Acts 4:32-5:12 | The Spirit-Filled Church

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Slides:

Four signs of a Spirit-filled church: unity, generosity, gifts, and holiness.

1 Timothy 6:17-18

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 [Instruct them] to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,

“As any had need…”

• The church must discern who the truly needy are (1 Tim. 5:3).

• The one who can work must provide for his own needs (2 Thess. 3:10-12, 1 Tim. 5:8, 1 Thess. 4:11).

• Support should come from family before the church (1 Tim. 5:3-4).

• Those who are supported by the church should make some return to the church body (1 Tim. 5:5, 10).

• It is right for the church to examine moral conduct before giving support (1 Tim. 5:9-13).

• The support of the church should be for the most basic necessities of living (1 Tim. 6:8).

Romans 12:6 

Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, [each of us is to exercise them accordingly…he who gives, with liberality…

Matthew 6:19-20 

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;

There is a corollary relationship between unity and generosity in the church.

Ephesians 4:30 

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

1 Corinthians 12:7-8

But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit;

There is a corollary relationship between revival and holiness.

John 17:20-23 

"I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even 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 sent Me. 22 "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.

Ephesians 4:1-3 

Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.