Sermon Series: DEVOTED

DEVOTED TO TEACHING

Acts 2:42–47 (KJV 1900) & 2 Timothy 3:16 & Ephesians 4:11 - 13

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV 1900)

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Ephesians 4:11 - 13(NIV) 11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 

12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 

Prayer - “Lord, help us to see where we are devoted in our lives to things that do not enhance you in us. Bring us back to you. Give us a hunger for biblical teaching that is after nothing short than the fullness of Christ.”

Big Idea - We are going to take a look at the early church which was devoted to four specific areas of their faith. The first area of devotion was teaching. And Godly teaching is after nothing short of the fullness of Christ.

(All scripture is taken from the NIV unless otherwise noted)

Introduction

Welcome church! Today, we are beginning a new four-week series together called Devoted. Throughout this series we’re going to look into the lives and routines of the early church as seen in Acts 2:42-47. As you may know, the early church understood something about gathering together that churches and communities of faith have been modeling for hundreds of years. I will say to you that the “secret” to their success came down to one thing… devotion.

The word devotion or devoted is a powerful one. It means, to consistently show strength which prevails (In spite of difficulties), to endure, to persist, to stay in a fixed direction; Steadfast and unmoveble . Loyal. The early church was unwaveringly devoted in their commitment to gathering together, and Acts 2:42 highlights 4 specific things they did when they got together.

Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 

In this passage we learn how the earliest church was devoted and committed to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. In fact, these 4 specific elements continue to be key pieces of church services to this very day.

As a quick note of comparison, I want you to think about something you are absolutely committed to doing everyday in your life. Something that has become such a deeply ingrained habit that it’s simply become part of who you are.

Pastor - This would be a great place to share a personal story about something you are devoted and committed to doing on a regular basis, if not every single day.

You see, the things we are devoted to will define who we are. And the church that formed just after the death and resurrection of Christ was absolutely devoted to their faith. In fact, their faith has defined them for centuries as we constantly look to their example for inspiration and instruction.

As mentioned, Acts 2:42 highlights several things the church was specifically devoted to doing whenever they gathered together. Those 4 things were:

● Teaching

● Fellowship

● Breaking of Bread (Communion)

● Prayer

And, each week, through this series, we’re going to look at one specific area of devotion that the Acts church was committed to. Today, we begin our exploration with teaching.

Main Teaching

The specific gift of teaching is found throughout the New Testament. At the beginning of Jesus' ministry we learn from the gospel of Matthew that he “went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. (Matthew 4:23)” Teaching was a key component of Jesus’ ministry. Later, in the book of Ephesians, Paul includes teachers as gifts given by God for the equipping of the church.

Read Ephesians 4:11-13

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Teachers help lead us to unity, maturity, and fullness of faith. Our goal, through teaching and training, is nothing short of the fullness of Christ.

- The Goal of Teaching

How many of you enjoy learning? The reward of good teaching is learning. And learning the scriptures together with other believers was something the early church was absolutely devoted to. Learning takes time, it can be difficult. Learning requires your effort, engagement, and attention. The reward however, is deeper understanding and knowledge. And I’m not sure I know any follower of Christ who would say they don’t really want a deeper understanding of scripture, their faith, and ultimately, God. Again, what we’re after is nothing short of the fullness of Christ.

Here at New Visions we have to classes to help you go deeper into the Word of God. Sunday School and GPS (God’s Positioning System) Bible Study. *

As a point of reference, Jesus said very plainly in the great commission that we are to, “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:18-20)” And so we teach all of what Christ taught, the fullness of His training, and our goal at the end of the day are disciples equipped to teach others the fullness of the gospel as well.- The Goal of Teaching

- Pass Along the Teaching

I think Paul says it best in his second letter to the younger pastor, Timothy, 2 Tim. 2:2“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” If we don’t pass along our faith, through reliable and sound teaching, then it will only be a few generations before the faith expires. It’s a sober thought, but it’s a reality if you aren’t willing to teach, to train, and to share the fullness of our faith.

The good news is, you don’t have to be an ordained pastor, you don’t have to be a missionary or a deacon, you just have to be saved, sanctified, Holy Ghost filled and willing to share the hope that is in you. Think for a moment about the people around you every day… Who has God brought into your sphere of influence? Where do you work? Where do you hang out? Where do you buy your coffee?

Who can you share Christ with this coming week?

And try not to stress too much over having all the answers to all the questions. But step out in faith, and trust that the Word of God is useful in any and every situation you may encounter. Or said another way, the fullness of Christ is well equipped for the fullness of life.

Every word of the Bible is God-breathed and God-ordained. It ALL matters.- Pass Along the Teaching

- Fully Capable

If you aren’t sure where to start with your learning. Or you aren’t sure if you can actually teach others the profound truths of the bible. Then let me say again, the fullness of Christ is well equipped for the fullness of life. Later in second Timothy Paul says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness… (2 Timothy 3:16)” It’s good to remember that ALL scripture is useful. And with that in mind I would say that you just need to start somewhere.

If you want to learn more, then get into a Bible Study or a Sunday School class. Buy a daily devotional and learn at your own pace. If you want to become better at sharing your faith and teaching others then start with the gospels. Learn the good news of Christ for yourself so that you can teach and train others.

Above all, let the Holy Ghost lead you, be patient, be kind, have grace and mercy for yourself and others through the process.

Think for a moment about your favorite teachers. What qualities really resonated with you or inspired you? What was their demeanor like? What did their voice sound like?

We’ve all had great teachers at some point in our lives… As believers it’s important to remember we have the greatest example anyone could ever ask for in Jesus. He is fully capable, fully loving, and He alone is able to fully redeem even the worst of sinners. When you’re feeling discouraged, incapable, or ill-equipped just stop for a moment and remember you are able, in Christ. In fact, the Apostle Paul says, “ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” -Philippians 4:13

May we be fully devoted to the one who is fully capable in each and every situation. And when we’re feeling weak, let us remember His grace is sufficient for every situation and circumstance life may bring our way. For when we are weak, He is Strong. - Fully Capable

Conclusion/Application

The earliest church was absolutely devoted to their faith. As I close today, and as we continue our series together, I think it’s worth asking the question, “What are you devoted to?”

What things capture your attention and affection?

Where are you putting your energy everyday?

If you ask these questions, and you find yourself thinking about all kinds of things other than faith, then it may be a good time to reset your priorities. No shame, no condemnation, just a willingness to acknowledge your focus has drifted from faith and is set on other things.

If that’s true for you, and you need to turn from those other things, please remember God is ready and willing to receive you back. One of the most powerful teachings in the New Testament is the prodigal son who strays from home and eventually returns.

His father literally RUNS out to meet him as he’s coming home. This picture reminds us that our heavenly Father is eagerly awaiting our return as well.

So step out in faith this week. Refocus your attention and affection back onto Christ. And, find some good biblical teaching to listen to along the way. It will strengthen and encourage you in your journey.

After all, what we’re after is nothing short of the fullness of Christ.

- The Goal of Teaching

- Pass Along the Teaching

- Fully Capable

Let’s pray together.