Gentile Converts… We are going to deal with some specific challenges that many Gentile converts would have faced within the 1st century. We are also going to deal with some specific strengths that many Gentile converts would bring to the Lord’s kingdom. As we consider these things, we will make some correlation between Gentile converts & those who are converted from the world today (i.e., those who were not “raised in the church”).

Strengths & Challenges for the Gentile Christian ~ Acts 10:1-6; 34-48

Unique Challenges for the Gentile Christian Perpetually viewed by some Jews as “outsiders” because of their background/ancestry Gal. 2:12-13; 3:1-3, Rom. 2:1-3, 17-24

Unique Challenges for the Gentile Christian Perpetually viewed by some Jews as “outsiders” because of their background/ancestry Expected to conform to some Jews’ expectations for religious holiness, even if those expectations were not bound by NT Acts 15:1, 19-21; Gal. 2:16; Cf. Matt. 7:8-9; Rom. 14:1-9; Cf. Gal. 2:4-5; 1:11-17

Unique Challenges for the Gentile Christian Perpetually viewed by some Jews as “outsiders” because of their background/ancestry Expected to conform to some Jews’ expectations for religious holiness, even if those expectations were not bound by NT Many would have less knowledge of the Scriptures 1 Pet 2:8; Eph. 6:10-18; Rom. 2; Gal. 2

Unique Challenges for the Gentile Christian Perpetually viewed by some Jews as “outsiders” because of their background/ancestry Expected to conform to some Jews’ expectations for religious holiness, even if those expectations were not bound by NT Many would have less knowledge of the Scriptures Many converted from pagan backgrounds, very sinful lifestyles 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Cf. Matt. 20:1-16; Lk. 15:25-30; 1 Cor. 1-3; Gal. 5:26; 1 Cor. 5:2, 6:11

Unique Challenges for the Gentile Christian Perpetually viewed by some Jews as “outsiders” because of their background/ancestry Expected to conform to some Jews’ expectations for religious holiness, even if those expectations were not bound by NT Many would have less knowledge of the Scriptures Many converted from pagan backgrounds, very sinful lifestyles Could struggle with temptations that others would not Cf. 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Rom. 6:1-3, 11-12, 20-23

Unique Strengths for the Gentile Christian Because of background/ancestry, many would be grateful to have been grafted into God’s family Gal. 3:16, 26-29; Eph. 2:11-13

Unique Strengths for the Gentile Christian Because of background/ancestry, many would be grateful to have been grafted into God’s family Conform to man’s traditions/doctrines, or stand for truth Cf. Matt. 7:8-9; Gal. 1:6-8

Unique Strengths for the Gentile Christian Because of background/ancestry, many would be grateful to have been grafted into God’s family Conform to man’s traditions/doctrines, or stand for truth Many were fervently motivated to learn history of God’s people, as well as Christ’s Law 1 Cor. 10:1-13; Eph. 5:8-17

Unique Strengths for the Gentile Christian Because of background/ancestry, many would be grateful to have been grafted into God’s family Conform to man’s traditions/doctrines, or stand for truth Many would were fervently motivated to learn history of God’s people, as well as Christ’s Law Because of pagan/sinful background, many could relate to others of the world & their struggles 1 Cor. 6:11; 2 Cor. 6:16-7:1; Cf. Rom. 3:1

Unique Strengths for the Gentile Christian Because of background/ancestry, many would be grateful to have been grafted into God’s family Conform to man’s traditions/doctrines, or stand for truth Many would were fervently motivated to learn history of God’s people, as well as Christ’s Law Because of pagan/sinful background, many could relate to others of the world & their struggles Although memories of past could continue to haunt & temp, one could use this as motivation to serve with ZEAL Matt. 13:44, 45-46; Lk. 7:47; Cf. 1 Cor. 15:9-10

Conclusion: With this lesson, we have considered various “Strengths & Challenges for the Gentile Christian.” As we studied these things, we made some correlation(s) between Gentile Christians & those who have been converted from the world today. The goal has been to identify areas in need of overcoming, as well as opportunities that one’s perspective & background can bring to the Lord’s work (hopefully that will aid to encourage and challenge us all).