THEME:
The book of Acts portrays an emerging church that was completely sold on the idea of helping others. For them, life was about releasing their stuff. In order to find a deeper relationship with Christ, it’s important to learn the art of letting go and experience the blessing that follows.
KEY SCRIPTURE:
Acts 4:32-37
Acts 4:32-37
Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Learning to let go starts with understanding that your belongings really aren’t your own
Psalm 24:1-2
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.
Mark 12:41-44
And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
Job 1:21b
The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
Acts 4:36-37
Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Learning to let go involves determined and decisive action
Acts 4:33-35
And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
The blessing that follows “releasing” is increased intimacy with Christ
John 15:10
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.