Theme: Living a Life of Sacrifice & Service
Topic: Serving and Sacrificing in the Community
Main Text: Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37
Key verse: Acts 2:44 NKJV “Now all who believed were together and had all things in common.”
Introduction:
The selected verses in Acts 2 and 4 focus on a time shortly after the birth of the church on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), when the disciples, baptized with the Holy Spirit of God,went about preaching the Gospel, baptizing men, doing signs and wonders, like Jesus did. This,coupled with their persistence in harmonious fellowship, gladness and simplicity of heart, and other Christ-like behavior earned them the title “Christians.” Theirs was an uncommon unity and oneness, which the Bible refers to as being “of one accord” or “of one heart and one soul” (Acts 4:32). It is a oneness that mirrors the oneness of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (I John 5:7). The importance of unity among believers cannot be overemphasized as Paul admonished the church in Ephesus to be one (Ephesians 4:1-6) and even Jesus made this heart-felt plea to the Father in John 17:23 NKJV, “that they may be one just as We are one.”
Q1. Read Ephesians 4:1-6 (1a) Why would Paul have needed to sound this note of warning? (1b) How might this be relevant to the church today? What are some of the things that divide the church? (1c) In John 17:21b, Jesus gave a reason why the church needed to be one. What was the reason?
Paragraph 2:
In Acts 2:44-47, the Bible describes a remarkable phenomenon where the church engaged in a self- imposed, wealth-leveling practice of sharing their possessions. Some disciples went as far as divesting themselves of their investments (real estate and various other assets), to share with those who did not have. The result of this was that there was no lack amongst the brethren. Underpinning these acts of selflessness was love… the hallmark of Jesus’s character. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, popularly called “the love chapter”, provides for us a template of what the love of Jesus looks like. It is a love that goes the extra mile. A love that involves service and sacrifice. You cannot serve people you do not love. You cannot sacrifice for a person you do not love. Exhibiting love is how we show that we are children of God. “Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma” (Ephesians 5:1-2).
Q2. Read Acts 4:33 (2a) The sacrifice of the church unlocked two supernatural resources. What were they? (2b) Some churches (and believers) are wealthier than others. How can believers be encouraged to share their personal wealth with others? (2c) What are some of the reasons believers find it difficult to practice this level of sacrifice? How does that affect the work of the ministry?
Paragraph 3:
In Acts 2:42-47, we learn that the early church was focused on 4 key things: i.) The Word of God (the apostles’ doctrine), ii.) fellowship, iii.) the Lord’s supper (Communion), iv.) prayer. Their commitment to preaching the unadulterated word of God, walking in holy reverence for the Lord, fellowshipping in harmony with one another and having sweet communion and prayer caused men to be drawn to the faith. This is the primary mandate of every Christian (Matthew 28:19-20).
Q3. (3a) From Acts 2:46-47, we learn that the apostles “had favor with all people”. What kinds of behaviors attract people to Christianity? What drives them away? (3b) Some churches today appear to try to grow their numbers by telling people what they want to hear. How were the apostles different in this regard? (Read Acts 2:42a) (3c) What are some practical ways the church can show more service and sacrifice to the community?
Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for setting the perfect example of service and sacrifice. Help us, Your children to be united in You, to live in peace and harmony with one another, to live selflessly, and to pursue sharing Your life in us with others. In Jesus’ Name, we pray, Amen.