Emulating the Early Church: Devotion, Fellowship, and Compassion
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Acts chapter 2, exploring the formation and characteristics of the early church. This church, established on the day of Pentecost, was a powerful force for the gospel, marked by its diversity, forgiveness, and radical generosity. The early church was a model of deep devotion, intentional fellowship, genuine compassion, fervent praise, and evangelistic effort. These attributes were not just ideals but were lived out daily by the believers.
The early church's devotion was both personal and corporate. They were committed to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. This devotion was fueled by the fresh memory of Christ's resurrection, the mission of the gospel, and the glory of God. Their commitment was intense and prioritized above all else.
Intentional fellowship was another hallmark of the early church. They were together, sharing everything in common, and their community was close-knit and self-sacrificial. While online church is a valuable tool, physical attendance and fellowship are irreplaceable for genuine community and accountability.
Genuine compassion was evident as they sold their possessions to meet each other's needs. This compassion was sincere, transparent, and active, reflecting a deep concern for one another. They lived out Paul's exhortation to look not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others.
Fervent praise characterized their worship, which was active and demonstrative. Their praise was not confined to singing but extended to their actions, gaining favor with all people and advancing the gospel.
Lastly, their evangelistic effort was evident as the Lord added to their number daily. They loved God and their neighbor, fulfilling the great commandment and making a significant impact on their community.
As we reflect on the early church, let us strive to emulate their deep devotion, intentional fellowship, genuine compassion, fervent praise, and evangelistic effort. May we be a church that is marked by these attributes, advancing the gospel and glorifying God in all we do.
### Key Takeaways
1. Deep Devotion: The early church was marked by a profound commitment to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. This devotion was both personal and corporate, fueled by the fresh memory of Christ's resurrection, the mission of the gospel, and the glory of God. Their commitment was intense and prioritized above all else, serving as a model for us to follow. [39:43]
2. Intentional Fellowship: The believers in the early church were together, sharing everything in common, and their community was close-knit and self-sacrificial. While online church is a valuable tool, physical attendance and fellowship are irreplaceable for genuine community and accountability. We are called to consider one another, stir up love and good works, and encourage each other as we see the day drawing near. [46:41]
3. Genuine Compassion: The early church demonstrated genuine compassion by selling their possessions to meet each other's needs. This compassion was sincere, transparent, and active, reflecting a deep concern for one another. We are called to take an active interest in the lives of others, carrying each other's burdens and fulfilling the law of Christ. [51:30]
4. Fervent Praise: The worship of the early church was active and demonstrative, characterized by fervent praise. Their praise extended beyond singing to their actions, gaining favor with all people and advancing the gospel. We are called to worship God with our whole being, demonstrating our praise through our actions and impacting our community for Christ. [55:56]
5. Evangelistic Effort: The early church was committed to evangelism, and the Lord added to their number daily. They loved God and their neighbor, fulfilling the great commandment and making a significant impact on their community. We are called to go into the lostness of this world, reach the lost, and bring them into the fold, advancing the gospel and glorifying God in all we do. [57:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:41] - Formation of the Early Church
[36:20] - Characteristics of the Early Church
[38:21] - Prayer for Illumination
[39:43] - Deep Devotion
[41:14] - Resurrection and Mission
[42:50] - Glory of God
[44:47] - Intentional Fellowship
[46:41] - Considering One Another
[48:23] - Stirring Up Love and Good Works
[49:56] - Genuine Compassion
[51:30] - Active Interest in Others
[53:07] - Sincere Hearts
[54:30] - Small Groups and Sunday School
[55:56] - Fervent Praise
[57:50] - Evangelistic Effort
[59:18] - Challenge to the Church
[01:01:18] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:02:42] - Call to Commitment
[01:04:10] - Personal Testimony and Call to Ministry
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)
### Observation Questions
1. What were the four main activities the early church devoted themselves to according to Acts 2:42?
2. How did the early church demonstrate their intentional fellowship and genuine compassion as described in Acts 2:44-45?
