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?
The Fellowship
What This Was
They didn’t just meet occasionally. They were devoted to being together.
Believers saw themselves not just as individuals but as a spiritual family deeply committed to one another.
This devotion meant sharing time, possessions, burdens, and joy.
Worldview Clash
Contrast to Today’s Isolation and Independence
Modern culture often idolizes independence and busyness, leading to loneliness, even in the church.
The early church’s daily, sacrificial commitment to one another challenges us to move beyond Sunday-only relationships into deeper, transformative community.
Following The Way Today
Spiritual Family in a Hostile World
In a culture where following Jesus often led to rejection, loss of status, or persecution, fellowship offered believers a new spiritual family.
This loyalty to one another became a source of emotional and spiritual protection.
Shared Resources in Times of Need
Economic hardship meant many believers lost jobs or homes, but fellowship meant shared resources and believers pooled what they had to meet each other's needs
32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 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 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. - Acts 4:32-37
Reflection Questions
Do you find yourself devoted to personal gain and ambitions or devoted to others?
How would this help you practice The Way?
The Breaking of Bread
What This Was
In the book of Acts, the phrase “the breaking of bread” refers not just to shared meals, but specifically to the practice of Communion.
Participating in the breaking of bread kept the early believers centered on Christ’s work and unified in identity and mission.
It was intimate, not institutional.
On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. - Acts 20:7
Worldview Clash
Countercultural Commitment
Roman Catholicism institutionalized and restricted the practice.
Evangelical churches often underemphasize it due to fear of ritualism.
Communion is often seen as symbolic only and relegated to a once-a-month or quarterly event, which unintentionally diminishes its spiritual weight and community-forming power.
Following The Way Today
When practiced regularly and meaningfully, the breaking of bread helps anchor a church in the Gospel and combat cultural individualism.
Reflection Question
Is it personal to you?
Not just in meaning, but devotion - Do you practice communion outside of church gatherings?
How would this help you practice The Way?
The Prayers
What This Was
In the early church, prayer was not an afterthought, it was the engine of spiritual power and unity.
Reminded them of their dependence on God.
It fostered unity and expectation, opening the door for the Holy Spirit to act in miraculous ways.
The believers sought God’s will together for healing, boldness, and direction.
23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit,
“‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’—
27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.- Acts 4:23-31
Following The Way Today
It reflected a continuation of Jewish prayer practices.
First-century Jewish believers didn’t abandon their heritage, they saw Jesus as the fulfillment of it.
“The prayers” referred to fixed hours of prayer (e.g., morning, noon, evening) (Acts 3:1)
Though rooted in Jewish practice, “the prayers” were now reoriented around Jesus
Reflection Question
What does prayer mean to you?
Do you pray every single day?
Is it religious to you or do you feel like it’s relationship with God?
How would this help you practice The Way?
For all of Pastor Ryan’s teaching notes, click here.