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A GENEROUS CHURCH

ACTS 4:32-37 • CHRIS NUNN

OF THE EARLY CHURCH (32)

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just 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 have sent me. —John 17:20–21 (ESV)

There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. —Proverbs 6:16–19 (ESV)

and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. —Colossians 2:19 (ESV)

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit —Ephesians 2:19–22 (ESV).

The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, —Psalm 24:1 (ESV)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. —James 1:17 (ESV)

OF THE EARLY CHURCH (33)

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. —Colossians 2:13–15 (ESV)

OF THE EARLY CHURCH (34A)

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! —Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. —James 2:15–17 (ESV)

But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. —1 John 3:17–18 (ESV)

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience —Colossians 3:12 (ESV)

glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. —John 17:4–5 (ESV)

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. —Ephesians 5:1–2 (ESV)

OF THE EARLY CHURCH (34B-37)

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. —2 Corinthians 9:6–7 (ESV)

Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. —Malachi 3:8–10 (ESV)

And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, 19 but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. —Mark 4:18–19 (ESV)

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. —Proverbs 22:7 (ESV)

Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. —Psalm 119:36–37 (ESV)

Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf. —Proverbs 11:28 (ESV)

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. —Matthew 6:19–21 (ESV)

that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. —1 Corinthians 12:25–27 (ESV)

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. —Romans 12:15–16 (ESV)

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” —John 13:34–35 (ESV)

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. —1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” —Galatians 5:13–14 (ESV)

PASTOR’S NOTES

Study Guide:

Unity of the Early Church (v. 32):
The believers were united in heart and mind, reflecting Jesus’ prayer for oneness in John 17. This unity led to powerful ministry and testimony.
Something to Think About: How can you foster more profound unity within your church community this week?

Testimony of Generosity (v. 33):
The church’s generosity was driven by great grace and the shared understanding that all belongs to God.
Something to Think About: What changes can you make to reflect a heart of generosity daily?

Empathy in Action (v. 34):
The early church ensured no one was in need, embodying Christ’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Something to Think About: What needs in your community can you help meet today?

The Example of Barnabas (v. 36-37):
Barnabas exemplified sacrificial living by selling his land to meet the needs of others, showing trust in God’s provision.
Something to Think About: What might God be calling you to surrender for the benefit of others?


Prayer Points:

Unity in Community
Pray that God cultivates unity within His people, reflecting His oneness in their relationships and communities.

Hearts of Generosity
Ask that God gives His people generous hearts that mirror His abundant grace and kindness.

Compassion in Action
Pray that believers would see the needs around them and be empowered to respond with compassion and action.

Surrendered Living
Ask for guidance in surrendering resources and time as an act of worship and trust in God.

Encouraging Others
Pray that the Holy Spirit inspires believers to live lives of encouragement, like Barnabas, that uplift and bless others.