Untitled Sermon (12)

1. A problem in the church.

Acts 6:1–2 ESV

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.

Nehemiah would soon discover that his biggest problem was not the enemy on the outside but the compromisers on the inside, a problem the church still faces today.

Warren W. Wiersbe

2. A solution for the problem in the church.

Acts 6:3–6 ESV

Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

The fourth distinctive of the Christian leader is godly character. Howard Hendricks observes, “The greatest crisis in the world today is a crisis of leadership, and the greatest crisis of leadership is a crisis of character.

Aubrey M. Malphurs

3. A result of the solution in the church.

Acts 6:7 ESV

And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

The gospel produces fruit both in the internal transformation of individuals, and also in the external growth of the church.

John F. MacArthur

If you find yourself too busy to connect with God, it’s time to reassess your schedule. Take control by designating a 'Sabbath Saturday' once a month where you unplug from technology, work, and distractions. Use this time for personal reflection, prayer, and reading the Bible. Perhaps take a short retreat or find a quiet place in nature to reconnect with God. Creating regular, undistracted time for God will rejuvenate your spirit and enable you to grow deeper in your faith.

Consider…

1. Why did the apostles believe it was not right for them to serve tables rather than preach?

2. What qualities were the seven men to possess according to Acts 6:3?

3. What was the result of the apostles' decision to appoint the seven men in Acts 6:7?