"Accept the Word, Do the Work"Untitled Sermon

"Accept the Word, Do the Work"

Acts 2:41-42

"Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." (Acts 2:41-42, NIV)

"Accept the Word, Do the Work"

We live in a time where we accept countless things without question. We accept the terms and conditions of every app we download without reading them.

We accept the prices at the grocery store and go ahead and buy what we need.

We accept that a stoplight turns red and we wait, trusting it will turn green.

In so many areas of life, we accept what’s before us and simply do the work—no hesitation, no excuses.

But when it comes to God’s Word and His call on our lives, why do we hesitate? Why do we second-guess His instructions or delay the work He’s assigned to us? Today, This first Sunday I want to challenge us to accept the Word of God as readily as we accept everything else—and then, without hesitation, do the work.

In Acts 2, we find Peter standing boldly to deliver the first sermon of the Church, proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This moment follows the dramatic arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, as promised by Jesus. Peter speaks with power and conviction, urging the crowd to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. His message was not just words but a call to action—a call to accept the Word and do the work.

The question today is this: Have you accepted the Word, and are you ready to do the work?

Context of Peter’s Message

Peter was addressing a diverse crowd in Jerusalem during Pentecost. Many were skeptical, accusing the apostles of being drunk. But Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, stood firm. He preached Christ crucified, resurrected, and exalted. He reminded them that this was the fulfillment of prophecy—Jesus was the Messiah they had long awaited. The people were “cut to the heart” and asked, “What shall we do?” Peter’s response was clear: “Repent and be baptized… and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

Peter’s sermon led to a harvest of 3,000 souls. But the work didn’t stop there. Accepting the Word meant committing to a new way of life—fellowship, prayer, and sharing the Gospel with others.

Accepting the Word Begins with Accepting Yourself in the Word

Before you can do the work of the Kingdom, you must accept who you are in Christ. The Word declares that you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). It reminds us that in Christ, we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). The problem is, many of us struggle to see ourselves the way God sees us.

Peter’s audience accepted the Word by recognizing their sin, repenting, and turning to God. You, too, must accept that Christ’s finished work on the cross was for you. He fulfilled the Father’s will, and now He invites you to join in the assignment. Stop disqualifying yourself based on your past. The Word says, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

Doing the Work Means Persevering Through Challenges

Accepting the Word is the foundation, but the work requires perseverance. Peter and the apostles faced criticism, persecution, and rejection. Yet, they continued to proclaim the Gospel. Why? Because they knew the power of the Word and the promise of Acts 1:8: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…”

People may not want to hear you. Do the work anyway.

People may criticize you. Do the work anyway.

People may reject you. Keep doing the work.

Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

The Power for the Work Comes from the Word

When you accept the Word, you receive power to do the work. This is not your power—it’s God’s power working through you. Acts 1:8 promises that the Holy Spirit equips us for the task. What does this power do?

The Power to Walk Right

The Spirit empowers you to walk in holiness, resisting temptation, and living a life that reflects Christ.

The Power to Talk Right

He gives you boldness to speak the truth in love, to share the Gospel even when it’s uncomfortable.

The Power to Live Right

The Spirit transforms your mind, enabling you to love your enemies, forgive those who hurt you, and serve others selflessly.

This same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in you (Ephesians 1:19-20). If God is for you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31)

Peter and John (Acts 3:1-10): After Pentecost, they healed a lame man in Jesus’ name. When questioned, they boldly proclaimed the Gospel.

Stephen (Acts 7): Even in the face of death, Stephen continued to preach the Word.

Paul (Acts 16): In prison, Paul and Silas sang hymns, leading to the salvation of the jailer and his family.

Change Your Words, Change Your Mind

John 1:1 declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Word is not just something we read; it’s someone we encounter—Jesus Christ. When you accept the Word, it changes you from the inside out.

This is your time to give Christ the time He gave you. Work while it’s still day, for the night is coming when no one can work (John 9:4). Accept the message and do the work.

The Promise of Power

The power to overcome fear (2 Timothy 1:7).

The power to endure trials (James 1:12).

The power to bring others into the Kingdom (Matthew 28:19-20).

When you accept the Word, you’re not just saved—you’re sent. The same God who called Peter, Paul, and countless others is calling you. If God be for you, who can be against you?

Let Me Charge with This On First Sunday Afternoon

Accept the Word, do the work, and watch how God transforms your life and the lives of those around you.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word that transforms and empowers us. Help us to accept Your message and do the work You have called us to. Give us strength to persevere, boldness to speak, and humility to serve. We trust in Your promise that You will equip us with power from on high. In Jesus’ name, Amen.