Sharing All Things
The sermon encourages believers to share their possessions with others and have a sense of ownership, just like the early church in Acts 4:32.
Watchman Nee emphasizes the transformative power of eternal life on our relationship with possessions, illustrating how the early Christians shared everything in common as a natural response to their faith. He shares a personal anecdote about his habit of buying in bulk to ensure he prioritizes sharing with others, demonstrating a practical approach to holding material goods for God's purposes. This attitude reflects a deeper understanding of stewardship and community among believers, encouraging us to view our possessions as resources for the collective good rather than personal ownership.
Text
"And not one of them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common." Acts 4:32
Once these men had gained eternal life, their possessions began to lose their grip on them, and in quite a natural way they disposed of their properties. Applying this to us who come to follow the Lord today, should it not be quite natural to us that our many possessions are placed at his disposal?
From my own personal life may I tell you something which may make you laugh. For nearly twenty years I have had the habit of purchasing a half dozen or so of anything I buy for myself. For example, if I buy a safety razor blade. I purchase a dozen of them, to avoid buying for my own self alone. Of course I cannot give a razor blade to each of a thousand or more brethren, but if I give to other brothers before I use my own, it saves me from feeling in a wrong way that the razor belongs exclusively to me. This has proved to be one small way of holding my material possessions for God.
Sermon Outline
- The Example of the Early Church
- Applying this to our lives today
- Personal example of sharing possessions
- Our possessions should be at God's disposal
- Sharing with others is a natural response
- Buying in bulk to share with others
- Avoiding a sense of ownership
Key Quotes
“And not one of them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.” — Watchman Nee
“Applying this to us who come to follow the Lord today, should it not be quite natural to us that our many possessions are placed at his disposal?” — Watchman Nee
Application Points
- Consider how you can use your possessions to bless others.
- Be mindful of your thoughts and attitudes towards your possessions.
- Start small by sharing something as simple as a cup of coffee with a friend.