Renewed Devotion: The Heart of Spiritual Renewal
Summary
As we gather to celebrate 75 years of God’s faithfulness to Granville Chapel, it’s fitting to reflect on what truly brings spiritual renewal—not just for a church, but for each of us. The early church, as described in Acts 2, was marked by a deep devotion: to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. But beneath these practices lies something even more fundamental: a wholehearted devotion to Jesus himself. This devotion is not about a checklist of spiritual activities, but about orienting our lives around Christ, allowing him to shape our hearts, our actions, and our community.
Devotion is often hidden, forged in the ordinary and the unseen. Like athletes who train for years for a single moment of victory, or faithful servants who labor for decades without seeing immediate fruit, true devotion is measured not by public recognition but by quiet perseverance. The story of Tom Carson, an “ordinary pastor” who served in obscurity and hardship, reminds us that God often brings renewal through seeds sown in faithfulness, even when we don’t see the results ourselves. Similarly, the small acts of devotion within our own community—like gathering to hear testimonies, supporting missions, or simply showing up—are the building blocks of spiritual vitality.
Devotion to Jesus is not reserved for pastors or missionaries; it is the calling of every believer. It may look like bringing faith into the workplace with integrity and kindness, setting aside time for prayer and scripture, giving generously, or investing in the next generation. Sometimes, devotion is as simple as being present—week after week, in worship, in community, in the rhythms of daily life. It’s in these ordinary moments that God often does his most extraordinary work.
As we look back with gratitude and look forward with hope, the invitation is clear: to respond to Jesus with renewed devotion. This is the soil in which the Spirit brings renewal, both in our lives and in our church. The question for each of us is: what does devotion look like in my life today? Where is God calling me to deeper faithfulness, to a more wholehearted response to his love and lordship?
Key Takeaways
- Devotion is the foundation of spiritual renewal. The early church’s vitality flowed not from programs or strategies, but from a deep, shared commitment to Jesus expressed through teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Renewal begins when our hearts are oriented toward Christ above all else. [05:11]
- True devotion is often hidden and ordinary. Like the countless hours athletes spend training or the quiet faithfulness of servants like Tom Carson, much of what God values happens away from the spotlight. The fruit of devotion may not be immediate or visible, but God honors perseverance and uses it to bring about lasting change. [14:41]
- Small acts of devotion matter. Whether it’s attending a gathering, supporting a mission, or simply encouraging others, these seemingly minor choices are significant in God’s eyes. They create space for the Spirit to work, both in us and through us, and often lead to unexpected encouragement and blessing. [19:20]
- Every believer is called to wholehearted devotion, not just a select few. The heritage of Granville Chapel and the Brethren movement reminds us that there is no divide between “clergy” and “laity”—all are invited to follow Jesus with their whole lives. This calling is lived out in diverse ways, from the workplace to the home, and in every season of life. [21:16]
- Devotion is expressed in the ordinary rhythms of life. It may look like daily prayer, acts of generosity, investing in others, or simply showing up faithfully. God uses these ordinary moments to shape us, to build community, and to bring about spiritual renewal. The question is not whether our devotion is dramatic, but whether it is real and consistent. [24:50]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:02] - Introducing the 75th Anniversary Series
[03:31] - The Question of Spiritual Renewal
[05:11] - The Centrality of Devotion in Acts 2
[06:30] - Devotion to Jesus, Not Just Actions
[08:32] - The Simplicity of Devotion
[09:51] - Story 1: Devotion in Athletics
[13:33] - Story 2: Tom Carson’s Faithful Ministry
[16:58] - Story 3: Acts of Devotion at Granville Chapel
[18:19] - The Blessing of Small Acts of Devotion
[19:20] - The Spirit’s Role and Our Response
[21:16] - What Devotion Looks Like for Each of Us
[23:36] - Practical Expressions of Devotion
[24:50] - Devotion in Daily Life and Relationships
[26:09] - Prayer for Renewal and Devotion
[27:03] - Closing and Benediction
Study Guide
Granville Chapel Small Group Bible Study Guide
*Celebrating 75 Years: Devotion and Spiritual Renewal*
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### Bible Reading
Acts 2:42-47 (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. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Acts 2:42, what four things did the early church devote themselves to?
