What should church look like (Acts 2:41-47) P5

Introductory information

Many of the Jews who heard Peter’s sermon and believed, were not from Jerusalem

Upon being saved, many formed a community and didn’t go back to their hometowns

This meant that within the group of new believers, not everyone had the same access to housing, money, and their belongings

READ

Question to consider as we read:

What should church look like?

Acts 2:41–47 ESV

41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

EXAMINE

What are some key points in this passage?

Acts 2:42 ESV

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

The new believers immediately focused on growing in the Lord together

They diligently listened and learned the teachings of Jesus

a.k.a. the meaning of the scriptures, theology, and doctrine

They focused on prayer and fellowship

Heb 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Acts 2:44–45 ESV

44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

The new believers formed a community where they cared for one another’s needs

They were not greedy, selfish, or concerned with having the same things everyone else had (a.k.a. a childish sense of “fairness”)

They were focused on material needs as much as spiritual needs

Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Acts 2:46–47 ESV

46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

They were faithful, consistent, generous, and grateful

As a result God blessed them, their numbers grew, and they had a good reputation in their city

Galatians 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

“The secret of good relationships in the Christian community is the recognition that Jesus Christ is Lord and that Christians live ‘unto him’.” - John Stott

A commitment to unity and mutual care is a direct product of submitting ourselves to God’s leadership of our church family

APPLY

[Pose the following questions for group discussion, offering the suggested answers below only if the group has nothing to say or drifts too far off topic]

What are the “big ideas” you see in this passage?

Suggested “big ideas”

The church is meant to address both spiritual and material needs in the community

There is no room for selfishness, pride, or ego in Christian community

How do these ideas apply in your life?

Suggested application

I have to love people as whole people, considering all their needs and not just the ones that are convenient for me to meet

What is your next step?

Suggested next step

I need to look for opportunities to bless others in the church with what God has given me, be it spiritually, relationally, or materially

REFLECT

Prayer Point

Pray that God would draw our hearts towards one another, so that our love and care testify to the truth of the gospel

Devotional Question

What non-material issue might be holding you back from caring for others’ needs?