Sermon Tone Analysis

“Fresh Vision and Power for Mission”

Acts 10:9-20

INTRODUCTION:

In the previous two messages in this series, we have taken a look at the importance of renewed spiritual vision to the life of the believer.

The First message, from Proverbs 29:18, stressed the importance of renewed spiritual vision types of lacking spiritual vision.

When the child of God lacks spiritual vision, he or she becomes bound to the physical senses, Appetites and desires; thought processes and reasoning become dominated by faulty human wisdom.

When a church is filled with and led by people with lack of vision, she becomes stunted in her endeavors to fulfill the mission of Christ.

Last Sunday evening’s message took an in-depth look at one of the most energizing visions in Scripture.

Isaiah’s vision in the temple (Isaiah 6) provided a structure for the type of vision needed by every believer and every church.

Isaiah had upward vision of God in all his glory, majesty, and power.

He had an inward vision of his own sinfulness and need of cleansing.

He had an outward vision of the tremendous need of his people – coupled with the call of God to go to those people with God’s message.

Tonight, going to take a look at a vision given in the New Testament.

Please open your Bibles to the book of Acts, chapter 10.

Our primary text for this evening’s message will be verses 9 through 20.

TS: if you and I are to receive a renewed vision of God’s will and purpose for our lives that will lead to renewed power to carry out Christ’s mission, we must be willing to make the following commitments personally and corporately.

I- SPEND TIME WITH GOD, SEEKING A FRESH VISION FOR CARRYING OUT HIS MISSION.

(Acts 10:9 – 10a)

A- Recognize that it is not wise to fixate in the success of past ministry.

1- Past successes are great testimonies to past obedience and the fact that God honored it.

a- The first ten chapters of Acts are filled with instances of the early church’s obedience to God and the resulting successful ministry.

b- Peter was involved in the obedience and successes of the church.

c- In chapter 9, Peter had been used by God to bring a great move of God to the towns of Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa.

(Acts 9:32-43)

2- Past successes are dangerous if we allow them to become our focus, instead of encouragements to seek and follow Jesus today.

a- We can never fixate on what we did in years gone by, or we will miss what God wants to do through us now.

B- Seriously seek God for direction and a renewed spiritual vision for the present.

1- God is already at work to extend His mission in the world and in our pathway.

a- God had already been at work with Cornelius and his family (and people under his influence).

(Acts 10:1-8)

2- Since we do not already know exactly what God wants us to do next, we must seek a renewed vision and direction from him.

a- Peter was serious enough about seeking the Lord’s direction and renewed vision that he spent time in focused prayer (Acts 10:9-10a)

II- SURRENDER TO GOD AND THE PATHWAY OF RADICAL OBEDIENCE.

(Acts 10:10b-20)

A- Adopt an attitude of surrender.

(Acts 10:9-10)

1- The Lord call upon us to live in a mindset of predetermined obedience to the Holy Spirit.

(Romans 12:1-2).

2- Loving Him is evidenced through obedience.

(John 14:15)

B- Place yourself in a position to receive a fresh vision and new directions from the Lord.

(Acts 10:9-10)

1- This begins with making our relationship with Christ top priority in our lives.

2- This necessitates living in an attitude of prayer.

(1 Thessalonians 5:17)

3- Seeking his will in every area of life must be an uncompromisable principle.

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

C- Do not dismiss directions simply because they seem radical or outside of everyday norms.

(Acts 10:11-15)

1- Our decisions must never be governed by man-made rules and guidelines, but by the leadership of God.

a- The Jewish refusal cited by Peter was a man-made rule.

b- What is more important: Following man’s rules or obeying God’s Spirit?

(Answer is a No-brainer!)

2- Our decisions are not to be determined by our comfort zone, but by the advancement of Christ’s mission.

a- It is more important to advance Christ’s mission to seek and save the lost than for me to live in my comfort zone!

D- Remain open for the clear direction of the Holy Spirit in applying and employing His fresh vision and directions.

(Acts 10:16-20)

1- While pondering the question of application is necessary, we need to also be watching and listening for Him to make his directions clear.

E- Move without hesitation in surrender to God and the pathway of radical obedience.(Acts

10:21-33) (Focus : Acts 10:21-23, 28-29, 33)

1- When God makes his directions known to you, delays in obedience are not an option!

a- Delayed or partial obedience is disobedience.

b- Delayed obedience may have serious consequences!

F- Experience the remarkable power of God working through you.

)Acts 10:34-48) (Focus: Acts 10:34-36, 42-44)

CONCLUSION: