Acts 4 Sharing Everything

March 4, 2007

Acts 4:32-37

I)       V32:  This sharing grows out of unity.

A)    Early church unity, see also:  1:14, 2:1, 2:44-47.

B)    Unity was an answer to Jesus’ prayer for us:  John 17.

C)    Also on unity:  Romans 12:5, 15:5-6; 1 Cor. 1:10, 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 13:11; Eph. 4:2-6; Php 1:27, 2:1-2; 1 Pet. 3:8;

II)    Commands for ministries like this:

A)    Jesus’ commands:

1)      Luke 12:33.  Luke 12 progression. 

(a)    Matthew 19:21 – the basis of Jesus’ challenge to a wealthy young ruler.

2)      Love one another, John 13:34-35, 15:12, 17;

3)      Luke 19:8-9, Jesus declares that salvation has come to Zacchaeus’ house on the basis of genorisity.

B)    Love on another: Romans 12:10, 13:8; Gal. 5:13 (through love serve one another)

C)    1 Timothy 6:17-19, specifically to the rich.

D)    James 1:27 “Religion that is pure and undefiled…”

E)     Paul’s example of collecting for the poor in Jerusalem.  Romans 15:25-28; 1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8:1, 9:2, 13; Acts 19:21, 24:17.

III) Money was laid at the Apostles’ feet.

A)    Handling of the money must be above reproach.  2 Cor. 8:20-21; Luke 16:10-12;

B)    What they did not use the money for:  Acts 3:6

IV) Misuse of ministry for personal gain.

A)    Acts 5:1-11

V)    Ministry necessitated first organization of servants.

A)    Acts 6:1-7

VI) Ministry not to be abused or foster dependence

A)    1 Thess. 4:11-12

VII)          V33:  Outward focus of proclamation maintained.

A)    Avoiding the ‘bubble’ effect.

B)    The basis of the Apostles’ recommendation in 6:2-4.

VIII)       Results of this sharing:  Matthew 19:29.