Central Truth

Righteous living followed repentance in the early church.

Reflections

Like many others, our small group went through the Financial Peace study last Spring. During this study we were taught to use money well. We were challenged to get out of debt, stay out debt, and give to God’s purposes. Our group consists of married couples in their 20s and 30s and I was impressed with the lengths to which some couples went to get out of debt. It was encouraging to see the support given to one another to reduce spending and find the best deals. I was even more impressed to see some of our friends decide to live with other couples in order to save money to get out of debt.

The decision to live communally reflects an attitude I see as the Church began. These early Christians were awe-struck with the apostles' teachings of Jesus. Priorities were refocused after encountering Jesus. The needs of the community were given precedence but not out of obligation. Love led to the gracious giving of one’s resources to those in need. These followers of Christ reflected His self-sacrifice by putting others’ interests above their own. It is not natural for us to share, even if the thing shared could be returned without diminishing its value. However, this passage depicts people willing to sell things they cherished in order to give to others in need. The crazy thing is that these selfless acts were done with gladness! Righteous living followed repentance.

Discussion Questions

1. With the recent economic crisis there are plenty of needs around us. Ask God to refresh your amazement of His grace. 

2. Pray that God would show you how to use the resources He has given you to build community. 

3. Ask God to show you the possessions you cherish more than community. 

4. Pray for God to move your heart to His purposes and away from those possessions.