What does it mean to love the Lord with all of our heart, mind, soul, strength (Dt. 6:4-5; Mk. 12:29)? What picture of “loyalty” and “devotion” to the Lord emerges from Acts 5-7? What does “devotion” look like with respect to the message of the gospel and in regard to church life and practice? To what depths of loyalty does Jesus call His people, and what are the consequences of relating to God with a lack of reverence and holy fear?  We invite you to join us as we dive into Acts 5-7 in part 3 of our Acts series at Bethany Church.

Tim Miller

Church

<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">Most of us are familiar with what Jesus calls “the first and greatest commandment” (Mt. 22:37, NIV), or “the greatest and most important commandment” (CSB)</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
29 Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. 30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ (quoting the Shema, from Dt. 6:4-5) (Mk. 12:29, NLT)
<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">God is a covenantal God (God binds Himself to his people in a solemn relationship), and therefore the Bible is “covenantal literature”</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
Jeffrey Niehaus: “God’s behavior, according to the Bible, is always covenantal—that is, God has always chosen to relate to humanity through various covenants he has ordained….it is also true that the whole Bible is a product of the covenantal relationships God has instituted among humans. Since that is the case, the whole Bible may be called covenantal literature.” 1
<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li4">Within a covenantal context, love refers primarily to loyalty: “Love in its distinctive biblical understanding…is always relational and often implies faithfulness and loyalty.” 2 This is made clear from the context in which the Shema is given (i.e., Deuteronomy, which is itself patterned according to the format of ancient covenant treaties). For example:</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me (i.e., loyalty to parents exceeds loyalty to Jesus); anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it (i.e., loyalty to their own lives and exceeds their loyalty to Jesus). (Mt. 10:37-39, NIV).
<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">Today’s message is titled, “Devoted.” Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines “devoted” as “characterized by loyalty and devotion.” 3 When we go into the waters of baptism and say “I do” to the Creator, what are we really saying “yes” to? What does it mean to be completely loyal to the one true King and Lord of the universe? What does it mean to fully love and wholeheartedly devote ourselves to Jesus of Nazareth—as a community, as leaders, as families, as individuals—with everything we are inwardly (thoughts, dispositions, attitudes, emotions, inclinations, choices, affections) and outwardly (time, money, energy, effort, etc.)? Today we are going to take a look at what Acts 5-7 has to say on this topic. </li>
<li class="li1">Interestingly, Acts chapter 5 opens with people dying, while Acts 7 ends with a man dying! In the case of the former, it is a negative death brought on by a brazen disloyalty to Jesus, while in the case of the latter, it is glorious testimony and an example of a wholehearted loyalty to the King of kings. A lot of inspiring and challenging things in between.</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>

INTRODUCTION

<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">In Acts 5, we start off with a light story about a man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira. Many of us know the story. They sold some property and apparently committed all the money to the Lord, but then secretly kept back some of the money for themselves. This did not turn out well for them.</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?&#8230;You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. (Ac. 5:3, 4d-5, NIV)
<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">In the Bible (an in the ancient world generally), false oaths and the wrong handling of sacred things are very serious offenses against God and could result in divine judgment (see Lev. 5-6, 10, 27; Num. 5:5-10). Intentional and high-handed sins were beyond atonement (see, e.g., Num. 15:30) apart from confession, remorse, and acknowledgement of guilt. 4 If someone is truly repentant, God mercifully reduces the sentence (treats it as He would if it had been unintentional) and allows for atonement to be made; specific sacrifices are presented and appropriate reparations made (Lev. 5-6, Num. 5:5-10).</li>
<li class="li1">Cf. the death of Nadab and Abihu, who “offered unauthorized fire before the LORD” (Lev. 10:2, NIV); only a week after the tabernacle had been set up (on “the eighth day” [Lev. 9:1]; cf. Ex. 40:1, 17), following some incredible and momentous events: the glory of God had filled the tabernacle on the first day (Ex. 40:34), and fire from God had consumed the sacrifice on the alter (Lev. 9:24). The point is clear from the very outset: You mess with holy things to your own peril. Similar point in the days of the early Jesus movement.</li>
<li class="li1">The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If Ananias and Saphira had repented, they probably would have escaped such a strong judgment from the Lord.</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events. (Ac. 5:11, NIV)

DEVOTED IN TRUTH, WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING

<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">Agreement/unity about importance of assembling; God recognized as being among them, not a light matter</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
12…By common consent (“with one accord” [NASB, YLT]) they would all meet (“all the believers were meeting regularly” [NLT]) in Solomon’s Colonnade.  13 None of the rest dared to join them (little wonder after the Ananias and Sapphira event!), but the people praised them highly. (Ac. 5:12b-13, HCSB)
<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">Assembling in the temple courts in houses</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching (contrary to the Sanhedrin’s orders; cf. vs. 40) and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. (Ac. 5:42, NIV)
<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">The closer we get to Jesus’ return, the more vital it will be that we gather together regularly, purposefully, and in the fear of God</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds (e.g., Ac. 5—keep proclaiming the message, don’t cower before threats; hold unswervingly), 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing (why was this?), but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Heb. 10:23-25, NIV)

