Steadfast Devotion: The Early Church's Model for Today
Summary
Our God is sovereign, gracious, and loving, providing for all His creation. He has given us His Word, which guides us in faith and life through the Holy Spirit. We turn to His Word for direction, not just in times of crisis but throughout our lives, to learn how to love God and our neighbors. Acts 2:42-47 paints a picture of the early church, a community devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This devotion was steadfast, a quality that is often lacking in today's culture. The early church's unity and love for one another were evident, even amidst persecution and internal challenges. They were not perfect, but they were genuine, living lives of repentance and faith.
The early church's steadfastness was not rooted in their strength but in God's. They persevered in their devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, and prayer. This devotion was not occasional but constant, as their theology was their life. They studied the Word deeply, not just superficially, and this was true for every member of the church, not just leaders. Their fellowship was rooted in theology, emphasizing truth and purity alongside love and unity. Genuine peace and unity in the church can only exist when grounded in truth.
The early church's generosity was voluntary, not mandated, as they cared for those truly in need. This was not a form of socialism but a demonstration of love and community. The diaconate played a crucial role in discerning and meeting the needs of the congregation. The church gathered regularly, sharing meals and lives, fostering a community where burdens were shared, and prayers offered. This community life was not just about attending services but living out their faith daily.
The early church's character and love for one another were a powerful witness to the world. They had favor with people because of their integrity and care for others, both within and outside the church. The Lord added to their number those being saved, not through human schemes but through His sovereign work. Our call is to remain faithful, trusting in God's means and sovereignty, and to shine as a light in the world, pointing others to Jesus Christ as their only hope.
Key Takeaways:
- The early church's steadfast devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, and prayer was not occasional but constant, rooted in God's strength, not their own. This steadfastness is a quality often lacking today, but it is essential for a vibrant faith community. [09:34]
- Genuine peace and unity in the church can only exist when grounded in truth. The early church's fellowship was rooted in theology, emphasizing the importance of doctrine alongside love and unity. Without truth, peace and unity are superficial. [14:08]
- The early church's generosity was voluntary, not mandated, demonstrating love and community. This was not a form of socialism but a genuine care for those truly in need, with the diaconate playing a crucial role in discerning and meeting these needs. [20:07]
- The early church's character and love for one another were a powerful witness to the world. Their integrity and care for others, both within and outside the church, earned them favor with people and demonstrated the transformative power of the gospel. [29:25]
- Our call is to remain faithful, trusting in God's means and sovereignty, and to shine as a light in the world. By living lives of repentance and faith, we point others to Jesus Christ as their only hope, even in times of crisis. [31:24]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:32] - Turning to God's Word
[01:10] - Devotion of the Early Church
[02:05] - Prayer for Illumination
[03:05] - Realities of the Early Church
[04:42] - Unity and Love in the Church
[05:41] - The Church's Greatest Apologetic
[06:43] - Repentant Sinners, Not Hypocrites
[07:39] - True Unity and Peace
[08:42] - The Power of the Gospel
[09:34] - Steadfast Devotion
[11:25] - Apostles' Teaching and Fellowship
[12:55] - Truth and Purity in the Church
[14:37] - Genuine Peace and Unity
[16:42] - Signs and Wonders
[18:19] - Generosity and Community
[20:07] - No Primitive Socialism
[22:37] - Gathering and Fellowship
[25:00] - Serving One Another
[26:19] - The Church's Witness
[28:31] - Praising God in All Circumstances
[30:43] - The Lord's Sovereign Work
[32:35] - Shining as a Light in the World
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 2:42-47
---
Observation Questions:
1. What were the four main activities the early church devoted themselves to according to Acts 2:42? How did these activities contribute to their community life? [01:10]
2. How did the early church demonstrate their generosity, and what was the role of the diaconate in this process? [20:07]
3. What was the result of the early church's character and love for one another in terms of their relationship with the outside world? [29:25]
4. How did the early church's steadfastness differ from the occasional devotion seen in today's culture? [09:34]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways did the early church's devotion to the apostles' teaching and fellowship reflect their theology as their life? How does this compare to modern church practices? [11:25]
2. The sermon mentions that genuine peace and unity in the church can only exist when grounded in truth. How does this principle apply to current church dynamics? [14:08]
3. How did the early church's voluntary generosity differ from the concept of socialism, and what does this say about their understanding of community and love? [20:07]
4. The early church's character was a powerful witness to the world. What specific aspects of their behavior contributed to this witness, and how can this be applied today? [29:25]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal devotion to the teachings of the apostles. How can you incorporate a more steadfast approach to studying the Word in your daily life? [09:34]
2. Consider the role of truth in your church community. How can you contribute to fostering genuine peace and unity that is grounded in truth? [14:08]
3. Think about a time when you witnessed or participated in voluntary generosity within your church. How did it impact your understanding of community and love? How can you be more proactive in this area? [20:07]
4. The early church was known for their integrity and care for others. Identify one way you can demonstrate integrity and care in your interactions both within and outside the church this week. [29:25]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of living lives of repentance and faith. What is one area in your life where you need to practice repentance, and how can you take steps towards change? [31:24]
6. How can you be a light in your community, pointing others to Jesus Christ as their only hope? Identify one specific action you can take this week to shine as a light in the world. [32:35]
7. Reflect on the early church's practice of sharing meals and lives together. How can you create opportunities for deeper fellowship and community in your own life? [23:13]
Devotional
Day 1: Steadfast Devotion in Community
The early church exemplified a steadfast devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, and prayer, which was not occasional but constant. This devotion was rooted in God's strength, not their own, and it was essential for a vibrant faith community. In today's culture, such steadfastness is often lacking, but it remains crucial for spiritual growth and unity. The early church's commitment to these practices was a reflection of their theology being their life, and it was not limited to the leaders but embraced by every member. This constant devotion allowed them to persevere through challenges and grow in their faith together. [09:34]
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: In what ways can you incorporate a more steadfast devotion to prayer and fellowship in your daily routine this week?
