Has the good news of
Jesus Christ pricked your heart, as it did some 3,000 souls on the Day of Pentecost?
Have you genuinely obeyed the command to repent and be baptized, as they did? Are
you thrilled to be saved and forgiven, as they were? Of course! So their first priority
is now yours as well! “They devoted themselves to the teaching.” See you in Bible
class!
Reading: Acts 2:42-47
“You have to go to
Bible class. They’re all expecting you. You’re 53 years old. You are the
teacher of the class!”
Men’s Retreat. We all
shared thoughts and memories of our brother _____ who always headed our retreats until he died last year. The recurring idea? He was devoted
– to God, to his wife, to his daughter, to the men of this church. I remember several years
ago, he stayed up all night at the retreat to listen to and counsel a friend. He
was also relentless when it came to looking for work after American Airlines restructured
and lost one of its most devoted employees.
Devoted – it describes
a mother staying up all night with a sick child. A teacher who will not give up
on a struggling student. A research chemist who invests 80 hours a week seeking
a cure for cancer. First responders – police, firefighters, and EMTs – who risk
their lives to rescue victims of 911 or another terrorist attack. An athlete committed
to qualifying for the Olympics. A political candidate determined to get every last
possible vote.
Devote – from the Latin devovere ”dedicate by a vow, sacrifice oneself,
promise solemnly,” from de ”down, away” + vovere ”to vow,” from votum
”vow”. In ancient Latin, “act of consecrating by a vow,” also “loyalty, fealty,
allegiance;” in Church Latin, “devotion to God, piety.”
In that sense our “devotionals”
might be seen, not just as times for informal worship, but also as occasions in
which we renew our vows or promises to serve and obey God.
The Greek word
rendered “they devoted themselves” is rich in meaning.
προσκαρτερέωa; προσκαρτέρησις, εως f: to continue to do something with intense effort, with the
possible implication of despite difficulty—’to devote oneself to, to keep on, to
persist in.’
To persist obstinately
in, attend constantly, adhere firmly to, persevere, be earnest toward, be constantly
diligent, give heed to, be strong toward, endure. To be loyal to someone, to pay
persistent attention to.
προσκαρτερέωa: τῇ προσευχῇ προσκαρτεροῦντες ‘devote yourselves to prayer’ Ro 12:12.
προσκαρτέρησις: εἰς αὐτὸ ἀγρυπνοῦντες ἐν πάσῃ προσκαρτερήσει καὶ δεήσει περὶ
πάντων τῶν ἁγίων ‘for
this reason, be alert and always keep on praying for all God’s people’ Eph 6:18.[1]
proskarteréō. This word finds two
uses: 1. with persons “to be devoted to,” and 2. with objects a. “to focus on,”
b. “to hold fast to,” and c. “to be in continually.” In the LXX it is a stronger
form of karteréō in Num. 13:20. In the
NT sense 2.c. occurs in Mk. 3:9 (“to be continually ready”) and Acts 2:4, and sense
2.a. in Rom. 13:6, where the authorities focus constantly on their divinely given
task. An instance of sense 1. may be found in Acts 10:7 (the loyal soldier; cf.
also Acts 8:13, where Simon Magus attaches himself to Philip). Sense 2.b. is theologically
significant in Acts 1:14, where the disciples hold on in prayer. This persistent
praying precedes the choice of a replacement for Judas in 1:15ff. Jesus himself
prays similarly, e.g., when in nightlong prayer he brings his decisions before God.
He directs his disciples to pray in this way (Lk. 11:1ff.) and to persist in prayer
(Lk. 18:1ff.), not just observing set times, but enjoying continuing fellowship
with God in the obedience and confidence of children. The apostles accept this as
part of their primary task in Acts 6:4, and the community as a whole devotes itself
to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer in Acts 2:42. Apostolic exhortations
to persistence in prayer occur in Rom. 12:12 and Col. 4:2. In proskartereín, then, we find expressed one
important aspect of the vitality and power of the NT church.
proskartérēsis. This word occurs only
in Eph. 6:18. Perseverance in prayer and intercession is part of the spiritual warfare.
Prayer, which has its roots deep in the life and power of God, knits the church
together with a firm bond. It is not just a pious discipline but serious work which
demands persistence. [W. Grundmann, III, 617–20][2]
Ac 8:13 Even Simon himself believed;
and after being baptized, he continued on
with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly
amazed.
------
Let’s try to put
ourselves in Jerusalem, just outside the temple, on the Day of Pentecost. Let’s
go through the events from that Passover (when Jesus died and rose) to the time
that Peter and the others concluded their preaching to the thousands that were
there.
