Acts 2:37-42

2. Acts 2:37-42 Now when they had heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren,

3. Acts 2:37-42 what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the

4. Acts 2:37-42 forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children, and for

5. Acts 2:37-42 all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself.” And with many other words he solemnly testified and

6. Acts 2:37-42 kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” So then, those who had received his word

7. Acts 2:37-42 were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they were continually devoting themselves

8. Acts 2:37-42 to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

9. Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, we really need to ask two questions.

10. What does it mean to be devoted?

11. Who is devoted?

12. Devoted: to commit by a solemn act; to give over or direct time, money, effort, etc. to a specific person or cause.

14. G4342προσκαρτερέωpros-kar-ter-eh'-oTo beearnesttowards, to persevere, beconstantly diligent, or to attend assiduously all the exercises, or to adhere closely to (as a servitor): - continually, continue (in, instant in, with), wait on (continually).

15. Webster declares that in its simplest form, devoted means to be faithful to a vow.

16. We often use this term when we think about a devoted spouse or maybe a devoted worker.

17. Before we talk about being devoted, maybe we should clarify who is devoted.

18. Let’s go back to our text.

19. Acts 2:40-42 kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” So then, those who had received his word

20. Acts 2:40-42 were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they were continually devoting themselves

21. It’s clear from the text that those who are truly saved become devoted.

22. Is it wrong to expect complete devotion?

23. From the lost… “Yes”, but not from those being saved!

24. Despite the hate, ridicule, and persecution they suffered… many remained faithful.

25. That’s a mark of genuine salvation.

26. John 8:31 So Jesus was saying to those who had believed in Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine;

27. John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

28. According to John 15, the true branch that bears fruit abides in the vine.

29. According to Matthew 13, the good soil that receives God’s Word (seed) will enjoy the harvest.

30. In contrast, the Bible also has something to say about those who don’t abide or remain.

31. I John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went

32. I John 2:19 out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us.

33. I love the way God’s Word wraps up the conversation.

34. Matthew 24:11 Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.

35. Matthew 24:12 Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.

36. Matthew 24:13 The one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

37. Are you devoted?

38. Have you made a vow to Jesus?

39. Will you keep your vow?

40. Let’s go back to our main text.

41. Acts 2:37-42 were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they were continually devoting themselves

42. Acts 2:37-42 to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

44. Does that list resonate with you?

45. Do you find yourself smiling or getting excited when you hear the list?

46. If so, you just might be devoted.

47. Let’s take a closer look at the first item on the list.

49. The apostles’ teaching!