community group discussion guide
introduction
In our previous weeks, we explored what life together looked like for the early church as described in the book of Acts. Last week, we saw a community deeply grounded in prayer and committed to praying together. We’ll continue to picture the life of this community, with a special focus around the theme of radical sharing of goods among one another.
opening question
Share about a time when someone’s generosity impacted you meaningfully.
read Acts 4:32-37 (NIV)
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Take a few moments to reflect on the Scripture. Share some insights, questions, or points that strike you. Then read the following.
community on a mission
In the book of Acts, this is the second time where Luke describes the quality of the radical sharing that the first Christian community practiced (cf. Acts 2:44-45). In both Acts 2 and 4, the early Christian community is depicted as living in a remarkable state of unity and generosity.
At the very heart of their practice of radical sharing was a deep unity. But their unity was more than a bond revolving around superficial, common or social interests and affiliations. Their unity — “one in heart and mind” (v. 32a) — was comprehensive where their loves, their hopes, and their passions joined.1 Their fellowship was grounded in the Spirit, and they shared a passionate commitment to the same mission. And the following verse shows us the mission that they rallied around — testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus (v. 33). This was a community that existed not only for themselves, but for a mission they were committed to living out together.
community in action
One of the concrete ways that the community’s unity manifested itself was through their sharing of possessions among themselves. Their sharing was so radical that no one claimed their possessions as their own, but “they shared everything they had” (v. 32b). Some believers made intentional, voluntary, and costly sacrifices to sell their land and houses (vv. 34-35) to give the proceeds to the leaders to distribute wherever there was a need among them. This kind of radical giving and sharing was a primary way in which they were able to foster a community where there was no single needy person in their midst (v. 34). And that kind of community was the ideal that God had established for Israel. God had promised that he would bless them, if only they would obey and follow his commandments, and that there would be no poor among them (cf. Deuteronomy 15:4ff).
However, striving for a community where there are no needy people in the church is a high calling for believers. One commentator writes that, “Christians should not decide on their lifestyle by looking at their peers in society, but rather after looking at the needs of the believers around them.”2 The apostle Paul emphasized to the church in Corinth that his desire is not such that the needy would be relieved while the believers (the church) are burdened, but that there might be equality (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:13).3
community in fellowship
In the life of the church community, its priorities are shaped by being aware of the needs of the poor, particularly through fellowshipping with them. However, it’s not uncommon to see the economically poor and rich end up in different churches. This is understandable, as many of us naturally gravitate toward communities where the people are similar to us because that is where we are most comfortable. And we know that obtaining unity in a diverse church (e.g., cultural, economic, etc.) is challenging as it was also hard for the early church (c.f., Acts 6:1-6). Instead of dividing along the differences, however, the early church worked to address the issues as they arose, striving to preserve unity rather than creating factions based on commonalities.
The church today faces a similar challenge in fostering spiritual unity in the midst of diversity. The way forward is not through avoiding or ignoring the differences that exist, but by actively engaging with one another’s struggles and needs. Fellowship with those who are different from us — whether economically, culturally, or socially — challenges us to consider and reshape our priorities and deepen our commitment to living out the gospel in practical ways. In doing so, we reflect the heart of the gospel — a community united not by comfort or common ground, but by a shared purpose to love and serve God and one another.
1 Fernando, Ajith, Acts in NIV Application Commentary, NIVAC. Zondervan, 1998.
2 Ibid.
3 Ibid.
- In what ways does our purpose as a church community extend beyond our shared fellowship?
- How do you personally feel called to contribute to our church’s mission, both inside the community and outside in the world?
- What does it mean, practically, to live with the mindset of “what’s mine is yours”? How can we apply this in our everyday lives (e.g., with our time, finances, or possessions)?
- Is there anything we hold onto too tightly, something we consider “ours” that God may be asking us to share or let go of for the sake of others? What fears or hesitations hold you back from being more generous (e.g., money, time, etc.)?
- What would it look like for our church to create a culture where people feel comfortable sharing their struggles and asking for help, without shame or fear?
group application
Are there any specific needs in our neighborhood (e.g., a local outreach opportunity) that we can address as a group this month? What is one way our group can contribute to the mission of our community this season?
announcements
- Thursday, November 21 | Redeemer Network Prayer & Praise Night, 7 – 8:30 pm Join in the celebration marking 35 years of ministry in the city.
- Thursday, December 5 | CG Leader Happy Hour, 5:30 – 7 pm
CG Leaders, please save the date! Invitation to RSVP from Jamie forthcoming. - Sunday, December 8 | In Community for Our City: Q&A, 1:15 – 2:15 pm, Rm. 406
Questions about the new giving vision and spending are welcomed at this town hall. - Wednesday, December 11 | Belnord Christmas Toy Store Bash, 3 – 8:30 pm
Volunteer together (4 different shifts available) to help throw a Christmas party, complete with free gifts, for the families currently housed at The Belnord. - Sign up for the Neighborhood Engagement Newsletter, which launches in early December. You’ll be informed about our developing neighborhood engagements and unique opportunities to serve.
© 2024 Redeemer Presbyterian Church West Side
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. Th
Click here to learn about our community group philosophy of ministry and for additional reading resources on community and mission. Not yet in a group? Find one near you here.
