Meeting Human Problems With The Divine Plan - 1

The church began on the day of Pentecost following the Lord’s ascension in AD 30.

It’s origin was according to the Divine Plan (cf. Eph. 3:10-11).

Ephesians 3:10–11 NKJV

10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,

The prediction, promise, and fulfillment of the church was perfect - flawless - in every regard!

However, the church is composed of individual fallible human-beings (cf. 1 Cor. 1:10).

1 Corinthians 1:10 NKJV

10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

When these human problems arise, we must turn to the Divine Plan to meet them!

Neglect of the Needy (Acts 6:1-7)

Acts 6:1–7 NKJV

1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. 7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

The human problem (Acts 6:1).

Acts 6:1 NKJV

1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

The Apostle’s plan to address the need (Acts 6:2-5).

Acts 6:2–5 NKJV

2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,

We face the same problems today!

Sometimes we overlook the needs of others because we just assume they are being met by others.

Sometimes the neglected needs never get addressed because people spend all their time trying to come up with teh perfect plan and then arguing over which one is best.

We must turn to the Divine Plan and follow it faithfully.

Selfishness (Acts 5:1-11)

Every congregation faces this problem!

When people put their own self interests before the church, problems follow!

We have the most immediate and permanent resolution presented to this problem.

The lesson for us: when people put themselves before the church they must be removed (cf. Rom. 16:17f; 1 Cor. 5).

Romans 16:17f NKJV

17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

Persecution (Acts 7, 8 , 12)

Peter and John were imprisoned (Acts 4, 5).

Stephen was stones (Acts 7).

The brethren were scattered (Acts 8:1-4).

James killed and Peter arrested (Acts 12).

The persecutions of Paul (2 Cor. 11:22-29).

2 Corinthians 11:22–29 NKJV

22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. 24 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?

The Divine Plan in the face of persecutions:

Rejoice (Matt. 5:10-12; 16:25; Phil. 4:4).

Matthew 5:10–12 NKJV

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 16:25 NKJV

25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

Philippians 4:4 NKJV

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Pray (Acts 4:23-31; 12:12).

Acts 12:12 NKJV

12 So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying.

Return good for evil (Rom. 12:14, 18-20).

Romans 12:14 NKJV

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Romans 12:18–20 NKJV

18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

It is better to suffer for doing good (1 Pet. 3:14-17).

1 Peter 3:14–17 NKJV

14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.