Devotion: A Mark of the Christian Life

Joy Ambassadors

Our text this morning is found in the book of Acts chapter 2...

I suppose this message is one that God has laid on my heard for the past couple of weeks. Well, really, this idea has been ruminating in my mind for the past several months maybe even for a couple of years.

It’s a message that comes from a familiar passage of Scripture. In fact, Pastor Eric selected texts all around this passage and even referred to it a time or two.

One of the results of Covid and the shutdowns last year is that it revealed our true areas of devotion and/or it allowed us to reset those areas of devotion. Let me explain.

One news article reported that nearly 75% of those who attended church at least monthly were planning to return to church at the same rate they attended before Covid. But, 7% said they planned to attend church less often after the doors open again. (https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-pandemics-lifestyle-health-religion-cd5fbac2318cb58e1d5ec4a5d1c00ecc)

While nearly 75% doesn’t sound that bad, keep in mind these are figures that come in the midst of an already declining rate of church attendance.

Gallup released a survey in March of 2021 revealing decreasing trends in church membership among American adults to the tune of 70% in the late 1990’s to 47% in 2019. (https://news.gallup.com/poll/341963/church-membership-falls-below-majority-first-time.aspx)

Now, this is church membership, not necessarily attendance, I am aware of that… But it still speaks to a bigger issue in our nation and even among our churches that the number of people who are displaying their devotion to God by attending and joining a local congregation is dwindling.

From 1998 to 2020 there has been an 11% decrease in membership by those born before 1946. There has been a 9% decrease in membership by those born between 1946-1964, a 12% decrease by those born between 1965-1980, and for those born between the years of 1981 and 1996 there has been a 15% decrease in church membership between 2008 and 2020.

We could go on and on from the data on those surveys, but suffice it to say that American adults have been steadily walking away from church.

We don’t have to have surveys to tell us that though do we? We can look around at the empty seats next to us and remember that one, or that family, or those good people that for one reason or another have walked out of these doors and have yet to return.

I am not so hard-headed to believe that the church doesn’t play a role in this decline. I am fairly well aware at the flaws of any church, but especially our own local church. It is uncomfortable to say out-loud, but the truth of the matter is we all have room for growth - even your pastor and even this local church.

I am willing to accept our church’s part in this statistical decline, but my question for us this morning is this: are you…am I willing to accept your/my individual role in this statistical decline?

We can blame covid…we can blame the shutdowns…we can accurately say that church became optional during the pandemic, but I believe the blame for decreasing church trends lies not at the feet of government officials, but at the feet of those who call themselves Christians.

Acts 2:38–43 (KJV 1900)

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43 And fear came upon every soul:

Today, I want us to look at the phrase in the beginning of vs 42, “and they continued steadfastly”.

Pray...

The phrase in the beginning of vs 42, “and they continued steadfastly” is translated differently in other english translations of the Bible.

In the ESV it is translated, “And they devoted themselves...”

But I believe it is best translated in the NASB where it reads, “They were continually devoting themselves...”

I want to make a statement here:

One of the distinguishing marks of the Christian ought to be and CAN be our devotion.

The definition of the english word devotion is “love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause.”

We could take this definition of the word devotion and do a little check up on ourselves… what, in our lives, do we love the most, what, in our lives, are we loyal to the most, and what, in our lives, are we enthusiastic about the most?

I get it..some people just breathe and enthusiasm comes out.

Doyle Bozone in Hobe Sound...

Some people are wired in such a way that they are naturally more nurturing and loving...

Here’s the reality though…love, loyalty and enthusiasm all require a choice.

We can get spoiled with good services, and great preaching, and great singing, and good testimonies, and man we’re inspired to attend church. We’re inspired to help out. We’re inspired to do extra.

But what about when emotions are down? What about when the church family experiences loss and heart ache? It’s much easier for our devotion to wane...

The same thing can happen in our quiet time with the Lord… we read a few verses, God’s presence comes near, we worship and praise Him and commune with Him...

That happens for a few days, then one day - read a few verses - nothing… read some more - nothing… start praying - nothing… pray harder, louder, longer - nothing… Get up go about your day knowing you’ve spent time with the Lord even though you didn’t feel the same.

Next day comes, and the next day, and the next day, and before you know it you get halfway through the day and realize I didn’t pray today…how did that happen? One reason may be because you didn’t have the same feelings as before you naturally had less motivation.

Devotion is a choice… sometimes its an easier choice than other times, but regardless, it is a choice.

The first area I believe we see that the Christian is devoted is...

1. Christians are devoted to Christ.

A. Public baptism - identifying with Christ vs 41

- The early Christians were willing to die because of their devotion to Christ.

This was just a few weeks after the Jewish leaders had plotted against Jesus and killed Him...

Christian martyrs...

- The early Christians were willing to be publically shamed because of their devotion to Christ.

We have several examples of Christians being stoned, beaten, imprisoned, and generally humiliated before others because of their devotion to Christ.

2. Christians are devoted to Christian Community.

Acts 2:44–45 KJV 1900

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

2. Christians are devoted to Christian Community.

They were together...

Worship Services

Neighboring gatherings probably would assemble as they could

shared meals together

Had all things in common

- This speaks to sharing their belongings

- Temporary efforts…not communism

They were devoted to one another...

3. Christians are devoted to the Great Commission.

vs 47

They were devoted to seeing the Gospel advance...

Conclusion:

Devotion is a concept that is not popular today. To be so devoted to a person or an idea that you would defend it tooth and nail would cause you to be labeled a radical and be cancelled.

By the world’s standard, the only thing you are allowed to be devoted to is the idea that you shouldn’t be devoted to anything. Commitment and loyalty are becoming radical ideologies now days.

Even the God-ordained life-long institution of marriage is viewed as temporary in the world’s eyes.

One distinct mark of the Early Church is this: they were continually devoted.

I don’t have all the answers for how to balance work, family, mental health, spiritual growth, etc., but I do know One who has the answers… that One is the Holy Spirit.

Through the study of God’s Word, sincere and earnest prayers, wise council of mature believers, and the affirmation of the Holy Spirit, I believe you and I can be just as devoted as God wants us to be to the extent that non-believers are in awe of the God that we serve.

Action steps:

Ask God to make you aware of your level of devotion to His Christ, His Church, and His Commission.

Write down areas of weaknesses, strengths, and opportunities for growth in this area of devotion.

Make a proclamation to God and your family/church family if you are committed to being more devoted.

Make yourself accountable to at least 3 other people.

Questions:

How could I be more devoted to Christ?

How could I be more devoted to the Christian Community?

How could I be more devoted to the Great Commission?

Does my devotion cause others to wonder in amazement?