Title – The PERSEVERING People of God
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Text Acts 2: 42 – 47
42And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
We look at the beginning of Chapter 2 and note that they were all together on the day of the Pentecost. The day of Pentecost was also called , Feast of Weeks( Dt 16:10), and the Feast of the Harvest (Ex 23:16). This is the 50th day after the Sabbath of Passover week. (Lev23: 15-16).
Earlier in chapter two, there was a mighty wind from heaven and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. This anointing caused a stir among the people as the apostles spoke in other languages. This anointing gave boldness and authority to Peter and the others.
Peter and the eleven apostles fresh in the anointing of the Holy Spirit addressed the congregation, preaching and teaching them explaining the Gospel of Jesus Christ - His death, resurrection and exaltation. They continued to exhort them to repent and to be baptized. He warned them and pleaded with them to come out from the corrupted generation. And three thousand accepted the message and repented and were baptized.
After this event, there were a great transformation and change in the lives of the believers.
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We look at the text for today to study what developed after this wonderful experience.
I want explain two words from this passage before going on to the other points.
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1. Devoted(NIV)/Streadfastly(KJV)(Proskartereo)
From the original Greek text it means: to join, to adhere, to be ready, to give attention, be faithful, to spend much time together and another reference is to persevere.
I like ‘to persevere’ it means to endure in power and strength. It is something that is continuous, without ceasing.
2. Fellowship (Koinonia)
From the Greek word its original meanings are close association, sharing, gift, contribution, participation. The one that stands out is emphasizing what is common between them. We come from different backgrounds and culture our colours are also different, taste, upbringing, extended families associated with us But what do we have in common- Christ Jesus. We must work to become a new family in Christ.
Pp HOW TO PERSEVERE and BE SUCCESSFUL?
A. The Action
1. They devoted to the apostles’ teaching pp
The spoken words of the apostles were fundamental to the growth of the church and the believers’ spiritual growth.
2 Timothy 3:16
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,(NKJV)
16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,(NIV)
The Word of God is there to equip us, to rebuke us, to teach us, to warn us, to correct us, to guide us, to plan for us, to show the way forward.
The doubled edged sword is the word of God to protect us.
We must accept every part of the bible. No subtraction and do not add.
Acts 5:21a, And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught.
Acts 5:42, And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Illustration
The Word is so very important.
Without the word we will be defeated. The word of God is a Lamp unto my feet and path. Tongues will cease but the word of God will remain.
Psalms 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
• There is only a THIN LINE BETWEEN TRUTH AND DARKNESS ( Practicing YOGA and rituals than do not conform to the word of God / selecting MOVIES to watch). Do not get entangled into the pattern of the world.
• Travel overseas – need a map because they have different laws /signs.
• Attending a Wedding – you may get lost looking for the place, so you need a map which will take there without delay and without any problems.
o How many have read the whole bible? Read even if you do not understand- Holy Spirit will give you understanding.
2. The devoted to the fellowship pp
- A partnership in worship and sharing.
- Devoted in getting together in one common interest. That is to glorify Christ Jesus in whatever we are doing. (Meal, cleaning, meeting).
- Emphasizing what is common between us. We come from different backgrounds and culture our colours are also different, taste, upbringing, extended families associated with us But what do we have in common- God the Father, His Son , His Word and The Holy Spirit. Through His Him we have in a His Love, peace, joy, his grace and all the promises in the word and finally we have the gift of eternal life. We must work to become a new family in Christ.
- John 18: 28-40, When they brought Jesus to Pilate they too had things in common. The Rulers, the spiritual leaders and the crowd had hatred for God, His word/truth and His Son. They were willing to put him to death.
- Forget about having your own groups. My Team, A Team B Team. There is only God’s team. Too many factions cause us to erode and die.
1 John 1:3, that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
Illustration
• AIDS/Cancer- eats slowly and destroys you.
• A football Team is a good example- MU/Chelsea has great discipline
• No true interest in another brother – hello/hi. When you have problems we run away/ there is no place to turn.
3. They devoted to the breaking of bread pp
Breaking of bread is a very important part of believers’ fellowship. It is Not the bread and drink- but the teaching and commandments He gave us and finally his death and resurrection. A time to remember how our sins were cleansed and how the immeasurable love of God touched us. How coming to the table means more than bread and drink.
- The Lord’s supper as a constant reminder of the gift of life from Jesus.
o It is mandatory for all Christians (baptized/old enough to understand the meaning) to observe.
1 Cor 11:24-29, 24and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 25In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."
26For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.
27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
Other references: Acts 20:7, 1 Cor 10:16, 1 Cor 11:20
4. They devoted themselves to Prayer pp
It is always good to emphasize on prayer at every meeting. Prayer moves the hand of God to do great things in our midst.
Acts 1:14, These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers
Acts 3: 1, Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
Acts 6:4, but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
Acts 12:5, Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant [1] prayer was offered to God for him by the church.
