Scripture Reference: Acts 4:23-31

5. There Is Grace Abounding in the Lives of God’s People

Luke told us that “great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33). The word grace here could be exchanged for the word Christlikeness. These people had the Spirit of Jesus Christ because they imitated the prayer life of the Savior.

First, God gave them the grace of unity. The Bible tells us that they had one heart and one soul (Acts 4:32). Because they prayed, they experienced “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). They knew from experience the meaning of the words “you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

Second, there was the grace of renunciation. The church members were unselfish. They were willing to share their possessions. “No one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common” (Acts 4:32). What a marvelous inflowing and outflowing there was of the love of Christ! How greatly this is needed today! How is it achieved? It comes about as a direct result of the people of God learning to kneel down and pray together.

Third, there was the grace of liberality. There is a great need for Christians to be generous in their giving through the church. The Jerusalem church “had everything in common” (Acts 4:32). In fact, Luke went on to report:

“There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need” (Acts 4:34-35).

Modern statistics show that in most churches 20 percent of the members give 80 percent of the money. How we need this grace of liberality in our churches today.

In his excellent book And Peter, J. Wilbur Chapman tells the following story:

A number of travelers were making their way across the desert. The last drop of water had been exhausted and they were pushing on with the hope that more might be found. They were growing weaker and weaker. As a last resort they divided their men into companies and sent them on, one in advance of the other, in this way securing a rest they so much needed. If they who were in the advance guard were able to find the springs, they were to shout the good tidings to the men who were the nearest to them, and so they were to send the message along.

The long line reached far across the desert. They were fainting by the way when suddenly everyone was cheered by the good news. The leader of the first company had found the springs of water. He stood at the head of his men, shouting until the farthest man had heard his cry: “Water! Water!” The word went from man to man, until the whole company heard the sound, quickened their pace, and soon were drinking to their hearts’ content! ¹

We live in a dry and desolate place, a world where souls are desperately in need of the Water of life. Since we as believers have found that living water in Christ, we have an obligation to share it with those who are dying of spiritual thirst. The cry should be ringing out from our lips, “Water! Water!” The invitation Isaiah recorded should be sounded everywhere, “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters” (Isaiah 55:1). To do so is more than a solemn responsibility—it is an absolute necessity.

¹ J. Wilbur Chapman, And Peter (New York: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1895), 84.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, ESV © 2016 by Crossway Bibles.
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