2. In the sermon, what is described as the “active verb” in Acts 2:42, and why is it important? [03:31]
3. What are some of the visible and invisible results of the early church’s devotion, as described in Acts 2:43-47?
4. The sermon mentions that devotion is often “hidden, forged in the ordinary and the unseen.” What examples from the sermon illustrate this? [14:41]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon suggests that devotion is not just about spiritual activities, but about orienting our lives around Jesus. How does this understanding change the way we view church practices like teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer? [08:32]
2. Why do you think God often works through “small acts of devotion” rather than dramatic or public displays? [19:20]
3. The story of Tom Carson highlights faithfulness without visible fruit. What does this teach us about the nature of spiritual renewal and God’s timing? [14:41]
4. The sermon says that every believer—not just pastors or missionaries—is called to wholehearted devotion. What are some ways this calling might look different for each person? [21:16]
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### Application Questions
1. The early church’s devotion was expressed in ordinary rhythms—teaching, fellowship, meals, and prayer. Which of these rhythms is most natural for you, and which is most challenging? What is one step you could take to grow in the area that’s harder for you? [05:11]
2. The sermon gave examples of devotion in everyday life, like bringing faith into the workplace or showing up for others. Where do you sense God inviting you to deeper faithfulness in your daily routines? [23:36]
3. Think about a “small act of devotion” you’ve seen or experienced recently (like attending a gathering, supporting a mission, or encouraging someone). How did God use that act to encourage or bless you or others? [18:19]
4. The story of Tom Carson reminds us that we may not always see the fruit of our faithfulness. Is there an area in your life where you’re persevering without visible results? How can you be encouraged to keep going? [14:41]
5. The sermon asks, “What does devotion look like in my life today?” Take a moment to reflect: What is one specific way you can respond to Jesus with renewed devotion this week? [24:50]
6. Are there distractions or habits in your life that make it hard to be devoted to Jesus? What is one practical change you could make to help orient your heart more fully toward Him? [24:50]
7. The heritage of Granville Chapel emphasizes that all believers are called to devotion, not just a select few. How can you encourage someone else in your community to live out their calling this week? [21:16]
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*Close in prayer, asking God to show each person what devotion looks like in their life and to bring renewal to our church and community.*
Devotional
Day 1: Devotion as the Foundation of Spiritual Renewal
True spiritual renewal begins with wholehearted devotion to Jesus, not merely with external actions or programs. The early church’s vitality and growth flowed from their deep commitment to Christ, as seen in their dedication to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This devotion was not about ritual, but about a living relationship with the risen Lord, which then shaped every aspect of their communal and individual lives. When believers center their lives on Jesus, the Holy Spirit is free to move and bring about genuine renewal, both personally and corporately. [05:11]
Acts 2:42-47 (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. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God inviting you to deeper devotion to Jesus today? How might you respond in a practical way?
Day 2: Devotion Is Ultimately Devotion to Jesus
The acts of devotion described in the early church—teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer—were not ends in themselves, but means of expressing and deepening their devotion to Jesus as Lord and Messiah. Their lives were oriented around Christ, recognizing Him as the fulfillment of God’s promises and the source of forgiveness, renewal, and purpose. This Christ-centered devotion is what empowered them to live out their faith with courage and unity, and it remains the heart of spiritual vitality for every believer. [08:32]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV)
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: In what ways can you intentionally center your daily routines and relationships around Jesus, rather than simply going through spiritual motions?
Day 3: Devotion Is Shaped in the Ordinary and the Unseen
Devotion is often forged in the quiet, unseen moments of faithfulness—whether in years of ministry with little visible fruit, or in the countless hours of practice and preparation that lead to a single moment of celebration. Like Tom Carson’s lifetime of ministry or the dedication of athletes, true devotion is marked by perseverance, sacrifice, and trust that God is at work even when results are not immediate. God honors these ordinary acts of faithfulness, using them to sow seeds that may bear fruit in ways we cannot yet see. [14:41]
Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Reflection: Where in your life are you being called to persevere in faithfulness, even if you do not yet see the results? How can you entrust these efforts to God today?
