Breaking Down Walls: Chasing God and Lifting Others

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the theme of breaking down walls, focusing on the divisions that permeate our society—racial, socioeconomic, gender, and more. These barriers are a daily reality, but God envisions a church that transcends these divides, uniting people through a shared love for Him. This vision is exemplified in Acts chapter 10, where we meet Cornelius, a man who, despite not being of Jewish lineage, becomes a devout follower of God. Cornelius is a "God chaser," someone who prioritizes his relationship with God above all else. His story challenges us to reflect on what we are chasing in our own lives. Are we pursuing status, career, or material wealth, or are we chasing God?

Cornelius's journey teaches us that prayer is a powerful tool for transformation. It is in prayer that God moves, providing clarity, direction, and the courage to make necessary changes in our lives. God sees us, just as He saw Cornelius, and desires more for us than we can imagine. Our obedience to God's call is a testament to our relationship with Him. Cornelius's immediate response to God's instruction to seek out Peter demonstrates the importance of acting on God's guidance without hesitation.

Furthermore, Cornelius's story highlights the necessity of community in our spiritual journey. God uses others to help us grow and reach our next steps. Just as Cornelius needed Peter, we too need others to support and guide us. This interdependence is a reminder that we are not meant to walk our spiritual paths alone.

Finally, we are called to be lifters, not lids. Lids limit and hold people back, while lifters elevate and encourage others to reach their full potential in Christ. Peter's transformation from a lid to a lifter illustrates the power of God's inclusive love, which breaks down barriers and unites us all at the foot of the cross. As we enter a season of 21 days of prayer and fasting, let us commit to chasing God and lifting others, recognizing that we are all in need of His grace and love.

Key Takeaways

- Chasing God Over Worldly Pursuits: Cornelius exemplifies a life dedicated to chasing God rather than worldly achievements. This challenges us to evaluate what we prioritize in our lives. Are we investing our time and energy in things that draw us closer to God, or are we distracted by the pursuit of status and material success? [05:19]

- The Power of Prayer: Prayer is not about eloquence but about the heart's posture. It is in prayer that God moves, providing guidance and clarity. We are reminded that God does not grade our prayers but values our sincerity and dependence on Him. [07:35]

- God Sees and Desires More for Us: Just as God saw Cornelius and desired more for him, He sees us and wants to lead us into a deeper relationship with Him. Our spiritual journey is not about impressing others but about living for an audience of one—God. [12:22]

- Immediate Obedience to God's Call: Cornelius's immediate response to God's instruction highlights the importance of obedience. Our willingness to act on God's guidance is a reflection of our faith and trust in Him. Delayed obedience can hinder our spiritual growth and the blessings God has for us. [13:44]

- Being Lifters, Not Lids: We are called to lift others up, not hold them back. Peter's transformation from a lid to a lifter demonstrates the power of God's love to break down barriers. We are encouraged to be lifters in our communities, helping others grow in their faith and reach their God-given potential. [24:33]

Youtube Chapters

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:59] - Divisions in Society
- [05:19] - Cornelius: A God Chaser
- [07:35] - The Heart of Prayer
- [08:50] - The Power of Prayer
- [09:47] - God Moves in Prayer
- [12:22] - God Sees and Desires More
- [13:44] - Immediate Obedience
- [15:16] - Community in Spiritual Growth
- [16:45] - The Role of Others
- [19:20] - Lids vs. Lifters
- [24:33] - Peter's Transformation
- [27:14] - Breaking Down Barriers
- [29:23] - 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
- [33:39] - Being Lifters in Our Community

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Breaking Down Walls

Bible Reading:
- Acts 10:1-48
- Matthew 28:19-20
- Acts 1:8

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Observation Questions:

1. What societal divisions are highlighted in the sermon, and how do they relate to the story of Cornelius in Acts 10? [00:59]

2. How is Cornelius described in Acts 10, and what does it mean for him to be a "God chaser"? [05:19]

3. What role does prayer play in Cornelius's life, and how does it influence his actions? [09:47]

4. How does Peter's transformation from a "lid" to a "lifter" demonstrate the power of God's inclusive love? [24:33]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of Cornelius challenge the early church's understanding of who can be included in God's family? [12:22]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that prayer can lead to transformation and clarity in one's life? [09:47]

3. How does the concept of being a "lifter" rather than a "lid" apply to modern-day relationships within the church community? [19:20]

4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of immediate obedience to God's call, as demonstrated by Cornelius? [13:44]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: What are you currently chasing, and how does it align with the idea of being a "God chaser" like Cornelius? [05:19]

2. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine to seek God's guidance and clarity? [09:47]

3. Identify a division or barrier in your community or church. What steps can you take to help break down this wall and promote unity? [00:59]

4. Think of someone in your life who might need support or encouragement. How can you be a "lifter" for them this week? [19:20]

5. Consider a time when you hesitated to obey God's call. What can you learn from Cornelius's immediate obedience, and how can you apply it to future situations? [13:44]

6. During the 21 days of prayer and fasting, what specific distractions can you set aside to focus more on your relationship with God? [29:23]

7. How can you actively participate in creating a more inclusive and loving church environment, following Peter's example of transformation? [24:33]

Devotional

Day 1: Prioritizing Divine Pursuits Over Worldly Gains
In a world that often measures success by status, career, and material wealth, the story of Cornelius challenges us to reevaluate our priorities. Cornelius, a man of non-Jewish lineage, is described as a "God chaser," someone who places his relationship with God above all else. This narrative invites us to reflect on our own lives and consider what we are truly chasing. Are we investing our time and energy in pursuits that draw us closer to God, or are we distracted by the allure of worldly achievements? Cornelius's example serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate fulfillment comes from seeking God and aligning our lives with His purpose. [05:19]

Isaiah 55:2-3 (ESV): "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David."

Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you find yourself chasing after worldly success? How can you begin to shift your focus towards pursuing a deeper relationship with God today?


Day 2: The Transformative Power of Sincere Prayer
Prayer is a profound tool for transformation, not because of its eloquence but because of the heart's posture. It is in prayer that God moves, providing guidance, clarity, and the courage to make necessary changes in our lives. The story of Cornelius reminds us that God does not grade our prayers based on their sophistication but values our sincerity and dependence on Him. Through prayer, we open ourselves to God's presence, allowing Him to work in and through us. This understanding encourages us to approach prayer with humility and authenticity, trusting that God hears and responds to our heartfelt cries. [07:35]

James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Reflection: Reflect on your current prayer life. How can you cultivate a more sincere and authentic posture in your prayers, focusing on your heart's connection with God rather than the words you use?


Day 3: God's Vision for Our Lives
Just as God saw Cornelius and desired more for him, He sees us and wants to lead us into a deeper relationship with Him. Our spiritual journey is not about impressing others but about living for an audience of one—God. This perspective shifts our focus from seeking approval from people to seeking God's will for our lives. God desires to guide us into a life that reflects His love and grace, and He calls us to trust in His plans, which are far greater than we can imagine. Embracing this truth allows us to live with purpose and confidence, knowing that we are seen and loved by our Creator. [12:22]

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."

Reflection: In what ways are you currently seeking approval from others rather than God? How can you begin to shift your focus towards living for God's vision for your life?


Day 4: The Importance of Immediate Obedience
Cornelius's immediate response to God's instruction to seek out Peter highlights the importance of obedience. Our willingness to act on God's guidance is a reflection of our faith and trust in Him. Delayed obedience can hinder our spiritual growth and the blessings God has for us. By responding promptly to God's call, we demonstrate our commitment to His will and open ourselves to the transformative work He desires to do in our lives. This narrative encourages us to listen attentively to God's voice and to act with urgency when He calls us to move. [13:44]

1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt God prompting you to act. Did you respond immediately, or did you hesitate? How can you cultivate a habit of immediate obedience to God's guidance in your daily life?


Day 5: Becoming Lifters in Our Communities
We are called to lift others up, not hold them back. Peter's transformation from a lid to a lifter demonstrates the power of God's love to break down barriers. As followers of Christ, we are encouraged to be lifters in our communities, helping others grow in their faith and reach their God-given potential. This calling challenges us to examine our interactions with others and to consider how we can be sources of encouragement and support. By embracing this role, we participate in God's work of building a community that reflects His inclusive love and grace. [24:33]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Identify someone in your community who may need encouragement or support. How can you intentionally reach out to them this week to lift them up and help them grow in their faith?

Quotes

"We live in a world that may be divided across these lines, but when God envisioned the church, he envisioned the church where people of all different backgrounds and different socioeconomic status and different races and different genders found something they cared about more. More than just their divisions. And that was their love for God. And because of the love for God, they would then go out and bring transformation to a broken world." [00:01:46] (29 seconds)


"Every time you pause and you pray, and I know some of you say, well, Pastor, you don't understand, I'm really not a good prayer. Listen, God does not grade your prayers on a grading scale. He grades your prayers on your heart condition, not what comes out of your mouth. So, you're not in a prayer competition with anybody." [00:07:23] (22 seconds)


"When we live the Christian life, we are not doing it to impress others. We're not doing it to try to get fame from others. We're not trying to get likes from others. No, we are doing it for an audience of one. Do you realize that? God, God don't care whether God, God, God looks at you and God sees your heart. God sees your efforts." [00:11:42] (22 seconds)


"Immediately, immediately, Cornelius does what God says. Cornelius doesn't debate with God about whether I should go or not or how we're going to pull this off. He immediately obeys what God says to do. Parenthetic, I want you to catch this, friends. Your obedience to God is a great measure of your relationship with God." [00:13:18] (27 seconds)


"It's amazing how God teaches in this very passage, the very truth that none of us get to our next step on our own. But God uses other people to help you to get to where God wants you to be. I don't know what your spiritual journey looks like, but I hope you don't think you arrive where you are spiritually. By yourself." [00:16:19] (29 seconds)


"Peter is going through a transformation because all Peter's life, he said, these people can't get close to God. But Peter had forgotten. This is not the Old Testament anymore. This is not Moses and Exodus. No, no, no. When Jesus came and died on the cross, the veil in the temple was rent in two. When Jesus died, men and women were now equal in Christ." [00:24:43] (26 seconds)


"That we are called to be lifters. And this is what he's telling Peter in the text. Cornelius has been there, and Cornelius has had a leader in his life his whole life. He says, go get Peter, because Peter is going to help you lift that leader off your life. And when Peter shows up, Peter begins to already treat him with dignity, and treat him with value, and treat him with respect." [00:26:43] (27 seconds)


"Help us, God, to find people in our circles, in our homes, in our coworkers, in our friendship circles, Lord, that you just want to use us to lift them up. So maybe that's by spending time with them. Maybe that's by praying with them or praying for them. Or maybe that's just by sending them a text or letting them know we were just thinking about them, Lord." [00:34:09] (20 seconds)


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Transcript
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