GOD OF THE MISSION
Acts 2:37-47
This is the sixth and final sermon in our series, “Disciple.”
We close our mini-series, “Disciple,” with this message. Christ commanded His disciples to make disciples of all nations. Their confidence is His authority and the promise of His Spirit until the end. Our study led us to understand that a disciple is a follower, and Christ defined what He expected of His disciples. A disciple must love Him above all, deny the self, die to self, leave all behind, not delay, and make no excuses. In making disciples, the Lord called them, and they immediately left what they were doing to follow Him. He appointed twelve who would be with Him, and so He may send them out to preach. The apostles followed this model of teaching and fellowship; those who believed would proclaim the gospel.
Repent & Be Baptized
People asked what they should do. Peter answered that they should repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Peter also mentioned the Holy Spirit of promise; He is the promise to all who are called to God.
“Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:37-41, ESV).
Peter warned the people to leave their crooked generation. Three thousand were added to the disciples that day. Repentance is a change of mind, which includes the conviction of sin; to be baptized, to die to self, and be buried. It is an outward symbol of an internal commitment to be His disciple.
Teaching & Fellowship
The apostles followed Christ’s model and instructions. They taught what Jesus taught them, and they broke bread and fellowshipped daily. The disciples supported each other spiritually and materially. The Lord manifested signs and wonders in their midst.
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts” (Acts 2:42-46).
Jesus appointed twelve so they could be with Him and send them out to preach. In the same way, those who heard the gospel should be with the apostles so that they would learn and they would fellowship.
The Lord Added
The new community in Christ continued the apostles’ teaching, breaking of bread, prayers, blessing each other, praising God, and gained favor; the Lord added to their number all who were being saved. The author, Luke, made it clear that it was the Lord who added.
“praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).
God added to their number, and it is God who will accomplish the task of making disciples of all nations. Yet He is gracious to allow His disciples to participate in His grand plan until the end.
Application
1. Let us proclaim the gospel, but let us remember that it is God who calls people to Himself. Salvation of people is God’s agenda; we trust His will and ways. Our role is to proclaim the pure gospel and call people to repent and be disciples.
2. As the apostles taught His word, so should we teach His word. Moreover, we are to practice fellowship continuously and remember the Lord’s death and resurrection. Furthermore, we support each other as a community in Christ.
3. The Lord will add to those who are being saved. Let us praise Him for His marvelous work. Let us remember that God’s mission will be fulfilled. Let us remember that serving Him is a responsibility and a privilege.
Poem
GOD OF THE MISSION by Ed Pilapil Jr What shall we do? The people mumbled Repent and be baptized, he said The gospel unmasked; hearts trembled In Christ, there is forgiveness, he said They devoted themselves to this Apostles’ teaching, fellowship Sharing what they had gave them bliss Perhaps easing those in hardship His power, displayed among them They praised God, and they prayed in awe Souls forgiven and not condemned Community life, others saw Celebrating resurrection The Lord added to their number Christ is the Lord of the mission All Jesus called, He will gather
Study Guide
1. What was Peter’s response to those who asked, “What shall we do?” What will happen if they do what they need to do? (Acts 2:37-41)
2. Explain the regular activities and habits of those who repented and were baptized. (Acts 2:42-46)
3. Explain the significance of the phrase, “The Lord added…” in relation to the mission of making disciples. (Acts 2:47).
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