Day 2: Truth as the Foundation for Unity
Genuine peace and unity in the church can only exist when grounded in truth. The early church's fellowship was deeply rooted in theology, emphasizing the importance of doctrine alongside love and unity. Without truth, peace and unity are superficial and unsustainable. The early believers understood that their unity was not just about being together but about being together in truth. This commitment to truth ensured that their community was not only loving but also pure and authentic, reflecting the character of Christ. [14:08]
Ephesians 4:14-15 (ESV): "So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
Reflection: How can you ensure that your relationships within the church are grounded in truth and love this week?
Day 3: Voluntary Generosity as a Reflection of Love
The early church's generosity was voluntary, not mandated, demonstrating genuine love and community. This was not a form of socialism but a heartfelt care for those truly in need, with the diaconate playing a crucial role in discerning and meeting these needs. Their generosity was a natural outflow of their love for one another and their understanding of God's provision. This voluntary sharing of resources was a powerful testimony to the world of the transformative power of the gospel and the love of Christ. [20:07]
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: Is there someone in your community who is in need, and how can you extend generosity to them this week in a way that reflects Christ's love?
Day 4: Integrity and Care as a Witness to the World
The early church's character and love for one another were a powerful witness to the world. Their integrity and care for others, both within and outside the church, earned them favor with people and demonstrated the transformative power of the gospel. This was not achieved through human schemes but through God's sovereign work. The early believers lived lives of repentance and faith, pointing others to Jesus Christ as their only hope. Their lives were a testament to the reality of the gospel and the love of God. [29:25]
1 Peter 2:12 (ESV): "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Reflection: How can your actions this week serve as a testimony to those around you, reflecting the integrity and love of Christ?
Day 5: Faithfulness in Trusting God's Sovereignty
Our call is to remain faithful, trusting in God's means and sovereignty, and to shine as a light in the world. By living lives of repentance and faith, we point others to Jesus Christ as their only hope, even in times of crisis. The early church understood that their growth and impact were not the result of human effort but of God's sovereign work. They trusted in His plans and purposes, knowing that He was the one who added to their number those being saved. This trust in God's sovereignty allowed them to live with confidence and hope, even amidst challenges. [31:24]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God's sovereignty more fully, and how can you take a step of faith in that area this week?
Quotes
Our God is a sovereign God, and we believe in a God who is in control of all. We also believe in a God who is gracious and loving, a God who cares for His people, a God who gives rain and sunshine to both the good and the evil upon His earth. [00:00:00]
And His Word is that which directs us in all of faith and life, and so it is to His Word that we turn now for that direction, not only for such a time as this, but in all our days and all our years that the Lord should give us that we would turn to Him and to His truth that sanctifies that we might be directed on how we might love Him and how we might love our neighbor as ourselves. [00:00:32]
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. [00:01:19]
And the hope is that when the world looks at the church that we see our sins and that we are quick to repent and confess our sins. What they also see is a loving community of people who love each other, albeit imperfectly, but that we love each other genuinely. [00:07:02]
And so, in chapter 2 and verse 42, we read this from Luke in this summary statement about how the church was operating, how the church was getting along, and what the church was doing. And we notice that just before this, Peter had been preaching. [00:08:09]
And the Holy Spirit added to the church's number three thousand souls. It wasn't through any tactics. It wasn't through any invented means. It was through the simple and pure preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ that the Holy Spirit worked and brought many souls to the church. [00:08:42]
They persevered in their devotion to these things. That's an important word because the language of "steadfastness" is a language that is largely disappearing from our culture and even from within the church. When I say the word "steadfastness," what do you think of? [00:09:34]
They studied these things intently and with depth. It wasn't just a cursory surface-level study of these things. And notice here that Luke is not talking about pastors or seminary students or those simply training for full-time vocational ministry. He's talking about every member of the church, that they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and not just to the apostles' teaching but to the fellowship. [00:11:57]
You see, we can't have real peace and real unity; we can't even have genuine love if we don't have real genuine truth. If we do not have purity in the church, then what's the use of peace and unity? And in our day so many are crying for peace and unity, but you don't hear them always crying for truth, you don't always hear them crying for purity. [00:13:47]
What we see here beautifully portrayed is the generosity of the early church, the early church voluntarily taking care of those who were truly in need. There were still many of those who had their own private property and houses that they did not sell. That's where the churches would meet often in the early church. [00:20:07]
And this is the example of how the early church did just that as they cared for one another and as that was a witness to the entire watching world. And what were they doing as they gathered together? They were gathering and eating together with glad and generous hearts, gladness and sincerity of heart. [00:27:11]
And He will get all the glory from it. And so, friends, it is our call as we rest in the grace of our God and as we rest in the perfect righteousness of our Savior Jesus Christ, as we rest in the peace and comfort that comes from the Holy Spirit, because real joy isn't just the absence of sadness, it is the presence of the Holy Spirit with us comforting us and granting us His peace, and even in times like this granting us true joy as we shine as a light to a very dark, confused, and sad world, pointing the world not to ourselves, but pointing them to Jesus Christ as their only hope and their only answer. [00:32:16]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Mar 21, 2020. Do you have any questions about it?