Acts 2:42-47
- Genuine repentance and faith will result in positive, observable changes in the life of the believer, including:
- A desire to learn about God and His ways (Acts 2:42, Psalm 119:162)
- A desire to be obedient to God’s word (John 14:23, Matthew 7:24-27, 1 John 1:6-7, James 1:22-25)
- A desire to have fellowship with God through prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17, Matthew 6:6)
- A desire to have fellowship with other believers (Acts 2:42, 46)
- A desire to praise God with thankful and joyful hearts (Acts 2:47, Philippians 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18)
- Growth in godly character (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Hating and forsaking sin (Proverbs 28:13, Ezekiel 20:43)
- A desire for forgiveness (1 John 1:8-10)
- A desire to seek restitution and reconciliation, to make right the things that are wrong and payback the result of my sin (Luke 19:8-9, Ephesians 4:32)
- Good deeds done out of love for God and neighbor, not a desire for self-righteousness (James 2:14-26, Ephesians 2:8-10)
- God’s work in our life is a process, but the overall trajectory should be to grow more in Christian character, good works, and confident hope in God. (Philippians 1:3-6, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, John 15:1-2)
- Possible applications:
- If you have never put your faith in Christ, repent and believe. If you have wandered from God, repent and return to Him. None of these changes are possible without genuine repentance and faith.
- Through prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal one area that God wants you to grow in. Write it down. Share it with a trusted Christian friend.
- If you find yourself not desiring the fruits of faith and repentance shared in this message, ask God to bring heart change and transformation of your desires.