealed will! God sent a disciple to help Saul, and a preacher to help Cornelius and his family. He has sent me to help you! Let’s be clear, God will hear your prayer if it agrees with: “His divine will.” He will save you and yours, like he did these believers, in the lesson.
4. Finally, we concluded that nowhere in the scriptures is there a passage, or an example, or necessary inference, of a model: “Sinner’s Prayer.” This is the doctrine and commandments of men, and not of Christ, Matthew 15:8-9. It is not our words uttered in a prayer that saves us; it is our faith and obedience to the word of God. It is the gospel of Christ, spoken by God's man, and our obedience to it that saves. Paul wrote: “Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia: And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: But they had heard only: That he who persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me,” Galatians 1:21-24. Paul was, “obedient unto the heavenly vision and the man sent to tell him what to do,” Acts 26:19; Acts 9:6; Acts 22:16.
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
NOTE: Download our Examine Yourself Survey on SermonCentral.com. Copy this link and paste it into your browser: https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/examine-yourselves-a-self-survey-ron-freeman-evangelist-sermon-on-faith-204562?ref=SermonSerps
References:
1. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
2. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
