The Power of a Changed Attitude pt. 3

From Exclusiviely to Inclusively

Acts 10:24–28 “And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.”

Introduction.

A. Review.

During the last few times I have been with you, we have been discussing the subject entitled: The Power of a Changed Attitude.

Here we have defined our attitude as the lense in which we interpret life through.

It is our attitude that often times shapes our mindset, and determines our behavior.

The first week, we took a look at the story of the good Samaritan, where Jesus confronts a prideful attitude from the lawyer who was trying to trap him, and demonstrated how we are to have compassion with our neighbor. Compassion means to not only identify with somones pain, but to help eliveate them out of it.

We then continued this subject and and looked at Paul’s story on the road to Demascus, and spoke about how we can move from Blindness to Vision.

We spoke about how Paul’s previous attitude caused him to be blind to the new testement church. causing him to persecute them. Moreover when he had received his vision, it gave him a renewed sense of purpose and direction in life.

B. Overview.

Today we are going to continue our series on “The power of a changed attitude.” Moreover, we are going to look at a pivotal moment in the early church that demonstrates how a changed attitude can literally change the course of history.

Context

Today we are going to be focusing on Peter’s story, and how God had to confront his deeply ingrained, but incorrect beliefs about who the gospel was for.

At this point in time, for the Jewish people, the world was divided into two groups: the “clean” which were the Jews and the “unclean” Gentiles. This was more than just a cultural habit,’ it was deeply rooted in their theological understanding of the Old Testament Law. The gospel was for the Jews, and the rest of the world was outside of the circle. However, in our text, we see how God changes Peters exclusive attitude with providing him a vision to how he was to make the goslep available for the gentiles aswell.

Today we are going to learn three things regarding moving from an exclusive mindset to an inclusive mindset.

The importance of confronting our exclusive mindset.

Having a revelation of Gods inclusive heart.

steps we can take to change our attitude from exclusivity to inclusivity.

Message.

I. Confronting our exclusive mindset.

Q. What is an exclusive mindset?

An exclusive mindset is a way of thinking that prioritizes separation, limitation, or restriction - often drawing clear boundaries about who or what is allowed “in” verses who or what is kept “out.”

An exclusive mindset does such things:

Prioritizes select groups or individuals over others.

values control and boundaries more than openness and inclusion.

Define worth or belonging by condistions, such as status, background, beleifs, or achevements.

Limit opportunities, access, or relationships to only a chosen few.

Beleive it or not, we all can have an exclusive mindset from time to time. This is because we all have the nature of the flesh, which is the nature of man without God.

Because we have a flesh nature, our mindset and attitudes can be shapped by such things as our culture, information we believed to this poin tin life, and as a result can shape an attitude that can be exclusive.

As we live life, we see this all of the time. When we were young, we may have noticed people clicking up and surrounding themselves with people who think like them, act like them etc.

Come to think of this, we can all tend to do this subconciously. This also prevelent in our work places, when we tend to take feedback or instruction from certain people of status and not listen to other people. Sometimes people wont want to work with people who dont think, act or look like themselves.

Exclusivity is prevelent in our culture right now where people have been programmed to think in a way that is divisive. Whether it is right wing, left wing. Republican, Democrat, black vs white, up vs. down.

We even see this in the church on Sunday mornings, you can tell what is your “white church” or “black church.”

The problem is, when we feed into this too much, it divides us as people.

Moreover, the scripture is clear, in James 3:16

James 3:16 NKJV

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

As we look at our text, this is the attitude Jesus exposes to Peter in his vision.

A vision is simply a revelation from God. Usually this was given thorugh a dream like experience while a person would be asleep, like Joseph, or awake like Peter in this case.

Visions would often times be symbolic, in which would require an interpretation.

Here in Peter’s vision, God would see heaven open up and he would see a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending down to earth. On this sheet he would see all kinds of four footed animals of the earth.

Acts 10:10–14 “Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.””

This was significant because according to the Jewish law, seen in Leviticus 11:1-23 and Deuteronomy 14:3-21, the jews were not supposed to touch, eat or kill because this kind of food was considered “unclean.”

Because of Peter’s training regarding unclean animals, this would prompt his response saying in Acts 10:14 “But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.””

Here are three things an exclusie mindset can do and why it needs confrontation.

Division and Disunity.

This exclusive mindse tcreated an us vs them mindset amongst the Jews. Because of the work God was doing, this needed to be confronted.

Division in the church can fragment the body of Christ and hinder fellowship.

2. Missed opportunities for growth.

a By shutting others out, people miss the change to learn from different perspectives, culture, or experiences.

b. It can limit both personal and spiritual growth, keeping individuals trapped in narrow thinking.

3. Barrier to Love and Outreach.

a.Exclusivity stifles compassion. Making it harder to welcome outsiders or share Godsl lvie effectively.

b. It can cause others to feel rejected or judged, pushing them away rather than drawing them near.

II. The revelation of God’s inclusive heart.

What this vision showed Peter wasn’t about food, but it was about people. Moreover, what this revelation did was cause him to wrestle with what was, and what God was doing.

A. What was:

Scripture does show how the Gospel was first to the Jews, however, it was not just meant to stay amongst the Jews, it was also to include the Gentiles.

Because of this, this cauesd peter to wrestle with the revelation he has received.

When I think of him wrestling, I am reminded of whin Jacob wrestled with God in Genesis 32.

Moreover, Peter was wrestling with the idea of what he once called “unclean.”

Acts 10:15 “And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.””

Here Peter had to learn that the Old Testament riturals were no longer binding. Believers were not to call unclean what God has cleansed or to ttreat others disparagingly whose actions honor God.

This was a wrestle for Peter because this vision would tear down the wall between Jews and Gentiles.

B. What was happening.

The Gospel is now being made available to all who believe and call upon the name of the Lord.

As we continue to read the text, we see How God speaks to Cornelius who was a centurion of the Itailian Regiment. This was someone who feared God and gave generously. Moreover, God would use Peter to minister to him.

Acts 10:24–28 “And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.”

This was a turning point for Peter, because God shifts his attitude from being exclusive to inclusive.

An inclusive mindset refers to a way of thinking that involves openness, empathy, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from others. It is about ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging, has the opportunity to participate, and can reach their full potential.

It is from here Peter understands that the Gospel no longer has any partiality. Acts 10:34-36.

There are three keys positive effects having an inclusive mindset has.

Here are three key positive effects of having an inclusive mindset:

Fosters Unity and Community

An inclusive mindset breaks down walls of division, allowing people from different backgrounds to connect and work together.

It builds stronger relationships, deeper trust, and a sense of belonging.

Encourages Growth and Learning

Being open to others’ perspectives, experiences, and ideas broadens your understanding.

It promotes personal, spiritual, and intellectual growth because you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone.

Expands Influence and Impact

Inclusivity allows you to reach and serve a wider range of people.

It reflects God’s love for all, opening doors for meaningful ministry, collaboration, and positive change in your community.

Conclusion.

III. Steps we can take to move from exclusivity to inclusitivioty.

1. Examine Your "Unclean" List: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any exclusive attitudes you might have. Are there certain people, groups, or communities you have written off? Are there cultural differences you let stand in the way of sharing the gospel or building relationships?

2. Embrace God's Revelation: Meditate on the truth that God shows no partiality. Recognize that His love and salvation are for everyone, and that He desires to use you to reach them.

3. Take Action: Don't just understand this truth; live it. Take a step of faith to connect with someone from a different background. Invite them to your home, start a conversation, or find a way to serve alongside them. Let your changed attitude lead to radical, inclusive action that mirrors the heart of God.