18 Years of Developing Devoted Followers of Jesus | Resources
Passage:
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 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, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42–47
Devotional:
Today’s secular concept of faith (belief) is very different than that of our ancestors. The modern world views faith as a passive, incidental “feeling” that requires little more than simple acknowledgment of a process or condition. The Christian view of faith, however, is an active process that encourages engagement and action on the part of the believer.
The first Greek word I teach people is πίστις (pistis), translated as “faith” or “belief” in the New Testament, itself derived from the Greek verb πείθω (peithó), meaning I trust, entrust, follow, or obey. This concept of faith is strongly active, borne out through the countless actions of Jesus’ disciples (believers) who were called to put their faith into action through the four pillars of discipleship: 1) studying the teachings of Jesus and the Word of God; 2) imitating Jesus’ life and values by practicing what they learn; 3) being coached and equipped by knowledgeable teachers; and when they’re ready, 4) coaching others to pass on their knowledge and experience.
In his excellent book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis said, “To have faith in Christ means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus, if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get to Heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven is already inside you.”
So, where are you on your discipleship journey? Is yours an active or a passive faith? FFC has many programs and leaders who can help you become a devoted follower of Jesus!
by Brian Freeman
Scripture Reading:
Sunday: 2 Sam. 6; 1 Cor. 16; Ezek. 14; Ps. 55
Monday: 2 Sam. 7:2; Cor. 1; Ezek. 15; Ps. 56-57
Tuesday: 2 Sam. 8-9; 2 Cor. 2; Ezek. 16; Ps. 58-59
Wednesday: 2 Sam. 10; 2 Cor. 3; Ezek. 17; Ps. 60-61
Thursday: 2 Sam. 11; 2 Cor. 4; Ezek. 18; Ps. 62-63
Friday: 2 Sam. 12; 2 Cor. 5; Ezek. 19; Ps. 64-65
Saturday: 2 Sam. 13; 2 Cor. 6; Ezek. 20; Ps. 66-67
Memory Verse:
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts 2:42
Discussion Questions:
What in our text this week stands out as interesting, confusing, or challenging?
What do you think devotion looked like in verse 42? Could this be described of our church, you, or your family?
The sense of community that is described in verses 44 and 46 is amazing! What do you think created this deep sense of commitment and unity?
Have you ever experienced uncommon community like this? What do you think it would take to get to that level?
What needs to change in our community in order for it to more reflect what the first church experienced?
In light of what we have studied this week, how should you respond in obedience?