JERUSALEM – A WORTHY EXAMPLE

Acts 2:42-47

1. Acts 2:42-47.

2. The Jerusalem church is a worthy example. What were some of its characteristics that we ought to emulate?

I. Steadfast (2:42).

A. In doctrine.

1. I Timothy 1:3 – "As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,"

B. In fellowship.

1. Acts 4:32 – "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common."

2. Hebrews 10:25 – "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

C. In prayer.

1. I Thessalonians 5:17 – "Pray without ceasing."

II. United (2:44).

A. They were of one mind.

1. I Peter 3:8 – "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:"

B. There is to be no division within the body.

1. I Corinthians 1:10 – "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."

2. I Corinthians 12:25-26 – "That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it."

C. They were of one accord, with gladness and singleness of heart.

1. Acts 2:46 – "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,"

III. They were benevolent (2:45).

A. They sold their possessions.

1. Galatians 6:10 – "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

B. They gave to every man as they had need.

1. Ephesians 4:28 – "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."

C. This was a voluntary action.

1. Acts 5:1-5 – "But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things."

IV. They were respected (2:47).

A. Favour – not necessarily the same as popularity.

B. Favour was possible because of their conduct.

1. I Peter 3:16 – "Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ."

C. We ought never give others reason to speak evil of us.

V. They were evangelistic (2:47).

A. Jesus came to seek and save the lost.

1. Luke 19:10 – "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."

B. Seeking the lost ought to be our ambition in life.

1. Matthew 28:18-20 – "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

1. How was the Jerusalem church a model church? They were:

a) Steadfast.

b) United.

c) Benevolent.

d) Respected.

e) Evangelistic.