3. What was the result of the early church's fervent praise and evangelistic effort as mentioned in Acts 2:47?
4. According to the sermon, what were some of the factors that fueled the early church's deep devotion? [41:14]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the early church's devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers was so significant? [39:43]
2. How does the concept of "intentional fellowship" challenge the modern idea of church attendance and community? [46:41]
3. In what ways does genuine compassion, as demonstrated by the early church, reflect the teachings of Jesus? [51:30]
4. How can fervent praise extend beyond singing and impact our daily actions and interactions with others? [55:56]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal devotion to God. What steps can you take to deepen your commitment to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers? [39:43]
2. How can you be more intentional in your fellowship with other believers? Are there specific actions you can take to foster a close-knit and self-sacrificial community? [46:41]
3. Think of a time when you showed genuine compassion to someone in need. How can you make this a more regular practice in your life? [51:30]
4. In what ways can you incorporate fervent praise into your daily routine, beyond just singing during worship services? [55:56]
5. Identify one person in your life who does not know Christ. What specific steps can you take this week to share the gospel with them and demonstrate God's love? [57:50]
6. How can you balance the use of online church resources with the importance of physical attendance and fellowship? What changes might you need to make to prioritize being present in the church community? [44:47]
7. Consider the early church's radical generosity. Is there something you own that you could sell or give away to help someone in need? How can you cultivate a heart of generosity in your daily life? [51:30]
Devotional
### Day 1: Deep Devotion to God's Word
The early church was marked by a profound commitment to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. This devotion was both personal and corporate, fueled by the fresh memory of Christ's resurrection, the mission of the gospel, and the glory of God. Their commitment was intense and prioritized above all else, serving as a model for us to follow. The believers were not just passive recipients but active participants in their faith journey, constantly seeking to grow in their understanding and application of God's Word. This deep devotion was the foundation upon which their community and mission were built.
In our modern context, we are called to emulate this same level of devotion. This means prioritizing time in God's Word, engaging in meaningful fellowship, participating in communal worship, and dedicating ourselves to prayer. It is through these practices that we can experience spiritual growth and be equipped to fulfill the mission of the gospel. Let us strive to cultivate a deep devotion to God, allowing His Word to transform our lives and guide our actions. [39:43]
Acts 2:42-43 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your devotion to God's Word and prayer? How can you incorporate these practices into your daily routine?
### Day 2: Intentional Fellowship
The believers in the early church were together, sharing everything in common, and their community was close-knit and self-sacrificial. While online church is a valuable tool, physical attendance and fellowship are irreplaceable for genuine community and accountability. We are called to consider one another, stir up love and good works, and encourage each other as we see the day drawing near. The early church's intentional fellowship was a testament to their love for one another and their commitment to living out the gospel in community.
In today's world, it can be easy to become isolated or rely solely on virtual connections. However, true fellowship requires intentionality and presence. We are encouraged to invest in relationships, share our lives with others, and support one another in our faith journeys. By doing so, we create a strong, supportive community that reflects the love of Christ and provides a space for growth and accountability. [46:41]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to this week to encourage and support? How can you be more intentional about fostering genuine fellowship with others?
### Day 3: Genuine Compassion
The early church demonstrated genuine compassion by selling their possessions to meet each other's needs. This compassion was sincere, transparent, and active, reflecting a deep concern for one another. We are called to take an active interest in the lives of others, carrying each other's burdens and fulfilling the law of Christ. Genuine compassion goes beyond mere words; it requires action and a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of others.
In our daily lives, we have opportunities to show compassion to those around us. This could be through acts of kindness, offering support during difficult times, or providing for someone's material needs. By living out genuine compassion, we reflect the heart of Christ and create a community where everyone feels valued and cared for. Let us strive to be people of compassion, always looking for ways to serve and support one another. [51:30]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is in need of compassion. What specific action can you take this week to show them the love and care of Christ?
### Day 4: Fervent Praise
The worship of the early church was active and demonstrative, characterized by fervent praise. Their praise extended beyond singing to their actions, gaining favor with all people and advancing the gospel. We are called to worship God with our whole being, demonstrating our praise through our actions and impacting our community for Christ. Fervent praise is not just about the songs we sing but about the way we live our lives in response to God's goodness and grace.
In our worship, we should strive to be fully engaged, offering our hearts and minds to God. This means not only participating in corporate worship but also living lives that reflect our devotion to Him. Our actions, attitudes, and interactions with others should be a testament to our love for God and our desire to honor Him. Let us be people of fervent praise, allowing our worship to permeate every aspect of our lives. [55:56]
Colossians 3:16-17 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: How can you incorporate fervent praise into your daily life beyond Sunday worship? What actions can you take to demonstrate your love and devotion to God in your everyday interactions?
