THE LIFESTYLE OF THE EARLY CHURCH
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Acts 2:42-47
Key Verse: “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47)
Supporting Texts: John 13:34-35; Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 4:3-6; Philippians 2:1-4
INTRODUCTION:
The early church serves as a timeless example of what Christian community should look like. After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, the believers did not scatter into isolation but formed a close-knit, Spirit-led fellowship. Their lives reflected the character of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Their secret was simple yet powerful; they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, prayer, breaking of bread, and genuine fellowship. This lifestyle was not religious routine but a daily expression of love, unity, and commitment to one another. It drew unbelievers to Christ and made the church a living testimony of God’s grace.
In our generation, the church must return to this authentic pattern. When believers live in unity, generosity, and fervent prayer, God’s power manifests, and the world takes notice. The early church did not rely on human strategies but on divine fellowship, and the result was continuous growth and favour.
1. THEY CONTINUED STEADFASTLY IN THE APOSTLES’ DOCTRINE
The foundation of their faith was built on the pure teaching of God’s Word, not opinions or traditions.
a) Sound Doctrine Builds Strong Believers (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
The apostles’ teaching grounded the believers in truth and equipped them for righteous living. A strong church is built on sound doctrine.
b) Consistency Brings Spiritual Maturity (Colossians 1:23)
The early believers continued steadfastly; their commitment to the Word made them mature and stable in faith.
c) Teaching Shapes Character (Titus 2:1-8)
The doctrine they received transformed their behaviour, producing godliness, humility, and integrity.
d) The Word of God Produces Growth (1 Peter 2:2)
Spiritual growth happens when believers desire and feed on the sincere milk of the Word daily.
Biblical Example: Jesus taught His disciples consistently, and after His ascension, they carried on His teaching ministry with power and clarity (Matthew 28:19-20).
2. THEY LIVED IN TRUE FELLOWSHIP AND UNITY
The early believers shared their lives in love and harmony, demonstrating the unity of the Spirit.
a) Fellowship Strengthens the Body of Christ (1 John 1:7)
Walking in fellowship with one another deepens love and enhances spiritual growth.
b) Unity Attracts God’s Presence (Psalm 133:1-3)
Where there is unity, God commands His blessing. The early church experienced this in abundance.
c) They Shared Everything Freely (Acts 4:32-35)
No one lacked because they cared for one another selflessly, displaying the heart of Christ.
d) Love Was Their Mark of Identity (John 13:34-35)
The unbelievers were drawn by their genuine love and togetherness, which reflected the nature of Christ.
Biblical Example: The believers in Macedonia gave beyond their ability out of love and unity for the work of God (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
3. THEY WERE DEVOTED TO PRAYER AND WORSHIP
Prayer was the heartbeat of the early church, and worship was their lifestyle.
a) Prayer Invites Divine Power (Acts 4:31)
Whenever they prayed, the place was shaken, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit for bold witnessing.
b) Continuous Prayer Sustains Revival (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
The fire of revival was maintained through unceasing prayer and intercession.
c) Worship United Their Hearts (Ephesians 5:19-20)
They praised God together with joyful hearts, which strengthened their faith and unity.
d) Prayer Prepares the Church for Miracles (Acts 12:5-7)
Their corporate prayers brought divine intervention, opening prison doors and releasing the captives.
Biblical Example: When the believers prayed for Peter’s release, God sent an angel to free him from prison (Acts 12:5-10).
4. THEY PRACTISED GENEROSITY AND CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER
Their love for God was expressed through sacrificial giving and genuine concern for others.
a) Generosity Reflects God’s Nature (2 Corinthians 9:7-8)
God loves cheerful givers, and their giving brought great grace upon the church.
b) They Sold Their Possessions to Meet Needs (Acts 2:45)
The early believers prioritised people over possessions, ensuring that no one among them lacked.
c) True Giving Brings Divine Increase (Luke 6:38)
Their open-handedness invited divine multiplication and abundance.
d) Compassion Strengthens the Church (Galatians 6:2)
Bearing one another’s burdens builds love, unity, and strength within the body of Christ.
Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan demonstrated godly generosity by helping a wounded stranger (Luke 10:33-37).
5. THEY EXPERIENCED DIVINE FAVOUR AND DAILY GROWTH
Their Spirit-led lifestyle attracted the favour of God and the attention of people.
a) Favour Comes Through Obedience and Unity (Proverbs 3:3-4)
Their unity and obedience to the Word made them attractive before God and men.
b) God Himself Added to Their Number (Acts 2:47)
Growth came not from human effort but from divine increase. God honoured their faithfulness.
c) Their Lifestyle Was a Living Testimony (Matthew 5:16)
The way they lived made others desire the same faith and joy they had in Christ.
d) Continuous Revival Followed (Acts 5:14)
Multitudes continued to join the faith, and miracles confirmed the Word they preached.
Biblical Example: Joseph enjoyed divine favour and increase in Potiphar’s house because of his godly lifestyle (Genesis 39:2-5).
CONCLUSION:
The lifestyle of the early church remains a model for every believer and congregation today. Their devotion to teaching, fellowship, prayer, and generosity revealed the true heart of Christian living. They were not just hearers of the Word but doers who lived out their faith daily.
When the modern church returns to this Spirit-led lifestyle, anchored in unity, love, and holiness, revival will be inevitable. God still desires a church that mirrors the early believers: steadfast, prayerful, generous, and filled with divine favour and growth.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to be steadfast in Your Word and doctrine.
2. Father, unite the body of Christ in love and harmony.
3. Lord, restore true fellowship and unity in Your Church.
4. Holy Spirit, rekindle the fire of prayer in my life.
5. Lord, help me to be generous and compassionate toward others.
6. Let my life reflect the character and love of Christ.
7. Lord, add to Your Church daily through my witness.
8. Father, release divine favour upon our church and families.
9. Let every spirit of division be broken in the Church.
10. Lord, make our lives a testimony that draws others to Christ.
