Acts 2:41-47. THE SPIRIT-FILLED CHURCH

Acts 2:41–47 (ESV)

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

What is a Spirit-filled church? The best way to measure is to look at the early church of the book of Acts.

I. A GROWING CHURCH

“And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47b).

A. Growth in attention—Acts 2:42. They continued in the apostles’ doctrine which was true to God’s Word.

B. Growth in attendance—Acts 2:46. They were daily in the temple.

C. Growth in affection—Acts 2:45. They sold their possessions and shared their money

D. Growth in attitude—Acts 5:29. They would rather obey God and suffer than obey men.

II. A GOING CHURCH

“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:42).

A. People could not stop them—Romans 1:16. Paul was not ashamed of the gospel; criticism could not stop him.

B. Prisons could not stop them—Philippians 4:11. Wherever he was, Paul was content. Paul and Silas were even happy in prison (Acts 16:20–33).

C. Persecution could not stop them—Acts 20:24. Paul could say that despite his sufferings, nothing would make him give up Christ.

D. Problems could not stop them—Acts 6:1–15. All threats, and even murder, could not stop Stephen from serving Christ.

III. A GLOWING CHURCH

The early believers changed their world (Acts 17:6).

A. The power—Acts 11:26. It was the world that called Christ’s followers Christians.

B. The prayer—Acts 4:13. Peter and John, though ignorant, showed Christ within them. This came as the result of prayer.

C. The persuasion—Acts 26:28. This power of the Spirit caused people to do some serious thinking. The apostles had the power of Acts 1:8.

IV. A GROANING CHURCH

A. Crying for the lost—Acts 20:31. Paul’s love for the non-Christian caused him to weep for the lost.

B. Concern for the lost—Romans 8:26. The Spirit intercedes for those who pray for the lost.

C. Compassion for the lost—2 Corinthians 5:11. Knowing the judgment of God (Rev. 20:11–15), we seek to lead men to a saving knowledge of Christ. The psalmist tells us in Psalm 126:5, 6 how we should weep for the lost. (See also Isaiah 66:8, Jeremiah 9:1.)

To reach the lost and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15), the church must be filled with the Spirit. Forms and rituals will not accomplish the Great Commission. Plans, programs, and even finance will not get the job done. As the church is filled with the Spirit, we will reach the lost with the gospel.

2