The Committed Life PT4

The Committed Life (4)

“Continuing Steadfastly…In Breaking of Bread”

Acts 2:42

Acts 2:42, And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

INTRODUCTION

The Bible revealed that the early church “continued steadfastly” in doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers. 

Continued Steadfastly = To be earnest toward, persevere, be constantly diligent, to attend assiduously all the exercises, attend or give self…continually.

The first item on the list was doctrine (instruction, what has been taught). The second target of commitment was fellowship…or koinonia. [The share one has in a joint venture or relationship. Partnership, participation, social intercourse, communicate, communion, contribution]  

The third mention was a reference to the covenant meal… “breaking of bread.”  They were constantly diligent in maintaining and remembering the holy covenant relationship they had with God, through Christ. This was the significance, in the New Testament, of the communion meal 

(I Corinthians 11:23-30). The early church understood the power of covenant relationship; therefore, they had power…to live for God, minister, endure persecution, and overcome the devil…while they were turning their world upside down! Let’s consider this breaking of bread…

I.         THE POWER OF COVENANT

            A.  The Covenant…Historically.

1. Human History. Blood agreements are found in the background 

     of most every race of people on earth, at some level. Our own culture

     is inundated with traces of it…

a.     Covenant Statements. “Sticks out like a sore thumb” … “Blood is thicker than water” … “The wearing of the wedding band” … “Shaking hands” … “Leading him around by a ring in his nose” … “Blood brothers…just to name a few.

 B.  The Covenant…Biblically. (Old Testament…New Testament)

1.  Old Testament Examples. Abraham, Moses, 

     David & Jonathan (I Samuel 20:16-17)

2.  New Testament. Ephesians 1:19 – 2:22

II.        THE PROCESS OF COVENANT

            A.  Covenant…The Articles and Terms.

1.  The Bible contains the Article and Terms…the Agreement…the binding

      contract.

a.  Essential. (It is most important) John 1:1, John 1:14, Luke 4:4,

     Psalm 138:2, Jeremiah 15:16, Psalm 119:9, Psalm 119:11,

     Romans 1:16, John 8:32, John 8:36, Romans 15:4

b.  Eternal. (It cannot be broken) Matthew 24:35, Psalm 119:89,

     Isaiah 40:8, II Timothy 2:9, I Peter 1:25, John 10:35

c.  Educational. (It sets expectations)

1)  Loving.

      a) God. Matthew 22:37-38, Repentance…Discipleship

      b) Family. Spouse, Children, Parents, Each Other.

2)  Living…Holy. I Peter 1:16, Hebrews 12:14, Titus 2:11-14

d.  Extent. (The scope of promise)

1)  Forgiven. Ephesians 1:7, I John 1:9, 

2)  Filled. John 14:16-17, John 7:37-39, Acts 2:4, 

      Acts 2:38- 39

3)  Furnished. II Peter 1:3-4, Philippians 4:19

4)  Fixed.

a)  Healing. Psalm 103:3, II Peter 2:24

b)  Peace. Philippians 4:4-9, John 14:27

c)  Joy. I Peter 1:8, Romans 15:13

d)  Acceptance. Romans 8:15, Ephesians 1:6

e)  Purpose. Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 8:28-29

            B.  Covenant…The Exchange of Gifts. (Only the Best)

1.  God’s Best. John 3:16, Romans 8:31-32

2.  Our Best. Romans 12:1-2, Luke 12:34  

            C.  Covenant…Drinking From the Same Cup.

1.  His Cup. Mark 14:36…Calvary.

2.  Our Cup. Our cup is the same as His. Galatians 2:19-21, Mark 8:34-38  

            D.  Covenant…The Blessings and the Cursing.

1.  Blessing…Life.

a.  Abundant. John 10:10

b.  Eternal. John 3:16, Romans 6:23b, I Corinthians 15:51-55

2.  Cursing…Death.

a.  Now. (Sin Kills) James 1:14-16, Romans 8:6

b.  Forever. Romans 6:23a, 

            E.  Covenant…The Shedding of Blood.

1.  His Cutting. (Calvary) Hebrews 9:15-17

2.  Our Cutting. Romans 2:29, Hebrews 4:12, Acts 2:37, Acts 7:54  

CONCLUSION

This marvelous and dynamic relationship was ever before them…it must be a significant element of our living today.