Acts 2:42

Practice Makes Perfect

Motivator:  (speak about learning my time’s tables and mama’s words: Practice Makes Perfect)

Introduction: The Second chapter of Acts marks a turning point in the history of God’s kingdom.  A new phase of his redemptive plan unfolds as the church is born.  In chapter one the disciples were to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit.  In chapter 2 the Holy Spirit comes; in chapter one the disciples were equipped, in chapter 2 they are empowered; in chapter one they were held back, in chapter 2 they are sent forth; in chapter one the Savior ascended back to heaven, in chapter 2 the Spirit descended down from heaven.  And from chapter one to chapter 2 we get the vision for our church: (1-11, powerful; preaching, v. 14; praying, v.42; paying, v.45; praising, v.47; purpose, v.42)  It is the 42^nd verse we want to focus our attention for the purpose of encouraging us to practice v. 42 in becoming mature Christians and an effective church. 

“They continued steadfastly” literally means they devoted themselves.  This was consistent action.  Inconsistency hinders spiritual growth and church growth.   They were committed; they endured, persevered.  There are certain things the early church felt was their duty and there were about 4 things:

I.                   Devotion to the Word

·         They were consistent in, and committed to the teaching of the apostles.  In First Peter 2.2 it says, “Like newborn babes desire the sincere (pure) milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.”  Scripture is food for believers’ growth and power.

·         Just as the apostles were instructed by Jesus, so they passed along that instruction to the new Christians.

·         The tragedy in many churches among believers is the lack of teaching and being taught; even the lack of wanting to be taught.

·         Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed because for lack of knowledge.

II.                Devotion to Fellowship (koinonia)

·         This fellowship is more than association existing in secular groups, civic groups and even fraternities and sororities; and Masonic, and Heroines of Jericho and Eastern Stars.  There is a spiritual participation.

·         Close relationship is what fellowship is.

·         Fellowship is partnership and sharing.

·         Becoming a Christian means becoming a partner with Christ and other believers.

·         The church should be tuned in to living the faith together (in fellowship) rather than memorizing the faith in isolation.

·         Fellowship in the church is more than mere friendliness, but genuine concern, compassion and caring for others.

·         The church should foster true community.

·         True fellowship is a major factor in membership retention (inclusive of breaking bread and the Lord’s Supper)

III.             Devotion to Prayer

·         They were devoted to praying/

·         Dr. John MacArthur says, “Prayer is the slender nerve that moves the muscle of omnipotence.”

·         Luke 18:1, “…men ought always to pray and not to faint.”

·         Romans 12:12, “…continuing instant in prayer.”

·         Corporate prayer; praying together

·         Prayer meeting seems to attract the faithful few

·         Prayer works

Conclusion: It should be constant practice to avail one’s self to teaching, fellowship and prayers.

We should practice telling people about the gospel.  Tell people about what Jesus did for us.