Biblical Community – Wk 1

Acts 2:42-47 NIV

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Biblical community is the result of a group of followers of Jesus committed to four practices: teaching, fellowship, meals, and prayer.

Acts 2:41 NIV

41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Being devoted means having a relentless commitment to practice.

HOW TO BE DEVOTED TO SOUND BIBLICAL TEACHING:

1. Listen.

2. Learn.

Proverbs 2:6 NIV

6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

3. Apply.

Romans 15:1-6 NIV

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

COMMUNITY GROUP MEETING OUTLINE

Where your faith intersects with real life!

Reconnect:

Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.

Explore:

Review the message and it’s point in brief.

Big Idea: Biblical community is built on the commitment to sound biblical teaching applied in the context of relationship.

Consider:

Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.

▶ Read Acts 2:42. Biblical community is the result of a group of followers of Jesus committed to four practices: teaching, fellowship, meals, and prayer. What happens if one of these practices is missing? (Can you see the 4C’s of groups here: Challenge to Grow, Connect, Celebrate, and Care?)

▶ Take a moment and evaluate your circle. What would you say the ratio of veterans and new believers is in your life?

▶ Talk about a time when you were not active in a Group – what does being in a Group give you?

▶ Read Roman 15:1-6. What are some of the do’s and don’ts that stand out to you? Where are you strongest?

Activate:

Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share your decision with the Group.

Pastor Matt said, “Being devoted means having a relentless commitment to practice” and encouraged us to build a daily habit of personal Bible study. How do you feel about your devotional life? Is there a practice you want to move toward?

Prayer:

Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.

Pray that as a church we listen, learn, and apply our faith in real life.