Servant Leaders – Empowered by Christ to Meet Needs Acts 6

Isaiah 45:5–6 “I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God but me. I will strengthen you, though you do not know me, so that all may know from the rising of the sun to its setting that there is no one but me. I am the Lord, and there is no other.”

Introduction

Hook: Share a story of a church balancing a practical ministry (e.g., a soup kitchen) with Gospel proclamation, highlighting the challenge of meeting needs while staying mission-focused.

Context: Acts 6 captures a critical moment in the early church, where rapid growth leads to complaints about neglected widows, prompting the apostles to appoint deacons to serve while prioritizing preaching.

Text: Acts 6:1–15, focusing on the appointment of deacons and Stephen’s emergence as a servant leader.

Big Idea: The church thrives when every member engages in servant leadership, reflecting Christ’s love and care.

I. Prioritize Prayer and Preaching (Acts 6:1–4)

Exegesis:

Context: Post-Pentecost growth brings diversity (Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews) and logistical challenges. The neglect of Hellenistic widows threatens church unity and the Gospel’s witness.

Apostles’ Response: The apostles prioritize their calling to prayer and preaching (Acts 2:42), delegating practical service (“serve tables”) to ensure both spiritual and physical needs are met.

Theological Insight: Delegation reflects Christ’s servant leadership (John 13:14–15), equipping others to serve while keeping the Gospel central.

Tozer Quote: “The Church is not a religious institution but a living body, and her leaders must be men of prayer and the Word.” – A.W. Tozer

Teaching: Leaders must protect time for prayer and preaching, delegating practical tasks to ensure the church’s mission thrives.

Application: Churches should structure roles to prioritize spiritual oversight, empowering capable servants to meet practical needs, ensuring both are done with excellence.

II. Appoint Spirit-Led Servants (Acts 6:5–7)

Exegesis

Selection Process: The congregation selects seven men with Greek names, addressing the Hellenistic widows’ needs and promoting unity. Qualifications (good repute, Spirit-filled, wise) highlight godly character.

Commissioning: The laying on of hands signifies empowerment for service, marking these men as the first “deacons.”

Result: Effective organization leads to Gospel growth and conversions, even among priests, showing the power of unified service.

Theological Insight: Every believer, empowered by the Holy Spirit, has a role in ministry, reflecting Christ’s call for unity and service (John 17:21).

Moody Quote: “God has no better way to show His power than through the lives of His consecrated servants.” – D.L. Moody

Teaching: Appointing Spirit-filled servants with diverse gifts strengthens the church’s ability to meet needs and spread the Gospel.

Application: Identify and empower Spirit-led individuals to serve, ensuring diversity in leadership to address community needs and enhance Gospel impact.

III. Perform Mighty Works Humbly (Acts 6:8–10)

 Exegesis:

 Stephen’s Ministry: Stephen, a deacon, performs miracles and preaches with Spiritempowered wisdom, showing that service roles can lead to bold Gospel witness.

 Opposition: The “Synagogue of the Freedmen” disputes Stephen, but his wisdom prevails, demonstrating God’s power in humble service.

 Theological Insight: No act of service is too small when done for God’s glory, as it can lead to mighty works (1 Cor. 12:4–11).

 Tozer Quote: “True service is not a means to an end; it is the overflow of a life filled with the Spirit of God.” – A.W. Tozer

 Teaching: Humble service, empowered by the Spirit, can lead to powerful Gospel witness, as seen in Stephen’s life.

 Application: Encourage believers to serve humbly in any role, trusting God to use their efforts for mighty works, whether through practical tasks or bold proclamation.

IV. Persevere with ChristLike Grace (Acts 6:11–15)

Exegesis:

Persecution: False accusations of blasphemy mirror Jesus’ trial (Matt. 26:59–61), portraying Stephen as a Christlike figure. His radiant face suggests divine empowerment for his testimony (Acts 7).

 Steadfastness: Stephen’s grace under pressure shows God’s strength in adversity, preparing him for martyrdom.

 Theological Insight: Faithful service and proclamation may lead to opposition, but God equips believers to persevere with Christlike grace (2 Cor. 12:9).

 Moody Quote: “A man ought to live so that everybody knows he is a Christian… and most of all, his family ought to know.” – D.L. Moody

 Teaching: Believers must remain steadfast in service and truth, reflecting Christ’s sacrificial love even in trials.

 Application: Challenge the congregation to show grace under pressure, trusting God’s strength to uphold them in service and witness.

Conclusion

Summary: Acts 6 shows the early church organizing servant leaders to meet needs while prioritizing the Gospel, with Stephen exemplifying Christ’s servant heart through humble service and bold witness. Moody and Tozer remind us that true greatness lies in serving others and living a Spiritfilled life.

 Big Idea Restated: The church thrives when every member engages in servant leadership, collectively reflecting Christ’s love and care to a world in need.

 Challenge: Embrace your role as a servant leader, whether through practical service or Gospel proclamation, and equip others to do the same.

 Closing Prayer: Pray for wisdom to organize the church, for Spiritfilled servants to rise up, and for courage to reflect Christ’s love in service and witness.