Untitled Sermon

4 Characteristics of a Servant of God

Cornelius had a good reputation among the Jews.

English Standard Version Chapter 10

22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation

English Standard Version Chapter 10

10 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.

devout—worshipping the One True God—forsaken idolatry

fear God-- Gentile who attended the synagogue and followed the Jewish laws but had not been circumcised

give generously-- His love to God led him to love men; and this love proved its sincerity by acts of beneficence and charity

pray continually-- Felt himself a dependent creature; knew he had no good but what he had received; and considered God to be the fountain whence he was to derive all his blessings.

Cornelius’s faith had hands—he was regularly involved in activities that displayed his interest in serving others.

English Standard Version Chapter 10

3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” 4 And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.