### Day 5: Evangelistic Effort
The early church was committed to evangelism, and the Lord added to their number daily. They loved God and their neighbor, fulfilling the great commandment and making a significant impact on their community. We are called to go into the lostness of this world, reach the lost, and bring them into the fold, advancing the gospel and glorifying God in all we do. Evangelistic effort is about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others and inviting them to experience the transformative power of the gospel.
In our own lives, we have opportunities to share our faith with those around us. This could be through conversations, acts of service, or simply living in a way that reflects the love of Christ. By being intentional about evangelism, we can make a significant impact on our communities and help others come to know the hope and salvation found in Jesus. Let us be bold in our evangelistic efforts, trusting that God will work through us to draw others to Himself. [57:50]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the good news of Jesus Christ? How can you share your faith with them in a loving and respectful way this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Underwood, listen to me. You are a blessed church. I hope that you know that. I hope that you understand that. This church has been a very strong presence in this community for a very long time. Your reputation for advancing the gospel, for taking the name of Christ to the nations is so strong, and I'm so thankful. Don't take lightly the responsibility to fill this pulpit today." [34:41] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The church is a sending agent for the Lord. We see this church established. We see people from all over coming to faith and joining this congregation. People whose lives have been radically changed because of the finished work of Christ on the cross." [36:20] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The mission of the gospel is fueling their devotion to obey the great commission was no doubt was on their heart this very interaction in chapter one with Jesus not only is it just the fact that they're that they're face to face with the the Christ that just just not too long before was hanging on a cross was placed in a borrowed tomb that interaction would have been probably enough but now he's saying to them that when the holy spirit comes you will receive power and you'll be my witnesses in jerusalem judea samaria to the ends of the earth." [41:14] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our responsibility is not to be a holy huddle, but to go into the lostness of this world and to reach the lost and to bring them into the fold. That is our responsibility. We see them doing that here. Well, how do we know it worked? Because it says right here in the Lord, added to their number day by day those who were being saved. It worked." [59:18] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The church, the church is the assembling together of those who have been saved by the Lord Jesus. So maybe you're here today, and while you are attending the gathering of the church, it's very possible that you're not part of the church. You could be attending the gathering of the church without being part of the church. What does that mean? Well, it means that you, you show up on a Sunday when all the other church members are gathered, but you're not part of the church because you've never been saved." [01:01:18] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "There was a deep devotion verse 42 says and they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching the fellowship breaking of bread and the prayers now there's this devotion really takes two different forms one there was a personal devotion there was a commitment that they had made within themselves that god would be their god that they would love him serve him that they would worship him with all of their heart in our everyday lives there is a a personal devotion there should be a commitment on our part to to read the scriptures to spend time in prayer and fellowship with the lord and to be a part of the church." [39:43] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There was also an intentional fellowship verse 44 says and all who believed were together and had all things in common notice the word together they functioned as a very close-knit community bound together by their common commitment to the lord jesus christ this was a very self-sacrificial way of living together for many is optional I'm convinced today that online church is one of the greatest tools at our disposal today it's a great tool thousands can tens of thousands perhaps even millions of people can and will see clips of a message that sparks interest or that god uses to bring conviction or to open their eyes to the Lord and to his people and to his people and to his or to draw them back and in their walk with him." [44:47] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There was genuine compassion. Verse 45 says they were selling their possessions and belongings. And distributing the proceeds to all as any had need. If you had a need, the community would come together and they would say, well, you know, I've got all of these things and I don't really need all that. Why don't I sell those and we'll help them meet that need. Getting rid of the extra for those who don't have enough." [51:30] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There was fervent praise. He says in verse 47, praising God and having favor with all the people. Their love for the Lord would have been demonstrated by their worship of Him. Their worship, what would their worship service look like? Well, it was rooted in the teaching of the apostles, the reading of the scriptures, and the teaching of the apostles. They would have been singing psalms, hymns, spiritual songs. There would have been giving financially to the poor. They would have observed the Lord's Supper. Sounds a whole lot like what we would do today." [55:56] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There was an evangelistic effort. Notice that phrase. I mentioned it. I mentioned it a minute ago, and having favor with all the people. Some scholars would say this is Luke's way of saying they loved God and their neighbor. They actually were fulfilling the great commandment, you know, to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and then the second is like it, to love your neighbor as yourself. We see them doing that, praising God and having favor. They loved the Lord. They loved Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. But then they loved their neighbor as their self, and they gained favor with all the people that they might come to know Christ as well." [57:50] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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