348
THE KING’ S BUSINESS
“never doubting,” no matter how out of the ordinary His commands may seem. One all-conclusive reason was given Peter why he should “go with them,” and that was because God had “ sent them” (v. 20). When God sends mea to us and for us they are the men we should go with, whether they are those we would naturally have chosen or not. . OUTLINE What did the vessel contain that aroused the prejudice o f Peter? Lev, 11. What had Christ taught concerning this subject? Mark 7:15-23. Was there any significance in the three fold coming . o f the vessel? Compare Christ’s three-fold temptation. Matt. 4:1-11. Peter’s three denials o f Christ, Matt. 26 :67-75. ' Paul’s three requests concerning the thorn. 2 Cor. 12 : 8 . Is there any suggestion here o f the uni versal character o f the church? Gal 3:28; Eph. 2:19-22. Who alone has power to admit or exclude from the church o f God? Eph. 1:22. What prophecy was about to be fulfilled? Gen. 12:3. Had Peter previously announced the call o f the Gentiles ? Acts 2 :21, 39. Who was afterwards used in the further opening o f the door to the Gentiles? Acts 11:26; 14:27. (3 ) The Visit of the Messengers, vs. 17-23. What was the promise o f the Lord con cerning the guidance o f the Spirit? John 16:6, 7, Does the Holy Spirit have unquestioned authority as the executive o f the God-head? 1 Cor. 12:11, • Does He give definite direction to His servants? Acts 16:9, 10. What attitude should we take when the Spirit speaks ? Isa. 6 : 8 . What three-fold testimony was given concerning Cornelius? ( I ) By his servants, Prov. 20:7.
down, and go with them nothing doubting.” Hdw could Peter doubt when he had received this supernatural vision? Well, he could have doubted the same way men do today when they have received the undoubtedly supernatural revelation that we have in the Bible, and then hesitate to accept even its plainest statements. The man who goes on God’s errands should go LESSON (1 ) The Vision of Cornelius, vs. 1-8. What three things characterized Cor nelius? First, he feared God, Job 1:1; Rev. 15:4. Does that suggest his wisdom? Psa. 111:10. Second, he gave much alms, Psa. 41:1; Isa. 58:7, 8 . Does that suggest his desire to be like God? John 3:16; Rom. 8 :32. Third, he prayed to God alway, Col. 4 :2. Does that suggest his earnest desire for the light o f God? Psa. 119:18. Are all centurions mentioned in the New Testament spoken o f with favor? Matt. 8 :5 ; 27:54; Acts 27:3, 43. Is God cognizant o f the life o f each indi vidual? Heb. 6:10; Matt. 25:40. How did Cornelius describe the angelic appearancfe? v. 30. I f men were not sinners would the appearance o f the supernatural alarm them? Job 4:15; 1 John 4:18. Is the Lord indifferent to anything that is done for Him? Prov. 15:3; Heb. 4:13. Dods the Lord know the name o f our street? ch. 9:11. Does faith prove itself by obedience? Luke 7 : 8 . Was Cornelius a saved man? ch. 1 1 ;14. (2 ) The Vision of Peter, vs. 9-16. While, Simon’s servants were going down, what was Peter doing? Psa. 55:17. Were visions common manifestations to men o f God? Acts 22:17; 2 Cor. 12:3; Num. 24:4; Ezek. 8:3. May the heavens open to any man? Gen. 28:12; Acts 7:56; 9 :3 ; Luke 3:21.
Made with FlippingBook HTML5