Sunday, September 9 & 16, 2012 am
WHAT THEY DID BACK THEN
Acts 2:42-47
BUT, with such
progress there is always the danger of digression.
While methods of delivery have changed, we must never seek to
change the purpose and pattern of the first century.
With that in mind, I would like to look at a text that is
occasionally quoted but in more detail.
I would like to look at the church that was established on
Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2.
Following the conversion of some 3000 souls we read of what they
did in vs. 42-47. While methods may change, what they did must not.
And as we examine this text, we will find that everything that
our brethren did as the church began can be done today.
We need to examine our lives to see if we are doing such.
So with that in mind, let us take a look at the church of Christ
in Jerusalem.
a.
They continued steadfastly –
i.
Steadfast
means to continue to do something with intense effort, even though you
might face difficulties.
(L&N 68.68)
ii.
One of the
great traits we find in the early church was their perseverance, not
giving up.
b.
In
the apostle’s doctrine –
i.
A
reference to the teachings of the apostles (which was the teaching of
Christ – cf. John 14:25-26, 16:13, etc.)
ii.
1 Thess.
2:13-14 – the church was commended because they welcomed the word not as
their own, but “as it is in truth,
the word of God which also effectively works in you who believe.”
iii.
If we are
to be pleasing to God, it is imperative that we KNOW what He would have
us to do. That is why we
continually (steadfastly) need to read and study His word (2 Tim. 2:15,
cf. Acts 17:11, etc.)
iv.
Today, far
too many have tampered with God’s word.
They are continuing in the doctrines of men (cf. Matt. 15:8-9),
rather than the apostle’s doctrines.
There is a softness that seeks to dismiss the hard things in the
gospel of Christ. And it
seems to be epidemic and crosses religious boundaries (i.e. not
exclusive to “Christian faiths”, e.g. Islam, Judaism, etc.)
c.
In
fellowship
i.
The word
“fellowship” means sharing or an association involving close mutual
relations and involvement.
In the New Testament it is most often used with spiritual matters in
mind, and never concerning recreation or social activities.
1 Cor. 1:9 speaks of our being “called into the fellowship of His Son,
Jesus Christ…”
ii.
But it is
sometimes used with reference to sharing money with needy brethren (Rom.
15:26, 8:4) or those preaching the gospel (Phil. 1:5, 4:14-17).
It was on such an occasion that prompted Paul to challenge
brethren to “lay by in store as we have prospered” on the first day of
the week in 1 Cor. 16:1-2.
iii.
As we
continue to read the remainder of this chapter and consider other texts
such as Acts 4:32-36 where brethren in Jerusalem were sharing with one
another, laying their “contribution” at the apostle’s feet,
this “fellowship” could have reference to such a collection as
part of their assembly in worshipping God.
iv.
But also,
let us consider that when we assemble together to partake of the Lord’s
Supper, it is an act of fellowship. According
to 1 Cor. 11:23-33, as we partake of the Lord’s Supper together we
proclaim His death until He returns.
And we are also in fellowship with the Lord Himself.
In 1 Cor. 10:16, we are told, “The
cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of
Christ? The bread which we
break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all
partake of that one bread.”
The word, “communion” is the same one found in our text (Acts
2:42) translated fellowship.
d.
In
breaking of bread
i.
Some
contend this is reference to a common meal, but that does not fit with
the context of the verse.
While a few verses down will deal with it, in this verse we find acts of
worship. Therefore it is
best to understand this as a reference to the Lord’s Supper as we just
discussed.
ii.
In Acts
20:7 we find it to be something they did “on the first day of the week.”
This ought to be a priority in our lives.
If it were a common meal they
were sharing, they would not need to wait until “the first day of the
way to partake.”
e.
In
prayer
i.
Prayer is
the avenue God has provided for us to communicate with Him.
His word (i.e. the apostle’s doctrine, the gospel of Christ) is
how He communicates with us.
ii.
Prayer has
always been important to God and a regular part of our worship to God.
It is something to be done daily (1 Thess. 5:17, Eph. 6:18, Col.
4:2, etc.)
iii.
But it is
also something to be done as we assemble together as well – 1 Cor. 14:15
challenges us to pray with the spirit and with the understanding (a text
clearly dealing with the assembling of the saints), Acts 12:5 – prayers
were constantly being offered by the church, etc.
f.
These
attributes are sometimes attributed to the worship of the saints.
4 of the 5 acts of worship could be included in this verse.
We do know that they assembled regularly back then and it was
important to them to do so.
Heb. 10:24-25 – commands us to assemble to exhort one another.
When we assemble
to worship God we engage in the acts mentioned in this verse (and
singing). We ought to
assemble as often as we can.
I am fearful that many do not take this seriously, allowing all sorts of
secular activities to interfere with assembling with the saints.
a.
They had all things in common.
Considering the circumstances they were in (a hostile
environment), they needed each other.
And as such they were there for one another.
i.
To help
their brethren, those who had available possessions and goods sold them
and shared with their brethren.
ii.
You have
here a demonstration of brotherly love.
