Following your call in the Body of Christ

Introduction

Acts 6:1–7 (CSB)

1 In those days, as the disciples were increasing in number, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. 2 The Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching the word of God to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the whole company. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a convert from Antioch. 6 They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

7 So the word of God spread, the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly in number, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.

Pray

The church is Growing in mighty ways despite the persecution that the apostles were undergoing. They never stopped preaching the word of God. But now as the church is growing and the church had all things in common as it is said earlier in the passages. They start to run into trouble as the realistic governing of the church comes into action, Growing pains

The problem was that the Hellenists (Greek Speaking Jews) were being over looked by the Hebrews (Aramaic Speaking Jews). They are all Jews but two different sects of Jews. Greek speaking Jews of the Diaspora who had settled in Jerusalem among the native-born Aramaic speaking populace. As well as some outsiders who have joined the Jewish religion as God has seen it fit to bring unto himself. The widows of the Greek sect were not getting their daily cut And they were believers in Jesus as the Christ or Messiah.

And this was a large problem In that particular society at that time Women couldn’t own property therefore didn’t have crops and like in the book of Ruth. Had to gleam from others property. SO the church took care of the widows. That couldn’t take care of themselves And rightfully so. But now they were being neglected.

They apostles realize this is a problem and also realize that they cannot do this on their own

If they were to realize the needs of all the church they would have to quit their God given calling to speak the truth of Jesus Christ. They would have to neglect their purpose. Which is not according to God’s plan.

No matter how good the program is. If God has given you a calling and a gift and that program doesn’t match up with it Turn it over to someone whose it does And you do what your calling and gifts are. It’s Not that serving tables is Bad It’s that it doesn’t match with their calling.

And that is exactly what they do

They choose seven men full of the spirit and wisdom from out of the congregation. This may mean that these seven were part of the Hellenists May not

These seven were to do the work that The disciples could not. These seven were to take over this distribution to the Hellenists. In order that the apostles could focus on their God given Call. That is Prayer and the ministry of the word.

When we hear this passage we should remember Moses as we read. He too had to delegate up his responsibilities so he could focus on his God given calling and purpose according to his gifts. This is a very Godly plan.

1 Corinthians 9:22 CSB

22 To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.

Be all things to all people Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:22

But that doesn’t mean you can do it all your own nor should you do what you haven’t been called to do. Instead focus on what God’s Gifted you and Called you so that you may be all things to all people so that some might be saved.

This list of men will introduce us to some major players in the church later on, Especially Stephen who will be the first martyr for the new faith. And with this action the needs of the people were met and the community continued to grow Because when people are doing what they are called to do.

Working as one body then the Body grows. That is the healthy way of life.

Now we too have this incredible charge on our lives. To do what God has called us to do. We cannot do things justice if we are just doing it because it is a program or are not doing it because there is no program. You all have gifts and it is unique and tailored just for you. That fall under larger categories of gifts.

Romans 12:6–8 (CSB)

6 According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the proportion of one’s faith; 7 if service, use it in service; if teaching, in teaching; 8 if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.

Like Prophecy, teaching, Exhortation (encouragement), giving, leaning, mercy

Do you know your gift?

I like Romans 12 to look at being your primary motivational gift that gift that drives you.

I do this because the word gift here same as

1 Corinthians 12:4–6 (CSB)

4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person.

Gifts same as Romans 12 - (Charismata) (Gift) - Motivational

Other listings in the scriptures

Ephesians 4, 1Corinthians 12:28 - Diakonion (service) - Ministry

1 Corinthians 12:8-11 - (Energamaton) -“Workings, activities” - Manifestation

Romans 12:6–8 LEB

6 but having different gifts according to the grace given to us: if it is prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if it is service, by service; if it is one who teaches, by teaching; 8 if it is one who exhorts, by exhortation; one who gives, with sincerity; one who leads, with diligence; one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

That which drives us.

A good way to start testing the waters as to what my gift is to ask, What am I good at?

We are all good at something don’t listen to that lie that you are not. There may be people better. There are people that are worse. Like administration for me, As were teaching I am good at Not the best but good.

And What do I enjoy doing? Start there God puts and enjoyment in us to do what he has called us to do

Discover you gifts I can get you a short test if you would like but those are just ways at getting a glimpse at your calling not the answer. Only god can answer it And will if you ask him.

Next Step: Find your spot

Find you gift and work in that gift. To bring Jesus to the world. Taking care of people Taking care of things. Jump in. Don’t worry about there being no program, Start one. Don’t know how follow your calling it will happen

The Lord has blessed and made us unique and gifted Use them for his glory and his calling in your life

What is not OK. I am to old. I did that. I am good at sitting in this pew. Look at some ways things have bless Kathy Loves to serve she also sews so she sewed currants for the windows

How will you be involved in the ministry of God?

Pray