The Life Transformers

GETTING STARTED

A transformed life means you are no longer what you once were. The values and beliefs that motivated your actions have been replaced, and to live the same way as before is unthinkable. When that transformation happens in the context of a team or family who commit to the same values, goals, and beliefs, it is powerful. I love seeing college athletes celebrate after a long, shared struggle to win the title, National Champion. In post-game interviews, the language they use often describes life transformation that could not have happened without shared commitment, values, and goals. When the disciples chose to trust Jesus’ promises and his design for their lives, the results were life-transforming.

  • When have you experienced a team or family victory after a long, shared struggle, and how did that change you?

READ THE WORD: ACTS 2:42-47 (ESV)

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. In verse 42, what possible explanations for this sudden, compelling devotion to the Apostles’ teaching and the fellowship of believers do you see?
  2. In verses 43-47, what actions resulted from the commitments made in this devoted community of believers?
  3. If you were going to describe the quality of their relationships with each other, what words would you use?
  4. Verse 47 says God added people to the believing community daily during this time. What about this community would be attractive and compelling to those looking in from the outside?
  5. Think about relationships you are devoted What words would outside observers use to describe the quality of those relationships? What commitments with other believers can you make for the hope of multiplying Christ’s life-transforming presence in and through your life?

RESPOND TO GOD

Jesus said it was better for him to go so that a community of devoted followers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, could transform the world through their relationships with the people living around them. It meant that local communities of devoted followers, clinging together to the indwelling presence of Jesus, were his post-Ascension plan to save the world. The vehicle for transforming lives with the gospel is more than a call to preach, it is a call to devoted relationships with each other for a life-giving purpose.

  • Remember those God used to introduce you to Jesus and thank God for them.
  • Consider the power of what’s true: Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Ask him to make you available for life-transforming connections with people you interact with today.