Introduction

Comment on the fact that we are given another description of life in the early church, similar to Acts 2:42–47. This repetition is not random or unnecessary. The Spirit wants us to take careful note of what happened in the past and why it happened. In particular, he wants us to pursue the same unity and self-sacrificial love which was present then.

A united community created by Jesus Christ

• Explain: what was the basis of unity in the church? How did people feel about being part of the church? How did people treat Jesus and what did Jesus, nevertheless, do for them?

• Apply: churches of Jesus Christ are united by their faith in him. Though we might have other things that we also have in common, it is our commitment to Jesus that is the foundation of our unity and nothing else.  

A community transformed by the Spirit

• Explain: how do healthy families normally operate? Why?

• Explain/Apply: what has Jesus done? How do his actions serve as an example to us? What does he want us to do for other church members? How does our thinking about church need to change if we are going to become a self-sacrificing community?

• Explain/Apply: why did believers sell their homes and property? Are we commanded to do the same? What will radical generosity look like in our circumstances?

• Explain/Apply: what does responsible care and provision look like? Do we have deacons who look after the funds/needs of individual church members? 

Conclusion

Jesus Christ has graciously gathered us together and made us part of his church. We belong to a new family and we must treat each other as brother and sister. In particular we must look out for opportunities to serve, not only using our money to care for the needs of others, but also our time and energy. Self-sacrificial service is not the calling of an elite few but every church member.