Good morning, Grace Bible Church! Today’s message is titled “Be Bold (Devotion)” — fitting for our Men’s Month series. Pastor Josh opened with a honest observation: all of us understand what it means to be devoted. We devote ourselves to sports teams, hobbies, careers. But the question is — what are we truly devoted to?
A Real Man Removes Distractions
Pastor Josh started with a challenging premise: a real man recognizes the distractions in his life and removes them so he can be fully devoted to Jesus Christ and what God is calling him to do. That’s bold. That’s convicting. And it sets the tone for everything that follows.
Acts 2:42–43 — “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.” Acts 2:42–43
The early church wasn’t half-committed. They were fully devoted — and the result was awe, wonder, and the Lord moving powerfully among them. So what does devotion look like in practice? Pastor Josh walked through four concrete areas.
1. Devoted to God’s Word
First, they were devoted to the apostles’ teaching. That means studying Scripture so we can understand what God wants — not just what feels comfortable or convenient.
Ephesians 5:15–17 — “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15–17
Colossians 1:9–10 — “And so from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work.” Colossians 1:9–10
This is a prayer for wisdom and understanding — so we can live in a way that actually pleases God. That’s devotion in our minds.
2. Devoted to God’s Children
Second, they were devoted to fellowship. When you’re devoted to Jesus, you become devoted to His people — God’s children.
Romans 12:9–13 — “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” Romans 12:9–13
Real devotion shows up in how we love, serve, and care for other believers — especially in the small, unglamorous ways.
3. Devoted with Our Resources
Third, they were devoted to the breaking of bread — a reminder that our physical needs and our resources belong to God. Pastor Josh pointed to 2 Corinthians 9 as a powerful example: God supplies for the needs of His children through His children.
2 Corinthians 9:8–11 — “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work… You will be enriched in everything for all liberality.” 2 Corinthians 9:8–11
When we’re devoted to Christ, we put ourselves in position to be His hands and feet — using our time, money, and abilities to meet the needs of others. Pastor Josh shared a real example from GBC: men in the congregation recently used their skills and resources to extend a wheelchair ramp for a brother in Christ and his wife. That’s devotion in action.
4. Devoted to Prayer
Finally, the early church was devoted to prayer. Not casual, once-a-week prayer — but constant prayer. Prayer is how we stay connected to the Lord, and how we depend on Him rather than ourselves.
So What?
At the end of our lives, what we were devoted to will be evident to everyone. The things we chased, the priorities we set — they’ll be plain for all to see. As Easter approaches, this is a convicting question: Is Jesus Christ truly the thing I’m most devoted to?
Here’s the application: audit your life. What’s getting your time, your attention, your energy? Is it distractions — or is it the Kingdom? A real man removes the distractions so he can be fully devoted to Christ and what God has called him to do.
And here’s the good news going into Easter: next week isn’t about us — it’s about Jesus Christ, the one we are devoted to. He rose again. He is alive. And He invites us to follow Him with our whole hearts.
Invite someone to join you this Easter. They will hear about Jesus.
Scripture References
- Acts 2:42–43
- Ephesians 5:15–17
- Colossians 1:9–10
- Romans 12:9–13
- 2 Corinthians 9:8–11