The Way of Devotion - Pt 2
Recap
What is The Way?
In the book of Acts, the earliest followers of Jesus referred to their movement as “The Way.”
Christian literally means “belonging to Christ”
Likely coined by outsiders to describe this peculiar group devoted to a crucified Messiah.
Summary:
“Christian” – today it’s broad, not very defined
“The Way” – specific and an internal, relational, lifestyle-based label used by early believers.
Weeks One and Two
The Way of Community
One anothers
The Way of Devotion Part 1
What does it mean to be devoted?
To be devoted means to persist with unwavering, Spirit-empowered commitment to Christ and His purposes, expressed through continual prayer, learning, fellowship, service, and obedience in every aspect of life.
And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. - Acts 2:42
The Apostle’s Teaching
What This Was
Believers would gather both in the temple courts for larger group teaching (Acts 2:46) and in homes for more personal, intimate instruction and discussion (Acts 5:42).
This devotion wasn’t limited to a weekly event like a Sunday service—it was ongoing, communal, and deeply integrated into their relationships.
Their devotion was marked not only by frequency, but by submission, hunger, and shared obedience to the truth
Worldview Clash
Greco-Roman philosophy and paganism clashed with the Gospel; Jewish religious leaders opposed the Gospel of grace; False messiahs and deceptive movements were already circulating
36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. - Acts 4:36-42
Following The Way Today
We must be careful who we are following
Reflection Questions
In what way today are you following the teachings of Jesus?
Are you in need of getting back to the Bible rather than preachers and YouTube ministers?
How would this help you practice The Way?
For all of Pastor Ryan’s teaching notes, click here.