Devotion #3: Devoted

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts 2:42 

I read an article online about being devoted. The writer of the article said, “When you are devoted to something your life is transformed.” She continued saying, “Devotion is not for sissies. It takes surrender of your personal wants and desires and turns it into something that holds greater meaning for you. It oozes passion and longing, you might even say you form a love affair with whatever you are devoted to.” 

In Acts chapter 2, Luke is writing about the early church. The believers of the early church were devoted. Luke lists four things that the early church was devoted to. They were devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread (communion), and prayer. The reason the early church was devoted to these things is that they were first devoted to Jesus. They believed that Jesus died to pay the price for their sin. They believed He rose again. They believed He was their only hope. Because of their faith in Christ, they fully surrendered their lives to Him. The word “surrender” means that these early believers gave up their wants and desires to follow Jesus. Their passion and longing in life was Jesus. They were devoted! 

Because of this devotion, the early church gathered. They were hungry to learn more about Jesus through the Apostles’ teaching. The church was devoted to fellowship. The word “fellowship” means partnership. The believers worked together to serve Jesus in the church. Because of their love for Jesus, they worshiped Him through communion and prayer. 

Today, when we gather to worship, it is for the same four purposes that the early church gathered together. We must remember that the reason we gather in the first place is our devotion to Jesus and our gratitude toward Him. Gathering as a body of believers should not be about checking a box, earning favor with God, or out of some sort of tradition. Gathering together should not be out of obligation. Our purpose for coming to a gathering should not be a chore. 

It is a privilege!  

Galatians 2:20 adds, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”