As we do we will
discover God’s power and plan for the church. As those who seek to identify
ourselves with that original church, belonging to Christ, we commit ourselves
to that original, dynamic pattern for growth. The church that follows the Acts
2 model cannot help but thrive, expand, and ultimately take over the world.
The people gathered at
that moment were:
Confused.
Bewildered, amazed, and astonished by the preaching they heard in their own
tongues.
Confronted. Accused of
crucifying the One who is Lord and Christ.
Convicted. Cut to
the heart!
Converted. Brought
to 180-degree repentance and baptism into Christ.
As a result they
were:
Consecrated. Devoted
to four key behaviors as part of that first church to which they were added.
Their lives were
turned upside down. Whatever they were devoted to before they came to Jerusalem
was now overcome by their new devotion.
Here are the four:
Learning – Sharing –
Communing – Praying
Describe each of
these.
We should not be
surprised that they were first of all devoted to the apostles’ teaching about
Jesus. Having been convicted of their sin and converted to this Savior, they
would be irresistibly drawn to hear every word from Him and about Him.
Note what follows their
devotion to these four key behaviors.
Awe. Signs. Giving.
Meeting. Homes. Rejoicing. Praising. Favor. Growth.
Those results come
whenever we today are convicted, converted, and consecrated.
Now let’s talk about
what the Scriptures are and what we gain from studying the Bible regularly in
our class. In Ps 19:7-9, fill in the
blanks regarding the content, source, quality, and effect associated with the
Word of God.
Ps 19:7-9
The _______________ Its Content
of the Lord Its Source
is ______________, Its Quality
_____________________. Its Effect
The law of
the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul.
The testimony
of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts
of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.
The commandment
of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of
the Lord is clean, enduring forever.
The judgments
of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
We tend to be most
devoted to that which we believe has the greatest value or brings the greatest
benefit. Let’s note what follows in the rest of Ps 19.
Ps 19:10 They are more
desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the
drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can discern his errors?
Acquit me of hidden faults. 13 Also keep back Your servant from
presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; Then I will be blameless, And I
shall be acquitted of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and
my Redeemer.
Ps 19:10
More Valuable than
Gold
Sweeter than Honey
Ps 19:11
Warning of Danger,
Promise of Reward
Ps 19:12-14
Result: Self-Exam,
Prayer, and Worship
In preparation for
this message I asked the church where I preach to complete this sentence: I am regularly
committed to our Sunday morning Bible classes because ...
Here are their
responses, listed anonymously and in no particular order.
I am devoted to God
and want to please Him in all that I do. The more I can learn about His
Word, the more I can please Him. I enjoy being with my brothers and sisters in
Christ every opportunity I have. I enjoy learning from others in the class as
well as from the instructor and sharing thoughts and ideas. I enjoy sharing
life’s experiences with others whether good or bad, happy or sad. I enjoy
building stronger relationships with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
1. Elders have set this
time for study. 2. This congregation has the most knowledgeable and capable men
teaching that I’ve ever been associated with, and that helps me in my understanding
of the scriptures!
1. I always learn
something new. 2. They increase my knowledge of God’s Word. 3. I learn how to
better apply God’s Word to my everyday life. 4. ____ is a Great Teacher! 5. I
learn from the experiences and observations from others in the class.
It provides my wife
and me the blessing of studying with a teacher who spent a lifetime, preaching and
teaching God’s word and leading the lost to Christ. His insights and wisdom, enables us to more deeply
appreciate, better understand and apply God’s inspired scriptures in our lives.
Hearing the word presented by a man who represents God’s word in the flesh, helps
us to see and believe that living according to the scriptures is an achievable goal.
These sound Sunday classes, coupled with the daily searching of the scriptures as
Jesus commanded in John 5:39 and Paul praised the Bereans for doing in Acts 17:11,
we will be better prepared to share God’s Good News with others as we journey through
our lives. While our shepherds always insure all our teachers are sound men of God,
studying with ______ is a special blessing.
I love Bible classes
primarily for the particular type of fellowship associated with that form of
worship. Certainly learning is a key component. However, it is a learning that
allows understandings to be compared and evaluated to help one decide how they are
progressing in their ‘walk’ with God. There is a stronger sense of community in
the Bible class - I think.
We are all on many
different levels of knowledge and experience. By assembling together to study
the Word of God, we allow ourselves to be strengthened by other’s abilities and
knowledge. And, we allow others to be strengthened by our abilities and
knowledge. Who does not want to learn more about Jesus and eternal life? Who
does not want to study more from the source of “…Divine power that gives us all
things that pertain to life and godliness”? (2 Pet 1:3)
1. I am strengthened
and encouraged in a small Bible study setting. 2. My faith is strengthened with
every opportunity I have to be with fellow Christians. 3. It is beneficial to
meet and search the scriptures together and learn from group discussion and
teaching. 4. It is a privilege and benefit to belong to a body of believers who
actually meets for Bible classes. 5. I cannot think of any reason NOT to be
committed to Sunday morning Bible classes.
