The Way of Devotion

Written By Ryan Lovett

Recap

What is The Way?

In the book of Acts, the earliest followers of Jesus referred to their movement as “The Way.”

1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. - Acts 9:1-2

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. - John 14:6

  • The Way emphasized a way of life, not just a set of beliefs.

    • It is a path of discipleship, obedience, and transformation rooted in following Jesus.

“Christians” vs “The Way”

and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. - Acts 11:26

  • Christian literally means “belonging to Christ”

    • Likely coined by outsiders to describe this peculiar group devoted to a crucified Messiah.

  • Church Fathers like Ignatius (early 2nd century), Justin Martyr, and Tertullian embraced and used the term “Christian” in apologetic writings.

Summary:

  • “The Way” – internal, relational, lifestyle-based label used by early believers.

  • “Christian” – external term that became accepted as the faith spread and faced opposition.

The Way of Devotion

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. - Acts 2:42

Our Lack of Devotion Today

  • If someone is serious about following the way of Christ, they must care about this kind of devotion because it is the backbone of genuine discipleship

  • Today, devotion has been replaced by convenience. 

  • Biblical devotion is different

  • Following Jesus demands that kind of devotion because He modeled it perfectly, and it’s the only way we are formed into His likeness. 

In a world allergic to commitment, true devotion is both our resistance and our witness.

Defining Devoted

  • 10 words that accurately describe devotion:

    • Persistent – ongoing and unrelenting

    • Intentional – marked by conscious choice and purpose

    • Faithful – loyal and consistent over time

    • Vigilant – spiritually alert and watchful

    • Habitual – regular and structured, not sporadic

    • Steadfast – firm and unwavering, especially under pressure

    • Sacrificial – willing to give time, energy, and self

    • Obedient – submitted to God’s commands and purposes

    • Communal – expressed in shared life with others

    • Empowered – enabled by the Holy Spirit, not self-driven

  • 5 Reasons We Lack Devotion Today

    • Comfort and Convenience – The desire for ease often overrides the willingness to sacrifice or persevere.

    • Distraction and Busyness – Overloaded schedules and constant digital noise crowd out time with God and others.

    • Self-Centeredness – A mindset focused on personal fulfillment rather than surrender to Christ and community.

    • Impatience – The inability to wait, endure, or persist causes people to abandon what doesn’t yield quick results.

    • Spiritual Apathy – A cold heart or dry season can make spiritual discipline feel lifeless and unmotivating.

The Cure for Lack of Devotion

  • This word devoted appears ten times within the New Testament

    • Each instance describes a conscious, sustained commitment. 

    • The verb underscores a deliberate adherence to a person, practice, or calling. 

      • Meaning, the word devoted points to an object

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. - Acts 2:42

  • Mark 3:9 pictures the disciples ensuring a boat was “ready for Him at all times,”

  • Devoted is mentioned 6 times in Acts and then continues in the letters to the church

    • This shows us that what began as the pattern of the apostles is commanded as the normal posture of every church.

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. - Colossians 4:2

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. - Romans 12:12

Where Does Your Devotion Lie?

Questions for Reflection

  • Does our life match this?

  • Why is it important?

  • If it doesn’t match, how can we reorient our lives back to The Way?

For all of Pastor Ryan’s teaching notes, click here.

Ryan Lovett
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The Way of Community