sf371 - The Role of a Deacon (Acts 61-7)
ACTS 6:1-7
INTRODUCTION
Scriptural Background
Ø The church was growing (2:47)
Ø The church was ministering (3:1-10)
Ø Satan tried to defeat the church (4:1-31)
Ø Satan tried to dilute the church (Acts 5)
Ø Satan tries to divide the church (Acts 6)
Sermon Background
Office of deacon is often
Ø Misunderstood
Ø Misused
Ø Missed
Being a deacon is not...
Ø A honor to be bestowed
Ø A position of authority
Ø A license to rule or rest
Being a deacon is a call to serve.
Ø The Lord
Ø The Local Church
In This Passage Deacons Are Charged With Three Tasks...
1A. Deacons are Responsible for the Protection The Multiplication Process.
1B. Growing Churches Need Deacons
God began by adding
(Acts 2:47 NIV) praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
God then began to multiply (v.1)
"increasing" = multiply
2B Godly Deacons Promote Church Growth (v.7)
Ø Phillip (Acts 8)
2A. Deacons are Responsible for the Correction of Murmuring Members.
1B. Growth Produces Problems
There was a real problem
Ø Neglect
Ø Prejudice
There was a wrong reaction
complained ‑ murmur, grumble
Ø Complaining is a form of disobedience
Philippians 2:14 (NIV) Do everything without complaining or arguing,
Ø When you complain you are really complaining against God
Exodus 16:8 (NIV) Moses also said, "...Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD."
Ø God takes your complaining seriously
1 Corinthians 10:10 (NIV) And do not grumble, as some of them did‑‑and were killed by the destroying angel.
2B. Deacons are to Promote Peace
3A. Deacons are Responsible for the Direction of Ministering Programs.
1B. The Ministry of the Word (vv. 2,4)
This is the pastor's primary task
Ø Hungry sheep seek other pastures
2B. The Ministry to the Widows
Notice their qualifications (v.3)
Ø Good men ‑ impeccable character
Ø Godly men ‑ filled with the Holy Spirit
Ø Gifted men ‑ filled with wisdom (knowledge that works)
Notice the assignment
Ø Benevolent ministry ‑ wait on tables
Ø Witnessing ministry ‑ Stephen
Ø Preaching/teaching ministry ‑ Phillip
APPLICATION
Godly deacons are a blessing to the Church
It there is any reason you cannot fulfill your role the right thing, the honorable thing to do would be to decline service.
THE ROLE OF A DEACON
September 27, 1998 - Acts 6:1-7
1A. Deacons are Responsible for the _____________________ Multiplication Process.
1B. Growing Churches __________ Deacons
God began by _________________
(Acts 2:47 NIV) praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
God then began to _____________ (v.1)
"increasing" = multiply
2B Godly Deacons ___________ Church Growth (v.7)
2A. Deacons are Responsible for the _____________________ of Murmuring Members.
1B. Growth Produces _______________
There was a ______________ problem
There was a ______________ reaction
Ø Complaining is a form of ___________________
Philippians 2:14 (NIV) Do everything without complaining or arguing,
Ø When you complain you are really complaining against _________________
Exodus 16:8 (NIV) Moses also said, "...Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD."
Ø God takes your complaining seriously
1 Corinthians 10:10 (NIV) And do not grumble, as some of them did‑‑and were killed by the destroying angel.
2B. Deacons are to _______________ Peace
3A. Deacons are Responsible for the ____________________ of Ministering Programs.
1B. The Ministry of the ______________ (vv. 2,4)
This is the ______________ primary task
2B. The Ministry to the ________________
Notice their qualifications (v.3)
Ø __________ men ‑ impeccable character
Ø ___________ men ‑ filled with the Holy Spirit
Ø ___________ men ‑ filled with wisdom (knowledge that works)
Notice the ______________________
Ø _______________ ministry ‑ wait on tables
Ø ________________ ministry ‑ Stephen
Ø __________/___________ ministry ‑ Phillip