I learn so much from
the teacher and the participants in the class. Many people are required
by their jobs to go through continuing education on a monthly-yearly
basis. I consider Sunday morning Bible Class continuing
education for me as a Christian.
I get to sit by my
favorite person; listening to my favorite Book being taught by one of my
favorite teachers!!!
It is a perfect
introduction into Sunday morning worship service. You can never learn
too much about the Bible and it gives a more in depth study of the scriptures.
Don’t like missing at all.
This is what my
parents trained me to do since I was born, and I am so grateful. As an adult,
Bible class is where I choose to be because the benefits and growth that come
from being in class are too many to count. I wouldn’t want to anywhere
else. Bible classes at this particular congregation are excellent
and I look forward to them with anticipation every week, much like a person
would look forward to their favorite weekly TV episode! I am also
purposely setting the example for my children that they will also regularly
attend Bible class once they are grown and on their own.
1. It helps build my
spiritual muscles so that I am better prepared to help and witness to others.
2. Being around my church family helps draw me nearer to God. They support and
encourage my growth in Christ. 3. ______ and all of the other wonderful
teachers who work so hard every week to bring us such inspirational teachings
from God’s Word. I just love my Bible class!
It is an opportunity
to study God’s Word & have discussion with other Christians about
Scripture. It’s also a time for ‘fellowship with a purpose ‘ which draws us
closer to each other in Christ. Lastly, a chance to teach Bible classes is
vital to the growth of God’s kingdom & raising children up in the Lord
& helping self & others to mature spiritually.
Today I was driving
with the kids, and we always seem to have deeper discussions while I’m driving.
We were talking about what will happen when Jesus comes. We were talking about
the loud trumpets and _____ said that as soon as she hears them, she’s going to
run. I told her that she couldn’t run from God. She told me, “no mom, I’m not
running from Him. I’m running to Him.” That’s why we are regularly committed to
Sunday morning bible class. It cultivates a deeper faith for our family. Our
kids are able to be involved, learning a lesson that is relevant to them and
one that resonates with them. I think it encourages our kids to have
discussions with us. We also feel that if we pick and choose when to go to
worship, then we could just become once a week Christians. It never hurts to get
together, it only helps.
I want my children to
grow up to be committed to Sunday morning Bible classes. I want to set an example
to those who are in my classes when I’m teaching them. The same applies to Wednesday
night classes as well.
I’ve been pondering the
motivation for the request below and will say that I like Sunday and Wednesday Bible
classes and really enjoy getting reinforcement of things that I have forgotten from
the past (sadly) along with occasional new perspectives on some scripture interpretation.
There is a saying that I still use on occasion and it is really a question: “How
can we look for answers if we do not know the questions?” So, one of the reasons
that I actually like Bible classes is because they sometimes (and often sometimes)
help me ask more questions which, to date, have helped me do more digging and enhanced
learning. I also enjoy being around people who are interested in learning and committed
to Biblical truth. Okay, I also like listening more than talking… oops. I am kind
of convinced that many times people are not committed to Sunday morning Bible classes
because they really do not have questions or interest in the depth of the truth/reality
in the Bible, for whatever reason; or, it is not “exciting” enough - for whatever
reason.
Study of God’s Word
is a necessary part of the life of any Christian and it is more illuminating,
and sometimes more interesting, to study the Bible in a group with my church
family.
Close fellowship
with family. In-depth study of the word where discussion should and does take
place. Smiles/laughs. Prayers. In a nutshell it’s great.
I attend Bible class
because the word of God is sweeter than honey to my taste and I am encouraged
by those present.
We are interested in
learning about the Bible, its contents and its meanings.
I am an assistant
teacher for a young children’s class. I love working with the children and
teaching them about Jesus. I try never to miss unless I have to be out of
town. I am committed to being there and get so much enjoyment out of
serving our Lord in this way. I work with ______, and I enjoy her
friendship and I think we make a good team!
Possible hymns:
Thy Word is a Lamp Unto
My Feet
Give Me the Bible
Restore My Soul
My Eyes Are Dry
Light the Fire
Holy Bible, Book Divine
How Shall the Young Secure
Their Hearts?
[1]
Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English
Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New
York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 662.
[2]
Gerhard Kittel, Gerhard Friedrich, and Geoffrey William Bromiley, Theological
Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: W.B.
Eerdmans, 1985), 417–418.
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