DEVOTED TO GATHERING TOGETHER

<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">Caring for the widow and the orphan</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food…. “… 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility (“this necessary task” [NET], “this work” [ISV], “this duty” [CSB]) over to them…” (Ac. 6:1, 3a NIV)
<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">True devotion in God’s sight</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
27 Pure and undefiled religion (“true devotion” [CEB]) before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world (cf. Ananias and Sapphira!). (Jam. 1:27, CSB)
13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Lk. 14:13-14, NIV)
<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">Must be witnesses in both word and deed</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>

DEVOTED TO SERVING THE WIDOW AND VULNERABLE

<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">Acts 6:2-5</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
2 The Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching the word of God to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the whole company. (Ac. 6:2-5, CSB)
<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">Devoted to prayer; do we realize the privilege we’ve been given? Prayer is key to discipleship </li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
4:2 Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. (Col. 4:2, NET)
17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. (Eph. 2:17-18, NIV)
16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence (courageously, boldly, without fear, etc.), so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Heb. 4:16, NIV)
<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">The very message of Life</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
20 “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life (“all the words of this life” [NET], “all about this new life” [NIV]).” (Ac. 5:20, NASB)
<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">God’s Word is worthy our time, humble submission, and focused attention</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
42Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching (contrary to the Sanhedrin’s orders; cf. vs. 40) and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. (Ac. 5:42, NIV)
127 Since I love your commands more than gold, even the purest gold, 128 I carefully follow all your precepts and hate every false way. (Ps. 119:127-128, CSB)
<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">God’s own devotion and loyalty to the message</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
12 The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people….15 As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. 16 Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed. (Ac. 5:12a, 15-16, NLT)
<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">Proclaiming the gospel in word and deed (see DEVOTED TO SERVING THE WIDOW AND VULNERABLE above)</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>

DEVOTED TO PRAYER AND THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">Loyalty in the face of persecution and opposition</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men…. 40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. (Ac. 5:27-29, 40-41, ESV)
<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">Loyalty to the full counsel of God; must have courage to proclaim the hard things, too</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
30 The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had murdered by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted this man to his right hand as ruler and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” 33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. (Ac. 6:30-33, CSB)
14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place (cf. Mt. 24) and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” (Ac. 6:14, CSB)
51 “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him…(Ac. 7:51-52, NIV)
<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">Loyal even unto death</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”… 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Ac. 7:56, 59-60, NIV)

DEVOTED FULLY

<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">Today will close with the words of Hanani the seer to Asa king of Judah. Instead of trusting the LORD for victory and deliverance, King Asa had relied on a foreign king. As part of his word to Asa, Hanani says (NET),</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
16:9 Certainly the Lord watches the whole earth (“the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth” [NIV]) carefully and is ready to strengthen those who are devoted to him. (2 Chr. 16:9, NET) 
<ol class="ol1">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ol class="ol2">
<li class="li1">There is great strength, power, and help available to us as we remain wholeheartedly loyal to God through the power of the Holy Spirit. As the Lord sets His eyes on this church, on our families, and our hearts and minds individually, is there any particular area that needs strengthening?</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>

CONCLUSION

1 
Jeffrey J. Niehaus, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/biblicaltheo1?ref=Page.p+2&amp;off=1010&amp;ctx=+explain+it+below.4%250A~God%25E2%2580%2599s+behavior,+acco" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Biblical Theology: The Common Grace Covenants</a>, vol. 1 (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014), 2.
2 
I-Jin Loh and Howard Hatton, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/ubshbk80?ref=Bible.Jas1.12&amp;off=7627&amp;ctx=+145:20;+Rom+8:28).+~Love+in+its+distinct" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Handbook on the Letter from James</a>, UBS Handbook Series (New York: United Bible Societies, 1997), 31.
3 
Inc Merriam-Webster, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/mwdict11?hw=Devoted" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.</a> (Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc., 2003).
4 
See Jacob Milgrom, <a href="https://ref.ly/logosres/jpstorahnu?ref=BibleBHS.Nu5.5-8&amp;off=224&amp;ctx=aw+here+is+a+general~ization+of+the+one+i" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Numbers</a>, The JPS Torah Commentary (Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1990), 34.

FOOTNOTES

What does it mean to love the Lord with all of our heart, mind, soul, strength?