Illustration
Prayer is so misunderstood
i. You don’t have to be loudJesus went up the hill and prayed
• All the time we are binding and loosening, that we miss the point and many in the congregation are not following and at the end we have a loud Amen. Praying with one accord Greek- united, as one, in togetherness, means agreeing together after understanding what is prayed.
• Don’t pray for someone if you are not sincere.
ii. You don’t have to be seen go into a closet
Matthew 6:5-6 (N K J V)
5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.[a
iii. You don’t have to be eloquent Moses was not eloquent/Paul
iv. You don’t have to be in a prayer meeting.
v. You don’t have to close your eyes Jesus on the cross looked toward heaven and prayed (John 17:1).
vi. You don’t have to kneel lying down/ driving
ALL You need is a sincere and contrite heart with full reverence
Psalm 51:17 (NKJV) 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.
Isaiah 66:2 (NKJV)2 For all those things My hand has made,
And all those things exist,” Says the LORD. “ But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.
Illustration the Pharisee and the tax collector praying (Luke 18:11-12)
Jesus taught us how to pray (Matthew 6:9-13)
9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen
5. They devoted themselves to each other pp
a) Act2: 44a , Now all who believed were together,
• they were together, helping and assisting each other
b) Acts 2: 44b and had all things in common,
Acts 4:32, Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
• In one accord, common platform in agreement on everything
c) Acts 2: 45 45and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
• powerful statement on Giving – they sold their possessions .
To provide for the needs of the believers, among them and also others
The Rich young ruler who came to Jesus.
Mt 19:21, 21Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."
Luke 12:33, Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.
Other references:
Luke 18:22,Acts 4:34,35,Acts 6:1
6. They devoted themselves to the Church pp
They were committed to serving the Lord. They would get involved in ministries in the church and where there is a need.
Serving and taking up ministries in the church must be a natural step as we grow and change. Its good to seek high office.
Leaders must learn to give up and teach others to take over. We are self centered and don’t want to loose our position or possession.
Moses gave way to Joshua.(Deut 31:1-8)
Jesus knew who would come after Him. The Counselor/Holy Spirit (John 15:26)
Acts 2:46a, So continuing daily with one accord in the temple,
Luke 24:53, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.
Other references: Acts 3:1
7. They devoted themselves to home fellowship pp
Acts2: 46b and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
Ministering at home, probably their neighbors were invited for a meal. They were excited to share the gospel. (have your own family prayer/bible study time)
Evangelism is important. Our life testimony is a major part in evangelism because today going door to door might be difficult. Inviting friends and others to your home is a good opportunity to share the gospel.
Food should not be the main thing our fellowship. We eat too much. We have food all the time and festivals cause problems.
Illustration
• A girl at my daughter’s school asked me, “Uncle, what are you going to have for lunch?” I said, “Rice and curry and others.” She said, “I have rice with water and sugar.”
• We eat too much. every opportunity we get, we want to eat in the name of fellowship. Too many celebrations and Festivals(Asian contexts)
• I remember our leaders’ meeting – after sometime food became priority- using church money. I felt so guilty I refused to go for lunch.
B. The Result pp
God moves in a tremendous way once his word is preached. Every word of God we share will not return to us void. Once the word is preached we see signs and wonders following. The blessings of God and the gifts of the Holy Spirit will flow.
Acts 2: 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles
Acts 5:12, and through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people.
the apostles did many wonders and miraculous Signs
Acts 2: 46b – 47So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
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There were manifestation of:
a. Gladness
b. Sincere hearts
c. Praise for God
d. Joy of the Lord
e. Accepted by all around us
f. The presence of the Lord
g. Increase in numbers
h. signs and wonders
• Act 2:43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles43Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles
This would also result in a strong and powerful body of believers, whose sole purpose is to minister and bring in the souls, defeating the Devil before he can devise his schemes to break us down.
Conclusion and a call for verdict
God has commanded believers to gather as often as possible.
Hebrews 10:25not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Matthew 18:20 God promised us that when 2 or 3 believers are gathered together he will be amongst us. His presence will feel us and refresh us. He will strengthen us. He will do great things in our midst. Whether it’s in Church, in offices or at home we can gather Christians together for prayer, reading of the word, ministering to one another’s needs.
This would build a close borne between each other and this would result in a strong body of Christ. As a church we will be able to withstand any attacks from the devil and move forward to win souls for the Lord.
Are we ready to move forward as a united group of believers? Are we gathering together to minister and impart to one another the teaching and blessings of the Lord?
Let’s not wait for the Lord to come back and find us not doing what he has commanded. We need to realize that there are blessings that will flow into our lives when we gather together to serve and to fellowship in prayer and giving.
We must persevere, we must be devoted, we must continue steadfastly. We must look at the things we have in common.
Saving Grace 25/10/09
