STEP UP FOR GROUPS! 4 OF 5

Acts 2:42–43 NASB95

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.

Acts 2:40–45 NASB95

And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.

Acts 2:40-4

Acts 2:40–47 NASB95

And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

I. THE IMPORTANCE OF GROUPS FOR GROWTH.

A. GOD DESIGNED YOU FOR CONNECTION.

Genesis 2:18 NASB95

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.”

B. BELONGING TO SPIRITUALLY FOCUSED GROUPS ARE NECESSARY FOR GROWTH AND COMMUNITY.

Nehemiah 8:5–8 NASB95

Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the Lord the great God. And all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, explained the law to the people while the people remained in their place. They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.

NEH 8:

GROWTH COMES FROM GROUPS

1. LARGE GROUP-WORSHIP.

2. SMALL GROUP-LIFEGROUPS.

(In both Acts and Nehemiah, they gathered in a large group worship together and had small group interaction as well.)

C. YOU MUST STEP UP TO THE CHALLENGE OF COMMITTING TO GROUPS TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY SPIRITUAL LIFE.

PICTURE OF NO LEG DAY

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 NASB95

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.

ECC

II. THE BLESSINGS OF BEING PART OF A GODLY GROUP. (WHAT WAS GOING ON IN ACTS CHAPTER 2? THE LETTERS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT EXPLAIN.)

A. YOU FIND ENCOURAGEMENT.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NASB95

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

B. YOU CAN FULFILL THE COMMAND TO LOVE BY SERVING.

1 Peter 4:10 NASB95

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

C. YOU BECOME MOTIVATED TO BE A WITNESS FOR GOD.

Hebrews 10:24–25 NASB95

and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

D. YOU WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY.

2 Peter 3:18 NASB95

but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.