Devoted Themselves to the Apostles’ Teaching

Devoted-Series
January 14, 2025

Devoted Themselves to the Apostles’ Teaching

Listen to last week’s sermon “Devoted Themselves to the Apostles’ Teaching” found in Acts 2:42

Devoted-Series

What Is Biblical Devotion?

Biblical devotion is the unwavering commitment to God that shapes every aspect of a believer’s life. It is a wholehearted dedication to pursuing God daily through His Word, prayer, fellowship, and worship. Acts 2:42 provides a clear picture of what true devotion looks like:

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

This sermon explores the meaning of biblical devotion, how it was modeled by the early church, and how we can apply it in our lives today to grow in our relationship with God.

The Meaning of True Devotion

The early church’s devotion was not casual or half-hearted—it was a persistent, steadfast commitment to spiritual practices that brought them closer to God. The Greek word for “devotion” implies a continual, single-minded focus. This type of devotion is not about convenience or feelings but about aligning our lives with God’s will.

True devotion requires:

-A desire to know God personally.

-A commitment to make God the highest priority in life.

-A willingness to surrender to His Word and ways.

The Early Church Model of Biblical Devotion (Acts 2:42)

Acts 2:42 outlines four key areas of devotion that characterized the early church. These practices are just as relevant for believers today as they were then.

1. Devotion to the Apostles’ Teaching

The early church devoted themselves to studying and applying the teachings of the apostles, which were rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This meant:

-A hunger for God’s Word.

-A commitment to learning and understanding Scripture.

-Applying biblical truths to their daily lives.

2. Devotion to Fellowship

Fellowship in the early church wasn’t just about casual socializing—it was about deep, spiritual relationships where believers encouraged, supported, and carried each other’s burdens. They lived as a family of faith, sharing life together.

3. Devotion to the Breaking of Bread

This refers to both communion (the Lord’s Supper) and shared meals among believers. Through communion, they remembered Christ’s sacrifice, and through shared meals, they strengthened their bond as a community.

4. Devotion to Prayer

Prayer was not an afterthought for the early church—it was a central part of their lives. They prayed alone and together, seeking God’s guidance, thanking Him for His blessings, and asking for His strength.

Watch sermon here:

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