The Devotion that Matures Our Faith

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 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 2:42-47).

The beauty and power of the early church was amazing. The excitement and awe among those who believed overflowed into the surrounding community and attracted others. There were “many wonders and signs” that confirmed the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit in the midst of this new fellowship. The unity among the disciples compelled them to share their possessions with the needy. They were hungry to worship and fellowship together and they had a strong attitude of thanksgiving and praise that attracted the favor of the local community. The Lord blessed this young church by adding new believers daily. There was a unique devotion among this thriving fellowship. I believe we might enjoy the same kind of blessing individually and corporately in our local churches if, like these first disciples, we practiced the devotion that matures our faith.

Maturing disciples are devoted to God’s principles, connected to His Word. The early disciples gave themselves earnestly to “the apostles’ teaching” which came from their intimate walk with Jesus. They often heard Him show how the law and the prophets pointed to Him… “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). Through epistles, gospels, and other recording, the apostles’ teaching became our New Testament, giving a sweeping and clear portrait of Jesus Christ from the beginning to the end of the scriptures… “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me” (John 5:39). Devotion to God’s Word is indispensable to maturing faith.

Maturing disciples are devoted to God’s people, connected through fellowship. The early disciples loved to be together. They gathered to worship, share meals, study God’s Word, and more. Being together strengthened their faith and encouraged their hearts. The Spirit of truth inspired the author of Hebrews to exhort us to gather together often in order to encourage one another… “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Devotion to fellowship with other believers in the local church, ministries, small groups, and one-on-one helps us to see the grace of God working in others and to be encouraged in our own maturing faith.

Maturing disciples are devoted to God’s presence, connected through prayer. The early disciples were serious about prayer. They prayed alone and they prayed together. Prayer imitates Jesus example… “But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray” (Luke 5:16). Jesus was one with His father and He prayed that we would be one with Him too… “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:20-21). Just as intimate, regular communication and fellowship marked the unity of the Father and His incarnate Son, so too devotion to prayer connects us and strengthens our intimacy and oneness with the father and the Son.

As we grow up into Christ, connecting through His Word, His people, and prayer is…

The Devotion that Matures Our Faith.