Building Community 1 - Acts 2:42–47

Over the next six weeks, we’re exploring what it looked like for the early church to live with Jesus at the centre—and what it could look like for us today. In Acts 2, we see a community devoted to God and one another. Their shared life was marked by joy, generosity, worship, and growth.

This series unpacks six words that describe that life:

1.           Devoting – giving our hearts, time, and attention to God and one another

2.           Expecting – living with a sense of anticipation for God to move

3.           Worshipping – honouring God in all of life

4.           Gathering – coming together with purpose and presence

5.           Giving – living generously with time, resources, and love

6.           Growing – being transformed, both personally and as a community

Each session will explore one of these practices. We’re not aiming for perfection—we’re listening for invitation. What might it look like to build a beautiful community today?

 Worship Suggestions

•              Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me

•              Take My Life and Let It Be

•              Build My Life

Choose a song to begin or end with, or for after prayer or reflection.

Opening Prayer

Lord, we are so often pulled in a hundred directions.
Would you still our minds, quiet our distractions,
and turn our attention to you.
Show us what it means to live a devoted life — shaped by your love, and shaped for love. Amen.

Scripture Focus

•              Romans 12:9–16 – A picture of real, lived-out devotion

•              (Acts 2:42–47 can be referenced to frame the wider series)

Read Romans 12 slowly. Consider using both NIV and The Message for depth.

Discussion Questions

Warm-up:

•              What do you picture when you hear the word devotion?

•              Who do you know that lives a life of quiet or powerful devotion?

Romans 12:9–16:

1.         Paul says “Love must be sincere.”

◦         What does sincere love look like in practice?

◦         How do we sometimes settle for ‘surface’ love or performance?

2.         “Be devoted to one another in love.”

◦         What does this kind of devotion require from us?

◦         Where have you experienced this kind of love—in church, in friendship, in a crisis?

3.         “Never be lacking in zeal…”

◦         What helps you keep spiritual energy or passion alive?

◦         What drains it?

4.         Verses 13–16 describe a way of life that’s open, others-focused, humble, generous.

◦         Which bits challenge you?

◦         Which bits feel hopeful or familiar?

Reflection

Give space (in silence or journaling) for personal inventory:

•              Where is your time, energy, and attention going?

•              What do you feel you’re currently devoted to—intentionally or unintentionally?

•              Which verse in Romans 12 feels like a personal nudge or invitation?

Optional: invite each person to name one word or phrase from the passage that stands out to them.

Closing Worship & Prayer

Close with a song (e.g. Build My Life) or a short prayer:

Jesus, you gave your life in love.
Help us this week to live as people devoted—not just in belief, but in action.
Let our love be sincere, our presence real, and our hearts open.
In your name. Amen.