The Church is a Fellowship of Believers

Introduction:

· D. Brooks: A spiritual/cultural crisis – mental health, suicide rates, The lies our culture tells…

· What does it look like for you: to live, work, interact – in a culture that puts YOU at the centre?

LET’S LOOK AT A BROADER PRINCIPLE, AND A PARTICULAR APPLICATION. First, THE HOLY SPIRIT CREATES A COMMUNITY THAT ALLOWS US TO FLOURISH IN COMMUNITY.

I) The Holy Spirit Creates Gospel-Centered Community

A. The Work of the Spirit: Summarizing what God is Doing

i. The Structure: Action, summary (see 2:42-47)

1. Luke’s structure: Action, followed by a summary

2. Commonalities: togetherness, prayer, sharing (see 2:42-47)

ii. Against opposition, the church is a united group (vs. 32)

1. Then & Now: Amid growing opposition the church is a gathered community

2. APPLICATION: Why is “in-person” worship so vital?

B. One in Heart & Soul: The Fellowship of Believers

i. Friendship vs. Fellowship: A biblical Distinction (vs. 32)

1. We limit “fellowship” to surface concerns;

2. We need relationships that go deep: Marriage? Family? Depression?

3. Application: Small groups

ii. The Holy Spirit Creates in us what Fellowship Requires of Us

1. The hard truth: scheduling, vulnerability; distractions, INDIVIDUALISM!

2. The Holy Spirit helps us become listeners, patient, invested…

THERE’S SOMETHING ELSE; THE HOLY SPIRIT ALSO SHOWS US HOW THE ONENESS EXTENDS TO OUR POCKETBOOK.

II) The Holy Spirit Creates Gospel-Driven Generosity In the Church (vv. 33-37)

A. The Church Practices Generosity among the Church Family

i. The Use of wealth in the Christian Community (vv. 34-35)

1. Believers gave generously, at great expense so no one was in need

2. In other words: The spiritual realities àMaterial realities

ii. A tricky – and misapplied – passage (see 5:4)

1. Is this a blueprint for church (or society)? No; sharing was optional

2. APPLICATION: most of us won’t need a gentle reminder that it’s okay to have private property, because we’re at risk of being too generous; we may need reminders to expend ourselves in the name of generosity.

3. APPLICATION: when we see homeless? Poor?

B. The Gospel Motivates Generosity Among the Church Family

i. Generosity of wealth is a witness to the gospel (vs. 33)

1. Sometimes we withhold generosity àobscuring gospel witness

2. Sometimes we practice generosity with no reference to the gospel

3. With “great power & grace” the church witnessed to the resurrection

ii. Generosity with wealth is a response to grace

1. In this culture, giving could be for reciprocity, except in families where giving was without no expectation

2. EXAMPLE: If you have a family member in need, you help

3. The greatest incentive of all: Jesus “who became poor for our sakes”

Transition:

Conclusion

Benevolence, the church, and the Lord’s Supper