Church isn’t meant to just be an hour on your Sunday. It’s
meant to be a family for everyday.
One of the ways we see it described is through “one another statements”
Last week we looked at “loving one another”
[Romans 12:9]
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
Another word for this type of commitment is “devotion”.
In the same way, followers of Jesus are called to be devoted.
[Acts 2:41-42]
Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day — about 3,000 in all. All
the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s supper, and to prayer.
So the Bible is crystal clear in this passage what these new
followers of Jesus were devoted to… and it extended far
beyond just simply “attending Church”. It was devotion to
something so much larger.
They devoted themselves to biblical teaching.
[Read Acts 2:42]
all the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’
teaching…
[John 1:1-5]
in The beginning the word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He exited in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created. And his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
Fellowship with other believers.
[Acts 2:42]
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’
teaching… AND to fellowship, and sharing in meals, including the Lord’s supper.
[Romans 12:10, 13]
Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other… When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Devoted To Prayer
[Acts 2:42]
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’
teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals, including the Lord’s supper, and to prayer.
Are you devoted to prayer in your life? Not just when life is good or you need something from God… but prayer as a lifestyle.
[1 These. 5:16-18]
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
When we are devoted to prayer and praying together, we are
reminded that we don’t have to tackle life alone.
[Acts 2:43-47]
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the
apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Three Results From Being Devoted:
Tremendous acts of generosity — verses 44-45
Nothing was their own. They shared everything! They
saw a need and met it.
Since expressions of worship — verses 46-47
They worshiped together. They praised God for what He
had done in their lives through Jesus.
Spiritual change in the lives of their friends, family, and
neighbors — verse 47
Their radical lifestyles and countercultural living
attracted all kinds of people to want to be a part of it.
This is what a community looks like when the followers of Jesus are devoted to those three things…
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Application Questions
1. What stood out to you from this message and why?
2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
4. How will this message change how you act at home, work and in the your relationships?