INTERACTION
- To what extent was I able to put the last lesson into practice?
- What challenges me?
- Who did I tell about Jesus?
STUDY:
Goal: You see what a spiritual family does and what effect it has.
Jesus had the first church and he is the model for how the followers of Jesus live together and what they do. Today we are studying how the first disciples put this into practice.
What does a spiritual family do?
📖 Acts 2:37-47 (in Jerusalem)
📖 Acts 11:19-26 + 13:1-3 (in Antioch)
Question:
- What did this church do? (solution see below)
Organizing a meeting:
You can organize a meeting with the followers of Jesus in the following three steps:
- Look back:
Tell each other what you are thankful for.
Tell each other what needs, challenges and concerns you have. Depending on the situation, practical help can also be given.
This part is concluded with prayer and/or praise.
- Look upwards:
Read a Bible text together and go through various questions together. You can find help in the “Bible Study” section. Of course, you can also ask other questions about the text, such as “What does the text say about God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit?”, “Do you see a promise or a command or is there an example you want to follow?” etc.
- Look ahead:
Share with each other what you want to implement from what you've learned in the next week and where you want to be obedient to what you've read.
And is there anything you can pass on to another person?
One possibility is to implement or try out something right away, such as listening prophetically for one another.
The impact of spiritual families:
📖 Acts 2:47 + 5:12-16 + 6:7 (in Jerusalem)
📖 Acts 11:24-26 +12:24 (in Antioch)
Questions:
- How did the people of Jerusalem react to the growing church?
- How and why were Jesus' disciples called in Antioch?
Acts 2:42-47
And they devoted themselves to (1) the apostles’ teaching and (2) the fellowship, to (3) the breaking of bread and (4) the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many (5) wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and (6) had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, (7) as any had need. And day by day, attending (8) the temple (9) together and breaking bread in (10) their homes, they received (11) their food with glad and generous hearts, (12) praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
- Perseverance in the Word
- Fellowship
- Breaking of bread
- Prayers
- Wonders and signs
- Having all things in common
- As any has need
- Daily in the temple
- Unanimity
- Daily in their homes
- Shared meals
- Praising God together
ACTION STEP
- What are you actually implementing?
- What Bible verse or biblical principle are you memorizing?
- To whom can you pass on what you have learned?
- When is the next time we meet?