In Acts 4:32-5:11 we are given two pictures of life
in the early church. First we are shown how the Body functioned overall. Acts
4:32-37 establishes a standard to which the Church should strive today. The
early Church is not an unattainable model of perfection. Rather, they were
imperfect people empowered by the Holy Spirit to love one another and expand
God’s kingdom on earth. We too are imperfect people who have access to the Holy
Spirit. There is no reason why we cannot live similarly to the Church in the
book of Acts. Acts 5:1-11 tells the story of Ananias and Sapphira. This
provides a grave warning: even in the midst of a healthy, functioning Church,
individuals are still tempted to sin. We cannot assume that we will be saved
merely because we associate with certain people or groups. We must strive for
blamelessness. In order to do this we must allow the Holy Spirit to search our
hearts for hidden sin, leading us to repentance.
Journaling
and Prayer
1. How does Acts 4:32-35 describe the Church? In
your journal, make a list of all of the noted characteristics and actions. How
does this compare to the church today? Ask God which of these He would like you
to grow in personally. Ask Him for one practical step you can take today to
grow in this area.
2. Jesus does not expect perfection from us.
Because of the Cross, He offers us forgiveness of sins. However, in order to
receive forgiveness our hearts must desire to change. God’s mercy is not an
excuse to deliberately sin. Read Hebrews 10:19-29. Ask God to show you the
condition of your heart. Do you genuinely desire to please Him by walking in
holiness? Do you view the Cross as a “get out of jail free card” and use that
as license to live however you want? Are you somewhere in the middle? Our
greatest motivator to live righteously is knowing Jesus. Spend some time
thanking Jesus for the gift of forgiveness. As you do this, pray for an
increased desire to please Him with your life.
3. Many believers are bogged down by legalism.
Mentioning the idea of living in holiness brings up the thought of weighty
rules and demands. Pray that many in our region would experience freedom from
the chains of legalism. Pray that God would reveal the truth about forgiveness
and salvation. Ask God to teach them what it means to strive for blamelessness:
it is not a task or a burden. Pray that God would reveal Himself to many in our
region, leading them to intimacy with Him. Pray that, out of this deep
intimacy, people would be motivated to please Him.
