An Irresistible Influence

“Acts:  Advancing the Gospel”

Acts 2:42-47

Devoted . . .

• They were devoted to the apostles teaching.

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching . . .” Acts 2:42

• The same Scriptures that Jesus had taught, the apostles were teaching.

“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach . . . speaking about the kingdom of God.” Acts 1:1, 3

“And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, for He was teaching them as one who had authority, not as their scribes.”  Matthew 7:28-29

“And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.”  Mark 1:22

• They were devoted to authentic community.

“ [They devoted themselves] . . . and the fellowship . . .” Acts 2:42

• We were created to live in relationship with God and others.
  • When you are willing to allow others to get to know the real you, that is when you are able to truly be yourself.

• Authentic community is a result of spiritual unity. (John 17:20-23)

“And all who believed were together and had all things in common.”  Acts 2:44

“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul . . .”  Acts 4:32a 

• They were devoted to communion (breaking of bread).

“[They devoted themselves] . . . to the breaking of bread . . .” Acts 2:42

• Observing communion was a reminder of the grace of God shown toward them in the sacrifice of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin and the hope of salvation.

• They were devoted to praying.

“[They devoted themselves to] . . . the prayers.”  Acts 2:42

“Where there is much prayer, there will be much of the Spirit; where there is much of the Spirit, there will be ever-increasing prayer.”  — Andrew Murray

• They were devoted to generosity in meeting needs.

“And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need . . . they received their food with glad and generous hearts . . .”  Acts 2:45, 46  (seen in Acts 4:32-35 as well)

• Generosity is an overflow of the grace of God at work in you.

Epicenter . . .

• Your influence for the sake of the gospel will never exceed the gospel’s influence in you.
  • The depth of the gospel at work in you influences the reach of the gospel through you.

“And awe came upon every soul . . .” Acts 2:43

“And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”  Acts 2:47