Untitled Sermon (5)

Acceptance, human

Synopsis

The response of human beings to the revelation and grace of God. It is seen in receiving Jesus Christ, his words and the message of the gospel, and in the acceptance of one another for his sake. Believers are called, too, to accept instruction and discipline and to submit to God’s will for their lives.

Human beings are to accept Jesus Christ

Receiving Jesus Christ

(HCSB) — 12 But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name,

See also

(HCSB) — 6 Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him,

Accepting Jesus Christ by accepting others

(HCSB) — 20 I assure you: Whoever receives anyone I send receives Me, and the one who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.”

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(HCSB) — 40 “The one who welcomes you welcomes Me, and the one who welcomes Me welcomes Him who sent Me.

(HCSB) — 5 And whoever welcomes one child like this in My name welcomes Me.

(HCSB) — 16 Whoever listens to you listens to Me. Whoever rejects you rejects Me. And whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.”

(HCSB) — 44 Then Jesus cried out, “The one who believes in Me believes not in Me, but in Him who sent Me.

Accepting Jesus Christ’s words

(HCSB) — 8 because the words that You gave Me, I have given them. They have received them and have known for certain that I came from You. They have believed that You sent Me.

See also ; ;

(HCSB) — 14 if you’re willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who is to come.

(HCSB) — 11 But He told them, “Not everyone can accept this saying, but only those it has been given to. 12 For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb, there are eunuchs who were made by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves that way because of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.”

(HCSB) — 33 The one who has accepted His testimony has affirmed that God is true. 34 For God sent Him, and He speaks God’s words, since He gives the Spirit without measure.

Refusing to accept Jesus Christ and his words

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(HCSB) — 11 He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.

(HCSB) — 11 “I assure you: We speak what We know and We testify to what We have seen, but you do not accept Our testimony.

(HCSB) — 32 He testifies to what He has seen and heard, yet no one accepts His testimony.

(HCSB) — 43 I have come in My Father’s name, yet you don’t accept Me. If someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe? While accepting glory from one another, you don’t seek the glory that comes from the only God.

(HCSB) — 60 Therefore, when many of His disciples heard this, they said, “This teaching is hard! Who can accept it?”

Acceptance of the gospel

The gospel is worthy of acceptance

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(HCSB) — 15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” —and I am the worst of them.

(HCSB) — 21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you.

See also ; ;

(HCSB) — 23 But the one sown on the good ground—this is one who hears and understands the word, who does bear fruit and yields: some 100, some 60, some 30 times what was sown.”

(HCSB) — 3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

(HCSB) — 9 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. 10 In fact, we labor and strive for this, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, especially of those who believe.

Examples of those accepting the gospel

3,000 on the day of Pentecost; the Samaritans; the Gentiles

(HCSB) — 41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them.

(HCSB) — 14 When the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had welcomed God’s message, they sent Peter and John to them.

(HCSB) — 1 The apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles had welcomed God’s message also.

Believers in Corinth:

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(HCSB) — 1 Now brothers, I want to clarify for you the gospel I proclaimed to you; you received it and have taken your stand on it.

(HCSB) — 4 For if a person comes and preaches another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or you receive a different spirit, which you had not received, or a different gospel, which you had not accepted, you put up with it splendidly!

believers in Galatia

(HCSB) — 9 As we have said before, I now say again: If anyone preaches to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse be on him!

Believers in Thessalonica:

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(HCSB) — 6 and you became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with joy from the Holy Spirit.

(HCSB) — 13 But we must always thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God has chosen you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth.

Rejection of the gospel

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(HCSB) — 18 and saw Him telling me, ‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about Me!’

(HCSB) — 15 For if their rejection brings reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead?

(HCSB) — 14 But the unbeliever does not welcome what comes from God’s Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to understand it since it is evaluated spiritually.

Acceptance of one another

A right self-acceptance

Paul accepts himself as a sinner saved by God’s grace and entrusted with an important ministry; Loving others requires a proper self-love: the recognition that people are made in God’s image and are the objects of his love.

(HCSB) — 10 But by God’s grace I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not ineffective. However, I worked more than any of them, yet not I, but God’s grace that was with me.

(HCSB) — 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.

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(HCSB) — 18 Do not take revenge or bear a grudge against members of your community, but love your neighbor as yourself; I am Yahweh.

(HCSB) — 39 The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.

(HCSB) — 33 And to love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is far more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

(HCSB) — 9 The commandments: Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not covet; and whatever other commandment—all are summed up by this: Love your neighbor as yourself.

(HCSB) — 12 I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry— 13 one who was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

(HCSB) — 8 Indeed, if you keep the royal law prescribed in the Scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well.

Acceptance of one another because of God’s example

(HCSB) — 7 Therefore accept one another, just as the Messiah also accepted you, to the glory of God.

See also ;

(HCSB) — 34 “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.

(HCSB) — 12 This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you.

Acceptance of those whom God has accepted

(HCSB) — 1 Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about doubtful issues.

See also God’s people should reflect his concern for the weak and defenceless; Jesus Christ rebukes his disciples for turning away children.

(HCSB) — 18 He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. 19 You also must love the foreigner, since you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.

(HCSB) — 13 Then children were brought to Him so He might put His hands on them and pray. But the disciples rebuked them. 14 Then Jesus said, “Leave the children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to Me, because the kingdom of heaven is made up of people like this.”

