SF875 - A Spiritual Program - 4 THE INGREDIENTS OF A CHURCH AFLAME (Acts 2 42 47)
Acts 2:42-47
Introduction
Background – The Ingredients of a Church Aflame
Supernatural power (2:1-13); Scriptural preaching (2:14-36); Saved people (2:23-41); Spiritual program (2:42-47)
“The church will still be effective in bringing sinners to Christ when it manifests the same key elements …the early church.” (MacArthur, Acts 1-12, 80.)
1A. Bible Study (2:42a)
Apparently, these disciples were organized into home Bible study groups.[1] These groups would have remained relatively small due to the lack of space available in the average home of that day.[2] These “small groups” gathering to study the Bible would have provided the ideal environment for assimilation. Considering the rapid growth of the early Christian church, one might conclude that these small groups enlisted and included neighbors and like-minded individuals in their group. The goal seems to have been to expose persons in attendance to the gospel, cultivate and evangelize them, involve them in the life of the church, and encourage them to mature in their faith.
1B. Bible study is foundational.
1 Timothy 4:16 (NASB) 16Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.
1 Peter 2:2 (NASB) 2like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,
Romans 12:2 (NASB) 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
2B. Bible study is essential.
1 Timothy 4:6 (NASB) 6In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.
1 Timothy 4:11 (NASB) 11Prescribe and teach these things.
1 Timothy 4:13 (NASB) 13Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.
2 Timothy 4:1-2 (NASB) 1I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
2A. Fellowship (2:42b)
1B. Fellowship requires a partnership with Christ and other believers.
1 John 1:3 (NASB) 3what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.
2B. Fellowship encourages holiness and faithfulness.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB) 24and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25not 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.
3A. Worship (2:42c-43)
1B. Their worship was centered on Christ. (2:42c)
The breaking of bread is a reference to the Lord’s Supper. They were fulfilling Christ’s command.
The Lord’s Supper emphasizes our common bond.
Colossians 1:20 (NASB) 20 … through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
The Lord’s Supper acknowledges the work of Christ on the cross.\
The Lord’s Supper exemplifies the unity of believers.
Ephesians 4-6 (NASB) 4There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.
1 Corinthians 10:16 through 1 Corinthians 10:17 (NASB) 16Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? 17Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread.
2B. Their worship was saturated with prayer. (2:42d)
“Prayer is the slender nerve that move the muscles of omnipotence.” (MacArthur, Acts 1-12, 85.)
They believed that prayer was God’s means for meeting their needs.
John 14:13-14 (NASB) 13“Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14“If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
3B. Their worship was punctuated with power. (2:43)
There was a sense of awe.
When the Jerusalem church gathered there was a real sense of the presence of God. The Scriptures tell us that everyone who was present was filled with “awe.” The original Greek word translated “awe” or “fear” is öüâïò, which literally means, “to put to flight.”[3] Even nonbelievers sensed the presence, power, and holiness of God. There was indeed a reverential fear for God shared by all who were present. This experience placed each person in direct contact with God, and in doing so, forced the issue of his or her own sin and need for a savior. It must be noted that this experience was not simply the product of what the early church did; rather it was the result of God’s sovereign choice to move among these people.
There were signs of life.
In this context God’s movement among the people was described as “wonders and signs.” Considerable debate has taken place as to the nature of these signs and as to the continued expression of these signs today. A careful study of both the word usage and context will shed some important light on this subject. The key word is óçìåsïí, which may be translated, “a sign, a distinguishing mark.”[4] A sign is something that points to something else. Often the sign is a replica or a representation of that to which it points. In the case of the miracles that took place in the early church, these were signs that pointed to the presence and power of God. The primary purpose of these signs was to point to the greater miracle of the resurrection of Christ. In a time before the completion of God’s written revelation, these signs authenticated the message of the early church.
4A. Ministry (2:44-45)
Not only was the small group Bible study ideal for discipleship and assimilation, it provided a perfect setting for meaningful ministry (Acts 6). The genius of these groups was that they consisted of individuals who shared a common bond. The bond may have been biological, geographical, racial, economic, or spiritual. Whatever the reason for the bond, it provided the framework for meaningful ministry. They knew each other and therefore they knew each other’s needs. Because of their relationship, they were equipped and motivated to minister.
1B. The pre-requisite for ministering was conversion, not ordination. (2:44)
2B. The requirement for receiving was need. (2:45)
5A. Evangelism (2:46-47)
1B. Their witness was consistent. (2:46a)
“Day by day, then in the weeks that followed the first Christian Pentecost, the believers met regularly in the temple precincts for public worship and public witness.”[5] Doubtless, this witnessing spilled over into the mundane aspects of everyday life including their meal times.[6] The early church practiced what we call one-on-one personal evangelism going from “house to house”.[7] The apostle Paul practiced one-on-one personal evangelism as well, when he addressed the Ephesian elders and he stated; “You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20 NIV). Indeed, one-on-one personal evangelism can be traced back to Jesus Christ (John 4). This strategy was and still is an effective method by which to share the gospel. To abandon one-on-one personal evangelism as a strategy would be contrary to the example set forth by Jesus and the pattern of the first church.
2B. Their worship was contagious. (2:46b-47a)
Luke writes that when they gathered to fellowship and worship they did so with “sincere hearts.” The word “sincere” translates the Greek word “Pöåëüôçò” which means “to be smooth.”[8] Often this term was used to describe a field that has been cleared of all the stones. These believers gathered without harboring any stones of resentment or hatred. They were encouraged by the sincere nature of their worship.
