Sep 10, 2017
“Acts: Advancing the Gospel”
Acts 2:42-47
Devoted . . .
- They were devoted to the apostles teaching.
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching . . .” Acts 2:42
- The same Scriptures that Jesus had taught, the apostles were teaching.
“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach . . . speaking about the kingdom of God.” Acts 1:1, 3
“And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, for He was teaching them as one who had authority, not as their scribes.” Matthew 7:28-29
“And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.” Mark 1:22
- They were devoted to authentic community.
“ [They devoted themselves] . . . and the fellowship . . .” Acts 2:42
- We were created to live in relationship with God and others.
- When you are willing to allow others to get to know the real you, that is when you are able to truly be yourself.
- Authentic community is a result of spiritual unity. (John 17:20-23)
“And all who believed were together and had all things in common.” Acts 2:44
“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul . . .” Acts 4:32a
- They were devoted to communion (breaking of bread).
“[They devoted themselves] . . . to the breaking of bread . . .” Acts 2:42
- Observing communion was a reminder of the grace of God shown toward them in the sacrifice of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin and the hope of salvation.
- They were devoted to praying.
“[They devoted themselves to] . . . the prayers.” Acts 2:42
“Where there is much prayer, there will be much of the Spirit; where there is much of the Spirit, there will be ever-increasing prayer.” — Andrew Murray
- They were devoted to generosity in meeting needs.
“And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need . . . they received their food with glad and generous hearts . . .” Acts 2:45, 46 (seen in Acts 4:32-35 as well)
- Generosity is an overflow of the grace of God at work in you.
Epicenter . . .
- Your influence for the sake of the gospel will never
exceed the gospel’s influence in you.
- The depth of the gospel at work in you influences the reach of the gospel through you.
“And awe came upon every soul . . .” Acts 2:43
“And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47