Expect multiplication
Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. Acts 9:31
I’ve been in some church services where there was a lot of talk about revival. People hoping and praying for God to send people in to grow the body of believers. They were praying for growth and the energy level of God’s people to increase and there be a newfound strength in all believer’s faith walk. Some churches hold revival meetings or weeks of increase services in hopes that their congregation would be multiplied. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with these things. Certainly, seeing people come to the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus and growing in His grace are good things, but holding additional meetings and services are not a guarantee that will be the results.
The real key to revival and increase is found in the scripture passage today. In verse 31 of Acts 9, there are four things that God’s people did to multiply the kingdom of heaven in the first church. They are:
- Have peace
- Be edified – built up and encouraged
- Walk in the fear of the Lord
- Walk in the comfort of the Holy Spirit
As the New Testament church did these 4 things, they were multiplied in numbers. We can see the same results today as we live within these parameters.
Let’s take a look at each one of these in a practical way to help identify if we are living life by these principles. First, have peace! There are a couple of ways that you can discern if you are living in God’s peace. Colossians 3:15 says: And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. God’s peace will be at work in your life when you know your calling to be in agreement with the body of Christ and have a thankful heart. Isaiah 26:3 says: You will have perfect peace as you keep your mind focused on God and and His plan for your life. God’s perfect peace is found in maintaining your focus and priorities on Him.
Next, edify and encourage one another. The way to do this is to speak life and encouraging words to all the people around you. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says: Encourage each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. And then we are told in Jude 1:20 that praying in the Spirit builds up our most holy faith.
Walking in the fear of the Lord should also be a part of our faith life. Not being afraid of God in your relationship with Him as your heavenly Father, but in reverence and awe of His power and the knowledge of all He has done for you in your life. Most of all saving you from sin. Proverbs 9:10 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If we don’t allow our Father in heaven to have first place in our life we will not be able to make our life choices from a place of His wisdom. The fear of the Lord is evident by the priority we give Him over all things. The fear of the Lord is being afraid to live life without His love and direction.
Lastly, yield to the comfort and help of the God’s Spirit that lives inside each one of us. The practical way to do this is to submit every thought and feeling to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to speak life and comfort into every situation we face. Jesus told His disciples in John 14:16 that He was sending them a Comforter to live with them forever. He wanted them to turn to the Spirit of God for comfort and wisdom in whatever came against them.
Today I want to encourage you to expect multiplication in the body of Christ, but not by going to extra services or special meeting. Start doing your part of revival by walking out the example of the first church and getting the same results. Live your life in the peace of God which passes all understanding by keeping your mind fixed on God and His word. Edify and encourage all those around you each day and build each other up. Look for ways to bring life and peace into every situation each day. Walk in the fear of the Lord by giving Him priority of your day and every aspect of it and surrender your entire life to the comfort and direction of the Holy Spirit by submitting all to Him. You will begin to see a change in the world around you and His Church will then be multiplied.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 9:26-31
26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple.
27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out.
29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him.
30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.
31 Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
The Daily Dose 