Day 4: Small Acts of Devotion Make a Difference
Even seemingly small acts of devotion—like showing up to encourage others, giving a few hours to listen, or supporting someone’s journey—can be used by God to bring encouragement, blessing, and spiritual renewal. These moments, though ordinary, are opportunities for God’s Spirit to work in and through us, building up the community and drawing us closer to Him. Every act of devotion, no matter how small, is significant in God’s eyes and can have ripple effects far beyond what we imagine. [19:20]
Matthew 25:40 (ESV)
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Reflection: What is one small, concrete act of devotion you can offer to God or to someone in your community this week?
Day 5: Devotion Is for Everyone, in Every Context
God calls every believer—not just pastors or missionaries—to a life of wholehearted devotion to Jesus, expressed in the unique circumstances of their daily lives. Whether in the workplace, at home, in financial decisions, or in relationships, each person is invited to live out their faith with integrity, generosity, and presence. Devotion is not about dramatic gestures, but about consistent, everyday choices to honor Christ and serve others, trusting that God will use these acts to bring renewal and blessing. [24:50]
Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Reflection: How might you express devotion to Jesus in your ordinary routines today—at work, at home, or in your relationships? What is one step you can take to live this out?
Quotes
What are they being devoted to? Is it just these four actions, or these four things? No, it's in fact, they're being devoted to Jesus, the Messiah, through these four things. They're being devoted. They're devoting their lives to Jesus. [00:08:51] (19 seconds)
Just these little acts of devotion. What is it that brings spiritual renewal? I think one of the things. There are probably many things. We can't bring about spiritual renewal, can we? Because that's the work of the Holy Spirit. It's the Spirit that brings spiritual renewal. But for sure, for sure, I submit to you one of the preceding ingredients of renewal, whether that be, you know, Granville's birth 75 years ago or the Plymouth Brethren before that or here today as we seek to move forward and listen to what God and listen to what God is doing, one of the preceding ingredients is going to be devotion. [00:19:32] (46 seconds)
Not devotion to any specific actions per se, but devotion to what? To Jesus. Devotion to Jesus. Because that is what the gospel is all about. The good news is about Jesus being crowned as Lord and Messiah of this world and us understanding that, seeing that, that that is true. [00:20:18] (25 seconds)
And then receiving some of the benefits of that in our lives, right? Forgiveness of sin, washing and cleansing, renewal in our hearts, community with one another, with the Lord, restoration, healing, calling, purpose in life. [00:20:43] (20 seconds)
And so what do we do? We respond to him in devotion. It's right. It's good. It's what we're meant to be and to do. And as we respond to him in devotion, as we devote our lives, then I think the spirit can move more freely among us. Okay. Those three stories. But now let me close by giving us an opportunity to kind of reflect a bit more practically. What does that mean for you? What does it mean for me? It'll mean something different for you than it will be for me. Not all of you will be called to be pastors or missionaries in that traditional sense. [00:21:16] (36 seconds)
I'm just going to give a few examples. Devotion could be bringing your faith into your workplace. That's not easy today. It's not easy. I admit that. It's not easy in our context and climate. Bringing your faith into your workplace, maybe through integrity, kindness, excellence in your work, maybe speaking a word of encouragement, maybe speaking the name of Jesus to a colleague. [00:22:36] (26 seconds)
Coming to him and reading scripture and devoting some time to him in the morning and saying, Lord, help me think about my day today. Help me think about what my life is meant to be today. Setting aside time in the busyness of our lives for him each day. [00:23:14] (21 seconds)
Sometimes it's just maybe showing up week after week and devoting yourself to a rhythm. Being present in worship. Being present in home group or life group. Encouraging each others. And participating in the community overall. [00:24:30] (21 seconds)
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