Part 3 | “Blessing the City” — Sunday, October 2, 2022
Introduction
“To see people (and communities) transformed by Jesus”
Acts 2:40 (ESV) And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”
Making disciples of nations (communities) includes the church being an alternative community of Jesus’s disciples who live under the rule of His Kingdom.
The church is the colony of heaven in the country of death.
Followers of Jesus call people out of their “crooked generation” that they need “saved” from and into a new, alternative community, the Church. We need “saved” out of this generation and into a new “people-group” (nation). The Church is the community of Jesus’ apprentices who live a different way of life, lives marked by the presence and power of Jesus together.
Characteristics of a Transformed Community (Acts 2:43-47):
- Wonder
- Many Miracles
- Unity
- Extravagant Generosity
- Consistent Corporate Gatherings
- Small Group Hospitality
- Glad and Generous Hearts
- Praise and Worship
- Favor
- Church growth
Body
Acts 2:42-47 (ESV) And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Being built on the Truth in Jesus, what then does it mean for Jesus’ disciples to be devoted to the community of relationships?
- Hospitality
- Prayer
- Generosity
- Service
“Love” (agapē)
John 13:34-35 (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.”
- Hospitality
- Prayer
- Generosity
- Service
Romans 12:9-13 (NLT) Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
“Generosity” is a readiness to give more than is necessary or expected.
Romans 12:13 (ESV) Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
“Contribute” — κοινωνέω (koinōneō) (Strongs 2841); share (Ro 12:13; 15:27; Gal 6:6; Php 4:15+; Mt 15:11, 18, 20); do together with, participate in (1Ti 5:22; 1Pe 4:13; 2Jn 11+)
“Generosity ensures that the things you own do not own you.”
Proverbs 11:10-11 (ESV) When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness. By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.
“By definition the righteous use their “good” to promote the civic good. Ultimately their prosperity is not at humanity’s disposal but due to God’s grace.”[1] ~ Bruce Waltke
Proverbs 11:10 (Bruce Waltke) In the prosperity of the righteous a city exults, and when the wicked perish, there is a shout of praise.
Proverbs 11:11 (ESV) By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.
“Blessing” — (bĕrākâ) (noun) blessing, pronouncement of blessing. Refers to the act or result of being blessed. This noun is related to the verb בָּרַךְ (bārak, “to bless”). Sometimes it refers to a pronouncement intended to enact benefits (e.g., Deut 33:1). Most often this noun identifies the benefits themselves (e.g., Psa 21:3), regardless of whether they result from a pronouncement of blessing. In Genesis 12:2 Yahweh tells Abram that he will be a blessing (bĕrākâ), i.e., that people who associate with Abram will receive blessing.[2]
Proverbs 11:10-11 (TPT) The blessing that rests on the righteous releases strength and favor to the entire city, but shouts of joy will be heard when the wicked one dies. The blessing of favor resting upon the righteous influences a city to lift it higher, but wicked leaders tear it apart by their words.
“The upright mediate the divine blessing that operates irresistibly, like yeast in the dough, to elevate the whole environment.”[3] ~ Bruce Waltke
Conclusion
1 Peter 4:7-10 (ESV) The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
For Integration:
- Ask the Lord, “Who can I bless?”
- Ask the Lord, “Who can I serve?”