FOUNDATIONAL THINKING

We’re all Saints & Sinners

Acts 4:32-5:11

When it comes to your commitment to and involvement in the Body of Christ (your local church) there are some principles that you should follow. We are all Saints & Sinners and need to strive to think rightly about how we engage in church life.

1. Crucify self

Philippians 2:1-11 - look to Christ’s example of sacrifice

Ephesians 4:2 – be patient, bearing with one another…

Ephesians 4:32 – …forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Are you patient with your brothers/sisters? Are you bearing with them?

Are you forgiving as Christ forgave you? 

Hint: you are required to forgive. To not forgive could mean you’re not saved

WHEN (not if) you’re hurt - do you fight for “justice?” You’re likely battling for your wounded pride.

1 Corinthians 13:5 – Love… does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

If you have crucified self - you won’t insist on your own way. 

You’ll be willing to compromise on non-essentials for the greater good

It shouldn’t be about your personal agenda

2. Meet Often - Share Deep

We need to become more deeply engaged in one another’s lives. Our hearts becoming intertwined & woven together/

1 John 1:7 – if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another

Who really knows what’s going on in your life spiritually 

(other than your spouse?)

If there’s not someone - there needs to be - and you need to pursue that - NOW!

3. The Acts 2:42 Foundation

Memorize this verse.

This is the foundation - build on that

• The Word

• Fellowship

• The Gospel

• Prayer

4. Serve with a Right Mindset

Here’s the big question of this passage:

Are you serving Christ, or serving self?

Are you serving for the recognition, or for the Lord? Is your goal the advancement of the kingdom? Or the advancement of your personal agenda? It’s hard to answer that question because our pride so expertly disguises itself.

If you are reading this blog: you struggle with pride.

Barnabas was the positive example.

Ananias & Saphira were the negative.

On the surface, there was no difference. 

We all need to think carefully: what’s my motive?

Ultimately, this passage is about wise investment of our money, time, talent, tools, and our “stuff.”

• to the glory of God

• while serving One another

• with the goal of encouragement

Side Note:

Barnabas was called Barnabas for a reason - 

v 36 – Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement)

encouraging was his thing. 

Another question: who can you encourage today?

Do that TODAY - every day this week

send a text

write a note

make a phone call

send an email

make a comment

have a conversation

It’s way too easy to see something negative and complain. Instead, we should make it our aim to be encouragers.

The Bottom Line:

• Go encourage someone right now. 

• Start memorizing Acts 2:42

• Review the four “Foundation” principles regularly (probably daily for a couple of weeks, then less often). 

• Engage accordingly. 

Stay saturated in the Word,

Pastor Rob