Embracing God's New Work Through Spiritual Wisdom

God is always ready to do a new thing in our lives, but so often we get stuck in what’s familiar—our routines, our preferences, our comfort zones. Just like we turn to our favorite movie or meal out of habit, we can do the same in our spiritual walk, missing out on the fresh work of the Holy Spirit. Peter’s vision in Acts 10 is a powerful reminder that God’s wisdom redefines boundaries and calls us beyond our traditions. The vision of the sheet coming down from heaven, filled with all kinds of animals, was not just about food—it was about people. God was showing Peter that His love and salvation were for all, not just for those who fit into old categories.

Wisdom from above is what enables us to see beyond our own understanding and to recognize when God is moving in new ways. Peter had to let go of his religious past and be open to the Spirit’s leading, even when it didn’t fit his expectations. Spiritual wisdom is not just about knowing Scripture; it’s about discerning what God is doing right now and being willing to move with Him, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zones. Sometimes, God’s next move won’t fit our current mindset, and we need the Spirit’s wisdom to see and respond.

This wisdom is not just for our own benefit. When we walk in it, we become open doors for others to encounter God’s grace. Peter’s obedience unlocked salvation for Cornelius and his household, breaking down barriers of race, culture, and tradition. The church is called to be a place where every tribe, tongue, and nation is welcome, where no one is called unclean or unworthy. We must be careful not to become gatekeepers, but instead, be shepherds and gardeners who nurture what God is doing.

Ultimately, it’s not our good deeds or religious routines that make us right with God, but the cleansing work of Jesus Christ. Wisdom leads us to this truth and calls us to respond—not just with knowledge, but with action. Today, the invitation is to receive supernatural vision, to let God stretch our hearts and minds, and to walk in obedience so that others may be blessed and the kingdom of God may grow.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Familiarity Can Blind Us to God’s New Work It’s easy to default to what’s comfortable and familiar, both in life and in faith. But when we cling to the past, we risk missing the new thing God wants to do. Spiritual wisdom helps us recognize when God is moving in unexpected ways and gives us the courage to step out of our routines and into His purpose. [00:58]
• 2. Spiritual Wisdom Redefines Boundaries Peter’s vision was a radical call to move beyond old categories of clean and unclean, Jew and Gentile. God’s wisdom redefines who is included in His family and challenges us to see people through His eyes, not our traditions. This wisdom is essential for the church to fulfill its mission in a diverse and changing world. [15:53]
• 3. Revelation Without Wisdom Leads to Confusion It’s not enough to receive a word or vision from God; we need the Spirit’s wisdom to interpret and apply it rightly. Like Joseph in Egypt, timing and context matter. Wisdom keeps us from acting prematurely or misunderstanding God’s direction, turning revelation into transformation rather than confusion. [29:44]
• 4. Obedience to Wisdom Unlocks Blessings for Others When we respond to God’s wisdom, we become conduits of His grace for those around us. Peter’s willingness to enter Cornelius’s house opened the door for an entire household to experience salvation. Our obedience can break down barriers and unlock the next phase of God’s plan, not just for us, but for our community. [32:03]
• 5. Salvation Is Found Only in Christ, Not in Good Deeds Cornelius was a good man, but goodness alone could not save him. Wisdom leads us to the truth that salvation comes only through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. No matter how moral or religious we are, we must be born again—receiving the cleansing that only Christ can give.
  
  ** [42:04]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:18] - The Danger of Familiarity
• [01:21] - Peter’s Vision: God Doing a New Thing
• [03:50] - The Four Corners: God’s Global Purpose
• [05:36] - Ministry Beyond Comfort Zones
• [08:08] - Do Not Call Unclean What God Has Made Clean
• [11:22] - The Gospel Expands to the Gentiles
• [13:08] - Culture, Change, and the Church
• [15:53] - Spiritual Wisdom vs. Natural Wisdom
• [17:10] - Ruts and the Need for New Vision
• [18:22] - Receiving Supernatural Vision
• [21:41] - Wisdom Interprets God’s Voice
• [27:08] - Wisdom Connects Revelation to Reality
• [29:44] - Revelation, Wisdom, and Transformation
• [30:22] - Wisdom Opens Doors for God’s Purpose
• [32:03] - Breaking Barriers: The Church for All Nations
• [35:59] - Confronting Racial Division in the Church
• [39:16] - Gatekeepers vs. Shepherds
• [42:04] - The True Path to Salvation
• [44:30] - The Call to Respond
• [51:55] - Celebrating New Life in Christ
• [53:40] - Wisdom Unlocks Every Barrier
• [54:25] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Reading

Acts 10:9-16, 27-35 (NIV) —
> 9 About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray.
> 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.
> 11 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners.
> 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds.
> 13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
> 14 “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”
> 15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
> 16 This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.

> 27 While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people.
> 28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.
> 29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”
> 30 Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me
> 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor.
> 32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’
> 33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”
> 34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism
> 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.

James 3:17 (NIV) —
> But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Romans 10:13 (NIV) —
> for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Observation Questions

1. In Peter’s vision, what was the significance of the sheet coming down from heaven with all kinds of animals? What did God tell Peter to do, and how did Peter respond? (Acts 10:11-14; [01:51])
2. According to Acts 10:28, what did Peter realize about associating with Gentiles, and how did this challenge his previous beliefs? ([23:22])
3. How does James 3:17 describe the wisdom that comes from above? What qualities are listed?
4. In the sermon, what example did the pastor give about how the church can get stuck in what’s familiar, and what was the result when they stepped out of their comfort zone? ([05:36])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Peter initially resisted God’s command in the vision, and what does this reveal about the power of tradition and familiarity in our spiritual lives? ([12:14])
2. The sermon says, “Wisdom redefines boundaries.” In what ways did God’s wisdom challenge Peter’s understanding of who could be included in God’s family? ([15:53])
3. The pastor mentioned that revelation without wisdom leads to confusion, but with wisdom, it leads to transformation. Why is it important to seek God’s wisdom when we sense He is doing something new? ([29:44])
4. How did Peter’s obedience to God’s wisdom impact Cornelius and his household? What does this teach us about the effect our obedience can have on others? ([32:03])

Application Questions

1. The sermon warns that “familiarity can blind us to God’s new work.” Are there routines, preferences, or comfort zones in your life that might be keeping you from seeing what God wants to do next? What is one area where you sense God might be inviting you to step out? ([00:58])
2. Peter had to let go of his religious past and be open to the Spirit’s leading, even when it didn’t fit his expectations. Is there a belief, tradition, or habit you’ve held onto that God might be asking you to reconsider? How can you discern if it’s time to let go? ([15:53])
3. The pastor shared about doing ministry outside the four walls of the church and seeing lives changed. What is one practical way you could reach out to someone outside your usual circle this week? ([05:36])
4. The sermon challenges us not to be “gatekeepers” but “shepherds and gardeners.” In your relationships or church involvement, are there ways you might be unintentionally keeping people out? How can you become more of an open door for others to experience God’s grace? ([39:16])
5. Cornelius was a good man, but goodness alone could not save him. Are you or someone you know relying on good deeds or religious routines instead of a relationship with Jesus? What steps can you take to make sure your trust is in Christ alone? ([42:04])
6. The pastor asked, “Do you realize the next move of God might not fit your current mindset?” How can you prepare your heart and mind to be open to God’s new direction, even if it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar? ([19:51])
7. The sermon ended with an invitation to receive supernatural vision and walk in obedience. What is one specific step of obedience you feel God is calling you to take right now, and how can the group support you in it? ([54:25])