They preferred one another over the world.
iii.
Brotherly
love is continually emphasized in scripture.
Heb. 13:1 says, “Let brotherly love continue.”
Romans 12:10 says, “Be kindly
affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving
preference to one another…” This is followed by a description where
we do for one another as we ought to.
iv.
Jesus
taught His disciples on the night of His betrayal, “By
this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one
another.” (John 13:35)
v.
We may
have restored proper worship to God, but is our attitude toward one
another as the example we find in the first century.
Do we really prefer one another over the world?
What we would we be willing to do for one another if a need
arose? What an example we
have in the brethren back then!
b.
They continued daily with one accord
i.
Continually, the New Testament stresses unity in our midst.
Paul wrote to the Corinthians to set the record straight on this
subject. 1 Cor. 1:10 he
challenged that we all speak the same thing and that there be no
divisions among us.
Throughout this letter he describes unity and demonstrates the
destruction of division.
ii.
Eph. 4:3
finds Paul challenging these brethren to endeavor to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
See also Philippians 2:1-2
iii.
Jesus
prayed for this unity as recorded in John 17:20-21.
iv.
Friends,
if we truly prefer one another, we are going to share with each other
and brotherly love will come naturally for us.
v.
IT was
done daily. Are we there for
one another whenever we are needed?
Heb. 3:12-13 challenges to exhort one another daily to stay
faithful and avoid falling away.
vi.
“In the
temple” would indicate that they were engaged in spiritual matters “with
one accord”. ARE we
engaged in such on a daily basis?
We are encouraged to study and pray every day.
We ought to seek opportunities to study with one another and
build each other up spiritually.
We have made opportunity available on Wednesday nights.
The men study on Thursday nights.
Ladies study from time to time together.
WE schedule gospel meetings to build each other up.
Do we avail ourselves of these and other times to be together?
c.
Breaking bread form house to house
i.
This would
be a reference to a common meal.
ii.
It is also
a demonstration of preferring one another over the world and their
continuing together. We
ought to want to do things together above and beyond our assembling to
worship God. Do we?
iii.
James 1:27
commands us to “keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
When you find time to be with your brethren, it can keep you from
being spotted with worldliness because you are less likely to do ungodly
things when you are around brethren.
IF you are struggling, or if
you see a brother or sister struggling, make time to do things
with one another.
d.
They ate
with simplicity of heart and gladness
i.
The words
used here, while continuing to elaborate on their daily sharing of meals
and other such things, demonstrate their attitude!
ii.
There was
simplicity – or humility and contentment.
Both are to govern our conduct toward one another.
Phil. 4:11 speaks of being content no matter what your condition.
1 Tim. 6:6 tells us that godliness with contentment is great gain.
As to humility – 1 Pet. 5:5 tells us to be clothed with humility because
God resists the proud.
The point is that it wasn’t about the amount of toys we accumulate.
Sometimes, it is simple things that build us up the most.
iii.
There was
joy (gladness) – Phil. 4:4 tells us to rejoice in the Lord always.
The Christian’s life is to be joyful.
It is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).
This is a product of true contentment and a spiritual perspective (cf.
Col. 3:1-2).
e.
They praised God
i.
Do we
praise God as we ought to?
As we live our lives, do we thank God for His goodness and His many
gifts? Heb. 13:15 speaks of
the fruit of our lips being a sacrifice of praise to God.
ii.
How often
do we tell others about Him?
1 Pet. 2:9 describes us as “a
chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special
people that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of
darkness and into His marvelous light.”
iii.
When we
assemble together is our worship performed with an attitude of praise?
iv.
2 Cor.
9:15 says, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”
f.
The
had favor with all the people
i.
Finally,
we find that they sought favor with the people.
As the book of Acts unfolds there was great hostility by rulers
and others against these believers.
But in spite of this we read of continued growth.
Before long we read of the men number 5000+ (Acts 4:4).
ii.
One reason
is that they have favor with all the people.
To me this means that they cared about others and that governed
their conduct and attitude.
iii.
We are to
live as light and salt so that others will glorify God. (Matt. 5:13-16)
iv.
Rom.
12:17-21 describes how as much as it is in you live peaceably with all
men.
Phil. 2:14-15 tells us to be “children of God without fault in the midst
of a crooked and perverse generation.”
But notice how this is done, “Do all things without complaining
and disputing,…”
And thus we can see
how brethren in the Lord’s church conducted themselves when she was
first established. One thing
we need to observe in this lesson is how these actions and attitudes are
timeless. We have made
application to our conduct as brethren today, nearly 2000 years this
side of the cross.
We hear cries today
about how outdated some of our practices are.
People are searching for
something fresh and different.
Yet the actions of the church of the first century are just as
doable today and will produce the same results.
The result, “And the Lord added
to the church daily those who were being saved.”
Anything man tries which supersedes the pattern of God’s word
tends towards doubt and is overstepping the boundaries God has
established (1 Cor. 4:6) and in time it will lead to further digression.
There is only ONE way to know that you will be added to the
Lord’s church – do what they did back then.
Think about it!