The early church was anything but ordinary. In fact, it changed the world through the power of the Holy Spirit. Today in our study, we will explore Acts chapter 2 and discover how the church lived in extraordinary ways. As we study, this chapter of Acts will challenge us to follow this example set by early church members.
BREAK THE ICE
What is one way you have been encouraged or challenged by being a part of this small group?
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
Bible Study Questions
1.Why is living in a community crucial for anyone?
WATCH SERMON RECAP
2. Read Acts 2:32-41. Describe Peter’s message in these verses. What was the outcome of this message?
Acts 2:32-41
“God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. 34 For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand35 until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.”’ 36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away[b]—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all."
“God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. 34 For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said,
‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand35 until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.”’
36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”
37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away[b]—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all."
3. What example did Peter have when he preached this message?
4. Read Acts 2:42-47. What were the priorities for followers of Christ based on these verses?
Acts 2:42-47
"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. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 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."
"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.
43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 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."
Application
1. How have you noticed yourself drifting when you are not plugged into a community?
2. How is the way the early church lived different from how most people live today?
3. How does your small group effectively model the early church’s example in Acts 2? What room for improvement is there?
MOVING FORWARD
Now that you have hopefully thought about room for improvement in following the early church’s example in Acts 2, take a few minutes to brainstorm. What is one way your group can follow this example from the church in Acts 2 this week? Is there someone in need who you can help in the group? Maybe your group wants to commit to praying for each other every day this week. Maybe you want to commit to reading the daily devotions on the Sagebrush App and talk about them this week. Whatever you decide, commit today to live life together in the same extraordinary way that the early church did.
GOING DEEPER
When it comes down to it, the church is not a building. The church is all of the people who make up the building. In fact, Scripture often describes the church using an interesting metaphor, describing the church as one body with many parts (1 Corinthians 12:12). Because the church is described as a body, unity is of utmost importance. Today we will take a few moments to dive into what Scripture teaches about the church and how each of us is a valuable member of the Body of Christ.
Definition of Church:
Ekklesia is the Greek word in the New Testament that we translate church. Take a look at the definition of this word that is found in A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature.
1. “A regularly summoned legislative body, assembly”
2. “A casual gathering of people, an assemblage, gathering”
3. “People with shared belief, community, congregation”
4. “The global community of Christians, (universal) church”[1]
After reading the different uses for ekklesia, take a few minutes to discuss what you learned:
1. What is the main emphasis of each of the different uses for ekklesia?
2. How does an understanding of ekklesia impact your view of what a church is?
3. After gaining an understanding of the word ekklesia, how do you view your own role in the church?
Serving the Church:
Just like all body parts play vital roles, every part of the Body of Christ has an important role and function. In fact, the Holy Spirit gives us gifts and abilities to help us serve the church. When we all serve the church using the gifts and abilities that God has given us, we make the church stronger.
1. Read 1 Corinthians 12:7-11.
2. What is the purpose for spiritual gifts, according to this passage of Scripture?
3. When you look at this list of spiritual gifts, what specific gifts do you think God has given you?
4. How can you can use the gifts that God has given you to serve?
Unity in the Church:
Because the church is one body, unity is of utmost importance. So let’s take a few minutes to dive deeper into the importance of the church living in unity and how each member plays an invaluable part in keeping unity.
1. Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-28.
2. After reading these verses, why is unity so important?
3. How does understanding of the church as one body impact your view of church?
4. How can you specifically use your gifts to keep the body of Christ unified?
Reflect:
We all play a part in building up the body of Christ. That includes this group. Take some time to discuss the valuable gifts you bring to this group. How do your gifts and talents serve the group and keep this group unified? After everyone has shared, pray together. Pray that God will continue to grow and unify your group so that you point each other and everyone around you to Christ.
[1] Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 304). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8:
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