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How often do we make assumptions about others that turn out to be wrong?
What were you thinking?
How could you have done such a thing?
ACTS 11:1 – 18
Word spread back to Jerusalem about Peter’s visit to Cornelius’ house.
Missing was the details about what God had done among the Gentiles.
What were you thinking Peter?
How could you do such a thing?
Don’t you know God’s commands?
Lesson # 1 – Just because God teaches you a new truth doesn’t mean everyone else will also know this truth.
Lesson # 2 – You are not always right!
“Opposition most commonly arises from prejudices or from false and exaggerated statements.”
Peter knew the whole story as to what had happened.
Why he went to Cornelius’ house.
What God had done.
These individuals only knew what they had heard through the grapevine.
Lesson # 3 – Don’t pass judgment until you get all the facts.
Lesson # 4 – It is okay to question the decisions of those in authority
James 3:1 - Not many of you should presume to be teachers , my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
Heb 13:17 - Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account.
Lesson # 5 - Be willing to listen with an open mind
“A simple and unvarnished statement of facts is usually the best way of disarming prejudice and silencing opposition.”
Lesson # 6 – Be open to change
“So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, WHO WAS I TO THINK THAT I COULD OPPOSE GOD?”
Gamaliel who used a similar line of reasoning with his fellow members of the Jewish Sanhedrin.
Acts 5:38-39 - Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God ."
A word of caution – God will never reveal something new that goes against or is in contrast to truth that He has already revealed.
God told me that it is okay to do this – it is no longer sin.
God told me that as long as I am sincere, I will go to heaven
God told me that all religions lead to heaven.
God told me – NOT!
You may need to explain to others who have questions about things you say or do.
You need to allow God to change their minds.
You must be willing to receive correction, for you could be wrong!
