What God has Made Clean

Study Guide

Through the obedience of both Cornelius and Peter, God advances his mission to bring people from all nations to himself through the power of the Holy Spirit. Unlike us, God’s mercy is wide—he desires that all would come to repentance. If we want to be part of his mission, we must humble ourselves and act in obedience even when we have limited information.
Application
  1. If we want to be part of God’s mission to bring people into his family, our lives must be oriented towards creating access, or “highways,” for people we view as unlikely or who don’t have access to the gospel. What could that look like in your life? How can you rid yourself of any complacency you have in this area?

  2. We must adopt a posture of openness and humility in order to be used by God. When was the last time you realized your thinking was wrong about something? Are you open to the idea that, like Peter, your knowledge is limited and could actually be an obstacle to God moving in and through you?

  3. God does not answer all our questions. Do you struggle to move in faith when you have limited information? Is there an area of your life where you feel God is prompting you to move, but you are fearful? How can you take a step towards obedience?

Key Points
  • When Cornelius is visited by an angel and receives instructions from God, he acts immediately even though he has limited information.

  • Peter experiences a vision from God, and he is confused and limited by his knowledge. But God in his mercy reassures Peter, who then acts in obedience.

  • Ultimately, Peter and Cornelius both receive clarity from God, and the gospel is advanced through the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s mercy is wide, and he wants to bring people from all nations to himself.

  • Like Peter, we must be willing to humble ourselves and be open to the idea that God is not like us. He advances his kingdom on his own terms, and he expects our faithful obedience even when our questions remain unanswered.

  • Many of us overvalue certain ideas or perspectives (about marriage, parenting, etc.), and that can limit God’s ability to work in our lives. We must be willing to let the Holy Spirit guide us so God’s power can be manifested in our lives.

  • We can trust that God will work and bring people to repentance by the work of his Spirit. People are saved not by the power of our words but of God’s desire and his presence as we are willing to speak about what he has done in our lives.

Other Scripture References

Scripture: Acts 9:32-11:18