The Three Greats of the Church
Book of Acts: The Three Greats of the Church • Sermon • Submitted
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· 16 viewsA study of the three greats of the early church and how they apply to the 21 century church.
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Introduction
Introduction
Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
Acts 4:
And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
Acts 4:
Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,
Acts 4:34]
and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
The Atmosphere That Prayer Creates
The Atmosphere That Prayer Creates
An Atmosphere of Unity
They were of one heart and soul.
An Atmosphere of Community
They shared what they possessed together.
An Atmosphere of working of the Holy Spirit.
An Atmosphere of God’s Grace.
Great #1 - Power
Great #1 - Power
The first “great” we discover in this passage is power. The first church was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and this power was evident in everything they did.
With great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord.
What does this mean?
The Greek word that is translated “great” means, “to a great degree or intense.”
The Greek word that is translated power means, “the potentiality to exert force in performing some function—‘power.’”
“the potentiality to exert force in performing some function—‘power.’”
Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 679.
Witness refers to the preaching and teaching of the apostles concerning the resurrection of the Jesus.
This refers to the preaching and teaching of the apostles
When these three words, great, power, and witness are coupled together, we get the picture of the apostle preaching.
It was intense.
It was delivered under the anointing (power) of the Holy Spirit.
It was focused upon the living Savior, Jesus Christ.
Remember the Words of Paul to the church at Philippi.
Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
Great #2 - Grace
Great #2 - Grace
The second great we discover in the early church was grace. So lets discover a few things about the grace they experience.
The Meaning of Grace
The Meaning of Grace
Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on Semantic Domains 25.89 χάρις, ιτος
a favorable attitude toward someone or something—‘favor, good will.’
Notice that in this context that grace is couple with the same word that power was coupled with.
The grace that the early church experienced was an intense grace.
The favor of God was upon this church and his blessings upon them was intense. Note that it was stated that no one among them lacked. Why? They saw themselves as one. Those who had shared with those who did not have. There was no class system in the early church. It is evident that this sharing was a spontaneous act on the part of the church. They were not under compulsion to share their resources. They did it willing. The early church cared about the needs of others. They did what they could to help those in need. Unfortunately, this was not sustainable. By the time we get to the Corinthian church, we discovered that the attitude had changed. The Corinthian church made a distinction between wealthier members of the congregation and its poorer members.
But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her for a covering.
But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.
Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse.
For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it.
For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.
Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper.
1 Cor
For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk.
What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.
It is my conviction that we are to demonstrate in kind the grace that has been demonstrate to us. It is certain that the grace of God cannot be bought or sold. However, I do believe that grace can be multiplied. When grace is applied and subsequently shared, there is more room for more of God’s grace in our lives. It is like faith. The more we use faith that has been given to us, the faith we receive. In other words, our faith grows.
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”
2 Cor
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,
to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,
not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
Titus 3:1-8
Barnabus: The Example of God’s Grace
Barnabus: The Example of God’s Grace
And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,
Acts 4:36-37
Notice that Barnabas was a nickname given to him because of his attitude of encouragement.
Notice that Barnabas was a nickname given to him because of his attitude of encouragement.
Great #3 - Fear
Great #3 - Fear
Now we move to the last of the three “greats” of the early church, which is great fear. Now we explore the dark story of Ananias and his wife, Sapphira.
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?
While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.
And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.”
Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”
Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.
So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
Acts 5:1-11
Seven Lessons Learned From Ananias and Sapphira
Seven Lessons Learned From Ananias and Sapphira
Greed and Pride are always destructive attitudes.
Greed and Pride are always destructive attitudes.
Lying to God is never cool!
Lying to God is never cool!
Be sure your sins will find you out.
Be sure your sins will find you out.
God Hates Hypocrisy.
God Hates Hypocrisy.
God Hates Lying.
God Hates Lying.
God always give space for repentance.
God always give space for repentance.
Disobedience is a sure path to hell.
Disobedience is a sure path to hell.
God’s Judgment Should Produce Fear
God’s Judgment Should Produce Fear
The Greek word that is translated fear means, “profound respect and awe for deity—‘reverence, awe.’”
The Greek word that is translated fear means, “profound respect and awe for deity—‘reverence, awe.’”
profound respect and awe for deity—‘reverence, awe.’
Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 540.
It Produced Fear Within and Without
It Produced Fear Within and Without
The fear that is produced is not necessarily a sense of terror and dread, enough though I suspect there was some of that. This judgment on Ananias and Sapphira resulted in a sense of awe and respect for God. This is an attitude that has been all but lost in many of our churches. If we really respected God, we would not say many of things we say, do many of the things we do, and display many of the attitudes we display. Let us not forget the words of Paul to the church at Galatian.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
The Three “Greats” of the Church
The Three “Greats” of the Church
Great Power
Great Grace
Great Fear