Devoted (Acts 2:42-47)

Pastor Deric Thomas

Introduction: Are you living distracted or devoted?

[4] But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. [5] Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. [Rev 2:4-5]

[42] And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. [43] And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. [44] And all who believed were together and had all things in common. [45] And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. [46] And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, [47] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

A Model Church
1. They were joyfully devoted to loving God and each other.
2. They loved learning more about God and His ways, and putting into practice what they learned.
3. They were a unified community characterized by generosity and sharing.
4. They walked closely with God in faith.
5. They experienced the awesome supernatural work of God in their lives and in their midst.
6. They were led spiritually by chosen men who operated in God’s power.
7. They met together regularly in both large and small groups in Jesus’ name.
8. They had a powerfully positive influence on the people around them.
9. God was saving people daily and the church was growing rapidly.

[9] Show hospitality to one another… [10] As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another… (1Pet 4:9-10)
[50] …be at peace with one another. (Mar 9:50)
[34] …love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. (Jn 13:34)
[10] Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor… [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. [16] Live in harmony with one another… (Rom 12:5, 10, 15-16)
[7] …welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God… [14] …you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. (Rom 15:7, 14)
[16] Greet one another with a holy kiss… (Rom 16:16)
[33] …when you come together to eat, wait for one another… (1Cor 11:33)
[25] …care for one another. (1Cor 12:25)
[13] …do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Gal 5:13)
[2] Bear one another’s burdens… (Gal 6:2)
[32] Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Eph 4:32)
[13] bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive… [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.. (Col 3:13, 16)
[21] submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Eph 5:21)
[11] …encourage one another and build one another up… (1Th 5:11)
[24] …let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works… (Hbr 10:24 )
[5] …Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1Pet 5:5)
[16] …confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed… (Jam 5:16)
[7] …if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1Jn 1:7)