Faith Practices
Audio Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Tim Chang
Sermon Series: FWPSM
Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Sermon Outline
1. A life of devotion
[42] And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
2. A life of sharing
[44] And all who believed were together and had all things in common. [45] And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
3. A life of witness
[46] And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, [47] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Prayer of Confession
Our gracious God, we confess that the Christian life is full of challenges. There are so many things competing for our devotion, and we are not always committed to you. We have received spiritual blessings and abundant gifts, but instead of sharing, we often hoard. We struggle to bear witness to Jesus openly and hide out of shame and fear. Forgive us for not living in line with who you have called us to be. May the power of Jesus’ devotion to us, his generous sharing of all that belonged to him, and his beautiful witness of good news renew us and shape us according to your will.
Questions for Reflection
What connected with you from the sermon or the passage?
Based on this passage, our church emphasizes five practices: fellowship, word, sacraments, prayer, mission. What’s the difference between merely valuing these practices and actually being devoted to them?
Which of these practices feel most natural to you and which ones need more attention or take more effort on your part?
What makes it hard for us to notice the needs of those around us, and perhaps even within our own church?
In what ways is the call to generosity easy for you; in what ways is it challenging?
The early church seemed to have a Christian identity in both public and private settings. To what degree is your Christian identity on full display?
What are the obstacles to having “favor with all people” right now?
What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?