The Lord Blesses Those Who Follow His Instructions (Acts 2:41-47)
Introduction:
1. In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus gave the Great Commission to His apostles. a. (vs.19) He gave instructions so people would know how to be saved. b. (vs.20) He also gave instructions so people would know how to live after they were saved. 2. As we study Acts 2:41-47 we are emphasizing the fact that "the Lord blesses those who follow His instructions." 3. In Jerusalem, when the apostles did what Jesus had told them to do,: a. about 3,000 people followed the Lord's instructions to be saved b. these people followed the Lord's instructions after they were saved.
Discussion:
I. (vs.41) ABOUT 3,000 PEOPLE IN JERUSALEM FOLLOWED THE LORD'S INSTRUCTIONS TO BE SAVED
A. Those who gladly received Peter's word were baptized. 1. Peter had preached a powerful Gospel sermon. 2. (vs.37) The people in the audience asked an important question. 3. Peter responded to their question in vs.38. B. Where did these instructions originate? 1. These instructions did not originate with Peter. 2. These instructions came from the Lord (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15-16). C. These verses show us how to follow the Lord's instructions to be saved.
II. (vs.42-46) THE CHRISTIANS IN JERUSALEM FOLLOWED THE LORD'S INSTRUCTIONS AFTER THEY WERE SAVED
A. As we examine the activities of these people in Jerusalem, we see that a beautiful spirit of unity existed in that congregation. 1. See: a. (vs.42) "They continued steadfastly" in 4 important activities. b. (vs.44) "All that believed were together." c. (vs.46a) They continued "daily with one accord in the temple." 2. How did these people know that they were to be united? a. (Matthew 28:20) Jesus instructed the apostles to teach Christians all things that He had commanded them. b. In John 17:11, 20-23 Jesus taught His followers to be united. B. As we examine the activities of these people in Jerusalem, we also see that a beautiful spirit of love existed in that congregation. 1. See: a. (vs.45) They sacrificed to provide for the needy. b. (vs.46b) They enjoyed being with one another as they ate meals together. 2. How did these people know that they were to love each other? a. (Matthew 28:20) Jesus instructed the apostles to teach Christians all things that He had commanded them. b. In John 13:34-35; 15:12, 17 Jesus taught His followers to love each other.
III. (vs.47) FOLLOWING THE LORD'S INSTRUCTIONS PRODUCED GREAT RESULTS IN THE JERUSALEM CONGREGATION
A. (vs.47a) The Christians in Jerusalem had "favor with all the people." B. (vs.47b) The congregation grew daily.
Conclusion:
1. Let us study the Scriptures carefully and diligently so we can know the Lord's will. 2. May the Lord help us appreciate the importance of following His instructions! 3. To be more specific, may the Lord help us: a. to do our part in teaching others the Gospel so they can be saved b. as His followers to be united and to love one another. 4. If we will devote ourselves to these principles, the Lord will bless us with great results.
