Unhindered: Practices for the Unhindered Life (Acts 2:40-47)

Series: Unhindered

Sermon: Practices for the Unhindered Life

Scripture: Acts 2:40-47

Date: January 27, 2019

 

He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ - with all boldness and without hindrance!  (Acts 28:31)

And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation."  Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.  And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.  Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.  Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.  So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.  (Acts 2:40-47)

 

These practices are to bring us into contact with God, and He uses them to unhinder us.

WEEKLY GROWTH SUGGESTION: Take one of the habits we talk about today and, either start doing it, or add some meaning to how you do it.

So, let's look at some habits that will help us develop an unhindered relationship with God:

1. Time in the Word
   • And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.  (Acts 2:42)
   • They were teaching the things they had learned from Jesus and about Jesus.
   • But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel... (Acts 2:16)
   • For David says concerning Him: 'I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.'  (Acts 2:25)
   • What is God saying to me today?
   • What will I do as a result?
   • God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!  The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.   Selah  (Psalm 46:1-2, 10-11)
   • Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you.  (2 Thessalonians 3:1)
   • What do these verses tell us about the Lord?
   • What do these verses help us understand about following Jesus and getting to know Him better?
2. Time in worship
   • And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.  (Acts 2:42)
   • When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.  (Matthew 26:30)
   • If we are to live unhindered, we have to stay sensitive to the Spirit.
   • When was the last time the Spirit nudged you, and you obeyed?
   • Get lost in worship, and let God unhinder you.
   • "When you use your life for God's glory, everything you do can become an act of worship."  -Rick Warren
3. Time with warriors
   • And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.  (Acts 2:42)
   • Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.  So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.  (Acts 2:44-46)
   • They were helping each other live unhindered.
   • Some people that you can ask questions of each other, questions like:
     • What helps you in your alone time with the Lord?
     • What are you reading in your quiet time these days?
     • How do you start conversations about Jesus with people?
     • How do you handle your anger, frustration, or irritations?
     • What do you do when you are feeling out of touch with the Lord?
   • The times that I have grown the most are those times when I was having meaningful alone time with the Lord and meaningful friendships with people who were growing in the Lord.
4. Time in witnessing
   • Praising God and having favor with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.  (Acts 2:47)
   • When was the last time you invited someone to church?