Acts 6:1-7 | Focus – Recruiting committed volunteers amongst believers.
In Acts 6:1-2, the disciples were multiplying however there was a dispute about the organisation of distributions amongst the people. The apostles highlighted the fact that they needed to focus on the ministry of the word and not serve tables. ‘Serve tables’ means the work of administrating and distributing care to those in need – ministry of service. The seven men were selected because they had a good reputation, they were full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom – Acts 6:3-4 | Ephesians 5:15-18. It is evident that the work of the ministry will not be productive nor effective without the in-filling power of the Holy Spirit – Acts 1:8.
Service is the path to greatness in Christendom. The ministry of service is an indescribable gift given to Christians by God – 2 Corinthians 9:8-15. It is described as the fruits of righteousness/ministry of righteousness/works of the ministry which supplies the needs to saints and abounds through many thanksgivings to God’ – 2 Corinthians 3:9 | Ephesians 4:12. It glorifies God which is an act of obedience to the call. It demonstrates God’s exceeding grace upon the individuals blessed with this ministry. The prerequisite character traits to fully function in this ministry are listed below:
- They were full of the Holy Spirit – Acts 6:3 | Deuteronomy 1:13 | 1 Timothy 3:7
- They had wisdom – Proverbs 4:7 | Isaiah 11:3 | James 1:5
- They had a good reputation for being devoted to the ministry of saints – 1 Corinthians 16:13-18 | 1 Timothy 3:6
- They seek first the Kingdom of God – 2 Chronicles 12:8 | Matthew 6:33
- They were consistent with the confession of faith – 2 Corinthians 9:13 | James 2:1
- They understood the Will of God – Ephesians 5:15-18
- They took on responsibility and authority – Galatians 6:4-5 | Galatians 6:7 | Hebrews 9:1
These individuals were selected for the ministry of service and were recognised as deacons and elders etc – 1 Timothy 3:8-13 | Titus 1:5-16. They were recognized by the whole Church and were commissioned for this service by the laying of hands of the Apostles. The laying of hands as demonstrated in the New Testament Church is to commission qualified believers for service which is also referred to as “sending forth”- Acts 6:6 | Acts 8:17. The leaders must not be in haste to send people forth.
In conclusion, Stephen and Phillip who were called, experienced signs and wonders in their ministry – Mark 16:20. God backs up His word spoken by every believer who declares God’s word through faith. Through the understanding of God’s word and being filled with the Holy Spirit, they impacted people around their community and the word of God kept growing and spreading, and groups of followers became larger and larger in Jerusalem.
Discussion:
- Why does the ministry of service influence the ministry of the word?
- If we have been given every form of grace so that we have more than enough of everything, why does the Church still lack? – Haggai 1:2-9
- Studying the characteristics of believers who were set apart for the ministry of service, which do you think are the most important attributes? (select 3 and explain).
- Why is it difficult for believers to take on responsibilities in the Church?
- Why are the people who are blessed with this ministry important to God and man? – 2 Corinthians 9:7-15
- Why is the posture of your heart connected to your serving? – 2 Corinthians 9:7 | Proverbs 22:9
- What does it mean to have a bountiful eye?
- Should Leaders lay hands on others? Is there a significance?
Prayer.
