Scripture to Read: Acts 2:44–45
God drastically transforms every follower of Christ (John 3:3, Romans 6:4, 2 Corinthians 5:17) because He comes to live in every Christian through His Holy Spirit—sometimes the change is immediately evident to everyone and sometimes the change takes more time. It’s not that God does not do the same transformational work in each person; it’s that each person chooses to walk in the Spirit or the flesh (Romans 6:12–14, Romans 13:14, Galatians 5:16–17, Galatians 5:24–25, Ephesians 4:24, Colossians 3:10). We read in Acts 2:44–45, And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. This was just one of the transformational works of God in the new believers. God led these new Christians to share what they had, ensuring everyone’s needs were met. What a great reminder that all our possessions are gifts from God (James 1:17) to be used as God leads us to use them. Again, if we’re not careful, we can regard what we have as ours to do with as we please. The problem with thinking everything we have is ours is that without God giving us our talents and gifts, we would be unable to earn the money we have to buy the things we need. Work is a gift; our needs are met through work so that we can help others (Ephesians 4:28). Let’s all be cheerful givers (2 Corinthians 9:6–7).
Challenge & Application
• How has God transformed your way of thinking so that you can be used by Him to help others in need?
• As God continues to transform you into His image, what fruit is evident in your life?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!