Practice the Habits of a Spirit-Filled Church

⁴²They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. ⁴⁴And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; ⁴⁵and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. ⁴⁶Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, ⁴⁷praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

ACTS 2:42–47

When one has repented of sins, what should be the proper response? It should be a life lived through the power of the Holy Spirit. What was the first church like? A Spirit-filled church is made up of Spirit-filled people. How can one minister to people if one is empty? The early church was empowered to practice habits that helped in rooting them deeper in their relationship with God. What were these habits?

1. STUDY OF SCRIPTURE

God desires for us to grow deep in our faith and knowledge of Him. As the encouragement of Peter says (1 Peter 2:2), your growth will really be evident in your excitement to study the Word. The verse gives us a picture of what we ought to do daily; to be guided CONTINUALLY (Acts 2:42) by His Word.

This is of high importance because as Matthew 28:20 states, part of the Great Commission is to OBSERVE ALL of His commandments.

2. FELLOWSHIP IN SMALL GROUPS

Are you plugged in a small group?

This is of high importance because as Acts 2:42-43 talks about the FELLOWSHIP (Gk. KOINONIA) which captures a sense of community — sharing and caring for one another. The antidote for selfishness is joining a small group. It is in serving others that we lose sight of ourselves and see people in need, and put others’ needs first. There are many commandments showing the importance of fellowshipping with one another! (Romans 15:7, Colossians 3:13, John 13:34, Galatians 5:13, Romans 12:10 are some of the 47 commandments!)

One also needs to be consistent in attending their small group. Remember that sin will take you farther than you want. It will let you stay longer than you expect, it will cost you more than you think. A little compromise and the impact in your life is so dramatic.

3. WORSHIP

Francis Chan asked a very important question: when no one is around, what does your private worship time look like? Acts 2:42 also gives emphasis to our private WORSHIP, not just in the “temple” or the structure to which we come to every Sunday. When it said that the disciples continued to commemorate Lord’s Supper, it provides a picture of turning even homes into places of worship. There, we devote time to remember Jesus — His resurrection and His teachings, as well as His promises, and most importantly, look forward to His return.

4. PRAYER

How is your prayer life? Acts 2:42-43 mentions PRAYER as well. The habit of praying together, and learning to lift all our praises, concerns, and even supplications to our GOD, is something we must look forward to practicing not just in our small groups, but more importantly, in our church.

5. GENEROSITY

Do you have a generous heart? Acts 2:44-45 shows us that there was generosity and they began sharing things with one another. We must, however, be reminded that our hope does not rest in the blessings and provisions of other believers.

6. JOYFULNESS

Are you joyful? Acts 2:46, similar with Acts 13:52, shows us that joy and gladness attract others to Jesus as well. Here we are reminded by a quote from A.W. Tozer: “A Christian owes it to the world to be supernaturally joyful”. When we are controlled by the Holy Spirit, and are able to trust God completely, we will be overflowing with joy!

. WITNESSING

Have you been sharing the gospel and protecting your testimony? Acts 2:47 noted that the early church believers had favor with all the people, and we see that it was attracting others to trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior — not just to the church, but more importantly, to God’s family.

As a result, God was adding daily to the number of believers in the church. Our lives must be lived in such a way that our security and transformation through God’s power will be seen, and therefore allow us to fulfill our mission to honor God and make disciples who will make disciples!

- from 4W's