I'm in Over My Head

Matthew 5:17 ESV

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

Matthew 5:19 ESV

Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

1-I’m in Over My Head

Ezekiel 47:1–6 ESV

1 Then he brought me back to the door of the temple, and behold, water was issuing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar. 2 Then he brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around on the outside to the outer gate that faces toward the east; and behold, the water was trickling out on the south side. 3 Going on eastward with a measuring line in his hand, the man measured a thousand cubits, and then led me through the water, and it was ankle-deep. 4 Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was knee-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was waist-deep. 5 Again he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen. It was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through. 6 And he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” Then he led me back to the bank of the river.

Ezekiel 47:1-6

2-I’m Committed Beyond My Abilities

Peter always made promises he couldn’t keep. Now he lets the Spirit lead him

How do we put ourselves in a position to be used by God? Peter did not start his day thinking that he would herald salvation to the Gentiles…

2.1-The Spirit is Seeking Willing Hearts

The Spirit commissions the ministry to the Gentiles - but he begins with the Gentiles. Things are happening behind the scenes.

Cornelius was a God fearer, not a Jew - the 7 laws of Noah. He was righteous, generous, respected

1.Do not deny God.

2.Do not blaspheme God.

3.Do not murder.

4.Do not be sexually impure.

5.Do not steal.

6.Do not eat from a live animal.

7.Establish courts/legal system to ensure obedience to said laws.

2 Chronicles 16:9 ESV

9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.”

2 Chronicles 16:9

2.2-The Spirit is Changing Willing Hearts

2.2-The Spirit is Changing Willing Hearts

Even in his dreams Peter was devout

2.3-The Spirit is Leading Obedient Hearts

The Doppelganger Gospel - a physical double, a spiritual confirmation

2.4-The Spirit is Converting Open Hearts

Acts 10:25-48

The 3 Conversions of Peter

You might think Cornelius’ conversion is the most important but look at how the Spirit changes Peter.

2.4.1-We must sacrifice our prejudices and pride

- “but God has shown me”

2.4.2-We must sacrifice our priorities

- “God shows no partiality”

God loves all: the story of Jonah

2.4.3-We must surrender our structures and categories

- “who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have”

I am a citizen of heaven