The Jerusalem Christians were encouraged by the reception they received from the nonbelieving world. They found “favor” with nonbelievers. The nonbelievers treated them with grace and kindness. The result of this relationship was the conversion of many nonbelievers. How encouraging it must have been for them to see God working in the lives of a once hostile group of people. Those who a few weeks earlier had clamored for the death of Christ now gladly received His gospel.
3B. Their world was being converted.
By Acts 4 there were over 25,000 member, G. Campbell Morgan estimated that there were 250,000 member in six months!
Acts 2:42-47
Introduction
Background – The Ingredients of a Church Aflame
Supernatural power (2:1-13); Scriptural preaching (2:14-36); Saved people (2:23-41); Spiritual program (2:42-47)
“The church will still be effective in bringing sinners to Christ when it manifests the same key elements …the early church.” (MacArthur, Acts 1-12, 80.)
1A. Bible Study (2:42a)
1B. Bible study is foundational.
1 Timothy 4:16 (NASB) 16Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.
1 Peter 2:2 (NASB) 2like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,
Romans 12:2 (NASB) 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
2B. Bible study is essential.
1 Timothy 4:6 (NASB) 6In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.
1 Timothy 4:11 (NASB) 11Prescribe and teach these things.
1 Timothy 4:13 (NASB) 13Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.
2 Timothy 4:1-2 (NASB) 1I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
2A. Fellowship (2:42b)
1B. Fellowship requires a partnership with Christ and other believers.
1 John 1:3 (NASB) 3what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.
2B. Fellowship encourages holiness and faithfulness.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB) 24and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25not 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.
3A. Worship (2:42c-43)
1B. Their worship was centered on Christ. (2:42c)
The Lord’s Supper emphasizes our common bond.
Colossians 1:20 (NASB) 20 … through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
The Lord’s Supper acknowledges the work of Christ on the cross.
The Lord’s Supper exemplifies the unity of believers.
Ephesians 4-6 (NASB) 4There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.
1 Corinthians 10:16 through 1 Corinthians 10:17 (NASB) 16Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? 17Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread.
2B. Their worship was saturated with prayer. (2:42d)
“Prayer is the slender nerve that move the muscles of omnipotence.” (MacArthur, Acts 1-12, 85.)
They believed that prayer was God’s means for meeting their needs.
John 14:13-14 (NASB) 13“Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14“If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
3B. Their worship was punctuated with power. (2:43)
There was a sense of awe.
The original Greek word translated “awe” or “fear” is öüâïò, which literally means, “to put to flight.”
There were signs of life.
“wonders and signs.” - The key word is óçìåsïí, which may be translated, “a sign, a distinguishing mark.”
4A. Ministry (2:44-45)
1B. The pre-requisite for ministering was conversion, not ordination. (2:44)
2B. The requirement for receiving was need. (2:45)
5A. Evangelism (2:46-47)
1B. Their witness was consistent. (2:46a)
“Doubtless, this witnessing spilled over into the mundane aspects of everyday life including their meal times.” (Phillips)
“The early church practiced what we call one-on-one personal evangelism going from “house to house”. (Mark Terry)
Acts 20:20 (NASB) 20how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house,
2B. Their worship was contagious. (2:46b-47a)
The word “sincere” translates the Greek word “Pöåëüôçò” which means “to be smooth.” Often this term was used to describe a field that has been cleared of all the stones.
3B. Their world was being converted.
By Acts 4 there were over 25,000 member, G. Campbell Morgan estimated that there were 250,000 member in six months!
A SPIRITUAL PROGRAM
The Ingredients of a Church Aflame - Part 4
Acts 2:42-47
1A. _____________________ _________________ (2:42a)
1B. Bible study is ______________________________.
1 Timothy 4:16 (NASB) 16Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.
1 Peter 2:2
Romans 12:2
2B. Bible study is ______________________________.
1 Timothy 4:6 (NASB) 6In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.
1 Timothy 4:11, 13
2 Timothy 4:1-2
2A. ______________________________________ (2:42b)
1B. Fellowship requires a ________________________ with Christ and other believers.
1 John 1:3
2B. Fellowship encourages ______________________ and faithfulness.
Hebrews 10:24-25
3A. ___________________________________ (2:42c-43)
1B. Their worship was centered on _________. (2:42c)
The Lord’s Supper emphasizes our _________ bond.
Colossians 1:20
The Lord’s Supper acknowledges the work of Christ on the cross.
The Lord’s Supper exemplifies the _______________ of believers.
Ephesians 4-6
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
2B. Their worship was ______________________ with prayer. (2:42d)
John 14:13-14
3B. Their worship was punctuated with ______________. (2:43)
There was a _________________ of awe.
There were __________________ of life.
4A. _____________________________________ (2:44-45)
1B. The pre-requisite for ministering was _______________________, not ordination. (2:44)
2B. The requirement for receiving was need. (2:45)
5A. Evangelism (2:46-47)
1B. Their witness was ___________________. (2:46a)
Acts 20:20
2B. Their _____________ was contagious. (2:46b-47a)
3B. Their world was being _______________________.
----
[1] John Mark Terry, Evangelism, 26.
[2] John McRay, “House,” in The Holman Bible Dictionary, [CD-ROM], ed. Trent C. Butler (Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1998).
[3] NAS Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries, Updated ed., “öüâïò” [CD-ROM], ed. Robert L. Thomas, updated by W. Don Wilkins (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1998).
[4] Ibid., “óçìåsïí.”
[5] F.F. Bruce, Acts, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1984), 81.
[6] John Phillips, Acts 1-12, vol. 1 of Exploring Acts (Chicago: Moody Press, 1986), 64.
[7] John Mark Terry, Evangelism: A Concise History (Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1994), 24-25.
[8] Ibid., “Pöåëüôçò.”