BACK TO THE BASICS
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42 (NIV)
After thousands came to faith through Peter’s Spirit-filled preaching, their first response wasn’t to scatter—it was to devote themselves. This wasn’t a casual commitment. It was a deep, consistent, intentional pursuit of God and each other. The word devoted is rich. It means persistence, loyalty, and an unshakable focus. These new believers weren’t half-hearted. Their lives had been radically transformed, and now their priorities reflected it. The Christian life wasn’t something they added to their schedules—it became their life.
But what were they devoted to? How did they develop an authentic, growing community? Thankfully, God didn’t complicate this. A few simple practices helped these young believers grow in their relationships with God and each other.
I think of it like team sports. I’ve played and coached soccer most of my life, and one thing is always true: the fundamentals are the key to success. You can have the best game plan, but failure is inevitable if the players can’t do basic things like pass the ball and shoot the ball. Mastering the basics of soccer is essential for playing well, and this applies to everyone on the team, not just the captain or star players. Devotion to the basics is essential. This passage highlights:
- Teaching: Scripture guides us, challenges us, corrects us and trains us (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- Fellowship: True spiritual friendship goes below the surface. Sharing in the victories and struggles of life together. Helping each other grow in faith (Hebrews 10:24-25).
- Breaking of bread: This could mean sharing a meal or taking communion together. Or both! (Exodus 24:9-11).
- Prayer: Where conversations with God are a regular part of life. Personally and with each other. (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Let’s get back to the basics. This is how we experience more and more of Jesus’ life.
APPLICATION: How consistent are you with the basics of the Christian life? Which area could you grow in: spending time in the Bible, developing spiritual friendships, or prayer? Pick one of these and take steps to move in the right direction!
PRAYER: Lord, stir in me a heart of devotion like those believers. Deepen my hunger for the Scriptures. Help me have true friends who share and do life together. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?