Scripture to Read: Acts 4:33, 36–37
God had set on the hearts and souls of all the new Christians to share abundantly with one another what God had richly given to them. Not only did the new Christians share generously with each other, but God also tells us in Acts 4:33, And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. God was using the apostles to continue to be bold witnesses to all those in Jerusalem. Notice that God tells us that His rich blessing was upon all of them. We must be reminded that God does bless those who walk in obedience to Him and His Word. God tells us in James 1:25, But one who looks intently at the perfect law…and abides by it…an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. Jesus brings this truth to light in His parable in Matthew 7:24–29. Jesus also said in Luke 11:28, “…blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” God reveals to us that His abundant blessings were being poured out on all of the new Christians in Jerusalem, and it’s abundantly clear that it was because they were walking in obedience to Him. Then, God had Luke (the writer of Acts) introduce Barnabas in Acts 4:36–37. We read in Acts 4:37 that Barnabas owned some land, sold it, and laid the money at the apostles’ feet. Again, a willingness to sacrifice to meet the needs of others—it’s what God has always desired.
Challenge & Application
• What does biblical community look like according to all God has taught you this week?
• How do you see God using you to help create a healthy community within the body of believers at Highview?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!