#GOFAMINTDailyDevotion Sun. 18/3/2018
LESSON 3 18/3/2018
GLORIOUS CHURCH AND COMMITMENT
Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 22, 32
Devotional Reading: Acts 2:42-47
Topic For Adults: Be Committed To God’s Work
Topic For Youths: Be An Agent Of Revival
Topic For Intermediates: Have The Mind Of The Early Apostles
Lesson Scriptures: Acts 2:42-44; 1 Jn. 1:1-4; Acts 2:43-46; Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 1:18
MEMORY VERSE: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42) NKJV
DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Sun. 18/3/2018
Jesus Paid The Ultimate Price
Heb. 10:4-18
Jesus Christ took upon Himself the punishment for our sins. He gave His life as a ransom for our sins. The purpose of His death was to put away sin. It annulled sin’s power and granted us forgiveness, reconciliation with God and sanctification of life. He was qualified in every way to bring us eternal salvation because He paid the ultimate price. The blood of animals in the Old Testament as sacrifice for sins was a temporary provision. Jesus’ blood perfectly and adequately satisfy God’s demand for atonement for human sins. The blood of Jesus secured perfect salvation for those who draw near to God through Jesus Christ. His glorious church was purchased by the blood that Jesus shed on Calvary. He paid all that is needed for salvation.
Point of Emphasis: Jesus paid the ultimate price for our salvation with His life.
Prayer Point: Thank You Lord Jesus for paying the ultimate price for my salvation. Give me grace to give You my all.
BACKGROUND
The formation of the church had been in God’s mind before the creation of the world. For a glorious church to be one, united in love, belief, fellowship and ministry, there should be commitment. This lesson centres on the means through which God’s purpose for forming His church can be sustained. The responsibility given by God to His glorious church is enormous. This can be accomplished effectively when we function together through commitment.
NOTES ON THE TEXT
PART 1: COMMITMENT TO SOUND DOCTRINE (ACTS 2:42-43)
The word ‘doctrine’ is used to describe the accepted teachings of religious, political or philosophical group. In theology, it is the fundamental beliefs and teachings of the Scripture.
In the early church, believers were committed to certain defined standard of teaching and conduct, based upon apostolic instruction and the believer’s relation and commitment to Christ.
The early believers were discipled and nourished in the word taught by the apostles. They centred their faith on ethics which later became the New Testament scripture. They had confidence because they were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. They knew God’s demand and had God’s-given possession. In line with these, they developed Christian character and became spirit filled. Their lives became attractive to the outside world.
Their commitment caused them to have intimacy with God. They gave themselves to the apostles doctrines and through this, they knew the mind and the whole counsel of God. The early apostles were not only witnessing to the world but also teaching the Christian family about Christ. The passionate and committed believers taught the young believers God’s word and made them deeply rooted in the Lord.
They recorded numerical growth as a result of their commitment to sound apostolic doctrine.
PART 2: COMMITMENT TO FELLOWSHIP (ACTS 2:42; 1 JN. 1:1-4)
Fellowship is the place of building a practical, physical and spiritual community of believers who make Jesus Christ their personal Lord and Saviour. Holman’s illustrated Bible Dictionary defines fellowship as ‘bond of common purpose and devotion that binds Christians to one another and to Christ”. The Hebrew word ‘chabar’ and the Greek equivalent ‘koinonia’ is translated to mean ‘fellowship’.
In addition to the early church commitment to the apostles’ doctrine, they expressed a warm, honest, open, healing, redeeming fellowship which centred on a common life together in Christ. They experienced fellowship with Christ and the Holy Spirit. There was cordial relationship among believers.
The early church, being a glorious one, exhibited a selfless fellowship which was devoid of self centredness. They shared what God had deposited in them – both materials and spiritual blessings. The modern day believers should be ready to share with one another whatever God has given them.
The importance of fellowship is stated here under:
- It encourages believers to build up their faith (Rom. 1:11-12)
- Some needs are met. The needs of those that are lacking are taken care of by others who give out their material substances and possession (Acts 4:32)
- Brethren are ready to serve others willingly without being forced to do so (1 Cor. 16:15)
- Sharing in suffering or affliction (Phil. 4:14)
- It gives room for sacrificial giving (2 Cor. 8:24) (nothing was too small or big to give)
- Believers became a channel of blessings to others in need (2 Cor. 8:14)
There would be tangible result if believers in Christ’s glorious church should resort to practising true fellowship as it was in the early church. Brethren will be well nourished and firmly rooted in the Lord. Equally, the population of the church will grow and Satanic kingdom will be depopulated.
PART 3: COMMITMENT TO COMMUNION (ACTS 2:43-46)
The early church was a sharing community. The ‘breaking of bread’ (v. 42c, 46) in the early church may be expressed in three-fold dimension (i) the sharing of a common food (ii) sharing of agape meal and; (iii) the Lord’s Supper itself.
Verse 46 emphatically says that they continued daily in one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house. This indicates high level of love in the church. They did not give room to be suspicious of each other.
PART 4: COMMITMENT TO SOUL-WINNING (MATT. 28:19-20; ACTS 1:18)
Soul winning is the primary job and highest responsibility that God committed to the hands of all Christians. It is not optional but compulsory for the saved ones. The ‘go ye’ command by Christ is for all believers of all generation. The church is to go to the world and preach the gospel. The preaching should centre on repentance. The purpose is to make disciples not converts. We must make effort so that those who believe will come out of their evil practices.
The present day church must make use of all the available means to discharge this duty.
CONCLUSION
The proof and evidence of a glorious and committed church is seen in their commitment to the apostle’s doctrine, fellowship and their response to the ‘go ye’ command by Christ Jesus. Each believer must contribute his or her quota to the growth of Christ glorious church through commitment.
QUESTIONS
- Define the word ‘doctrine’.
- Mention the achievement of the early disciples through their commitment to apostolic doctrine.
- What is fellowship?
- Mention the importance of sharing among believers.
- Why should the church be committed to the ‘go ye’ command (i.e. soul-winning)?
