Believer's Commitment

I. EXORDIUM:

Are you a committed CHRISTian?

II. AUDIENCE PROFILE:

Believers

III. OBJECTIVES:

To show that we need to commit ourselves to GOD and the LORD JESUS CHRIST who's willing and able to build us up and give us an inheritance among the sanctified.

IV. TEXT:

Acts 20:32 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

“And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.

V. THESIS:

When we commit ourselves to CHRIST alone, He will build us up while we live and gives us an inheritance among the sanctified.

VI. TITLE:

Believer's commitment

VII. EXPLICATION:

A. Main theme: Missionary Campaigns in the Early Church

B. Author: Dr. Luke, the beloved physician

C. Date written: uncertain, probably 62 A.D.

D. Purpose: To document the growth of the early church.

E. To whom written: Specifically, Theophilus

Acts 1:1 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach

F. Key words: Holy Spirit and the Church

G. Key verses: Acts 1:8, Acts 2:42-47

Acts 1:8 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 2:42-47 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.

And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.

They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—

all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

VIII. MAIN BODY:

A. Commit to GOD

"And now I entrust you to God"

There's no second when it comes to commitment to GOD. We can commit all things, all persons to GOD alone.

Isaiah 12:2 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.”

2 Timothy 1:12 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.

1 Peter 2:23 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

1 Peter 4:11 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

B. Commit to the Word of His Grace

"and the message of his grace"

1. Word is food for the soul

Jeremiah 15:16 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.

Psalms 119:103 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.

1 Peter 2:2 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment,

3. What can the Word of His Grace do for us?

a. It can build us up

"that is able to build you up"

CHRIST is the Builder.

Matthew 16:18 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.

Hebrews 3:3-4 (New Living Translation, Second Edition)

But Jesus deserves far more glory than Moses, just as a person who builds a house deserves more praise than the house itself.

For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is God.