Acts 2:42, 46-47 NLT - 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer.... 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity-47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

1. The DESIGN of devotion

• Why should we be devoted?
  • God's glory
  • Our joy
  • Goodwill of all the people
• Genesis 3:8 NLT - When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees.
  • Devotion is more than just physical proximity; it is relational proximity. Though humanity lost relationship with God, in Christ God would restore it.

2. The DECISION of devotion

• Acts 2:42 NLT - All the believers devoted themselves....
  • The difference between devotion and distraction is a decision.
  • You are responsible for devoting yourself to God because no one can devote you other than you.
• 2 Corinthians 11:3 NLT - But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent.
• Enemies of devotion
  • Distractions - worries of life, the lure of wealth, other pursuits
  • Difficulties - personal problems, persecution, overcome by temptations
  • Discouragement - don't see immediate results or change; tired of doing good

3. The DEVELOPMENT of devotion

Acts 2:42 NLT - ...apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer.

• Apostles' teaching - The early church learned everything about the life of Christ.
  • Bible reading - Learn about the way Jesus lived, and do the same.
• Fellowship - Though Jesus had ascended to heaven, the early church experienced a relationship with Jesus through relationship with other Christians.
  • Sunday worship, Ladies Refresh, Bold Night, Collective Night, Men's Night, Prime-Timer meetings
• Sharing in meals and communion - The early church remembered the covenant relationship they had with both God and believers. They shared what they had.
  • B-Groups, First Wednesdays
• Prayer - They saw the Holy Spirit move through prayer and worship, and it impacted their community, city, and nation.

4. The DESTINY of devotion

• Acts 2:47 NLT - All the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
• Be an example.
• Expand the kingdom of God.