Ananias’ acceptance of Saul:

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(HCSB) — 11 “Get up and go to the street called Straight,” the Lord said to him, “to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, since he is praying there. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so he can regain his sight.” 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go! For this man is My chosen instrument to take My name to Gentiles, kings, and the Israelites. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for My name!” 17 So Ananias left and entered the house. Then he placed his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so that you can regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

(HCSB) — 12 Someone named Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good reputation with all the Jews residing there, 13 came and stood by me and said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight.’ And in that very hour I looked up and saw him.

Barnabas’ acceptance of Saul

(HCSB) — 27 Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that He had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.

Acceptance of the Gentiles:

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(HCSB) — 15 Again, a second time, a voice said to him, “What God has made clean, you must not call common.”

(HCSB) — 28 Peter said to them, “You know it’s forbidden for a Jewish man to associate with or visit a foreigner. But God has shown me that I must not call any person common or unclean.

(HCSB) — 47 “Can anyone withhold water and prevent these people from being baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

Acceptance of outsiders who join God’s people

(HCSB) — 33 “When a foreigner lives with you in your land, you must not oppress him. 34 You must regard the foreigner who lives with you as the native-born among you. You are to love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt; I am Yahweh your God.

See also

(HCSB) — 22 You will allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the foreigners living among you, who have fathered children among you. You will treat them like native-born Israelites; along with you, they will be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. 23 In whatever tribe the foreigner lives, you will assign his inheritance there.” This is the declaration of the Lord God.

Acceptance of itinerant ministers

(HCSB) — 14 You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you. On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself.

See also ;

(HCSB) — 10 If Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear from you, because he is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am. 11 Therefore, no one should look down on him. Send him on his way in peace so he can come to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.

(HCSB) — 29 Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with all joy and hold men like him in honor, 30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.

Acceptance of things given

Acceptance of gifts

(HCSB) — 35 Then David accepted what she had brought him and said, “Go home in peace. See, I have heard what you said and have granted your request.”

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(HCSB) — 10 But Jacob said, “No, please! If I have found favor with you, take this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing God’s face, since you have accepted me. 11 Please take my present that was brought to you, because God has been gracious to me and I have everything I need.” So Jacob urged him until he accepted.

(HCSB) — 4 They will ask how you are and give you two loaves of bread, which you will accept from them.

(HCSB) — 3 They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

Refusal to accept gifts

Abraham refuses gifts offered by the king of Sodom; Elisha refuses a gift offered by Naaman; Mordecai refuses fine clothes from Esther.

(HCSB) — 23 that I will not take a thread or sandal strap or anything that belongs to you, so you can never say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ 24 I will take nothing except what the servants have eaten. But as for the share of the men who came with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre—they can take their share.”

(HCSB) — 15 Then Naaman and his whole company went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “I know there’s no God in the whole world except in Israel. Therefore, please accept a gift from your servant.” 16 But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, I stand before Him. I will not accept it.” Naaman urged him to accept it, but he refused.

(HCSB) — 4 Esther’s female servants and her eunuchs came and reported the news to her, and the queen was overcome with fear. She sent clothes for Mordecai to wear so he could take off his sackcloth, but he did not accept them.

Acceptance of instruction

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(HCSB) — 22 Receive instruction from His mouth, and place His sayings in your heart.

(HCSB) — 10 Listen, my son. Accept my words, and you will live many years.

(HCSB) — 8 A wise heart accepts commands, but foolish lips will be destroyed.

(HCSB) — 20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life.

(HCSB) — 24 Those who are confused will gain understanding, and those who grumble will accept instruction.

Acceptance of discipline

(HCSB) — 17 See how happy the man is God corrects; so do not reject the discipline of the Almighty.

See also ; ; ; ; ;

(HCSB) — 18 “If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father or mother and doesn’t listen to them even after they discipline him,

(HCSB) — 12 Lord, happy is the man You discipline and teach from Your law

(HCSB) — 11 Do not despise the Lord’s instruction, my son, and do not loathe His discipline; 12 for the Lord disciplines the one He loves, just as a father, the son he delights in.

(HCSB) — 17 The one who follows instruction is on the path to life, but the one who rejects correction goes astray.

(HCSB) — 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly or faint when you are reproved by Him, 6 for the Lord disciplines the one He loves and punishes every son He receives. 7 Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline?

(HCSB) — 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent.

Acceptance of God’s will

(HCSB) — 39 Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

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(HCSB) — 10 “You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?” Throughout all this Job did not sin in what he said.

(HCSB) — 8 I delight to do Your will, my God; Your instruction lives within me.”

(HCSB) — 5 The Lord God has opened My ear, and I was not rebellious; I did not turn back.

(HCSB) — 28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

Acceptance of bribes forbidden

(HCSB) — 8 You must not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and corrupts the words of the righteous.

God is impartial and cannot be bribed:

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(HCSB) — 17 For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and taking no bribe.

(HCSB) — 7 And now, may the terror of the Lord be on you. Watch what you do, for there is no injustice or partiality or taking bribes with the Lord our God.”

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(HCSB) — 5 who does not lend his money at interest or take a bribe against the innocent — the one who does these things will never be moved.

(HCSB) — 23 A wicked man secretly takes a bribe to subvert the course of justice.

(HCSB) — 15 The one who lives righteously and speaks rightly, who refuses gain from extortion, whose hand never takes a bribe, who stops his ears from listening to murderous plots and shuts his eyes to avoid endorsing evil —