Tag: Acts 6
Keeping focus!
Scripture reading for May 13: Acts 6
“Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the Word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word.” Acts 6:1-4
The early church grew quickly and brought growth pains to the church leadership. There were needs among widows and different nationalities felt that there was favoritism and neglect. To solve the problem, the disciples and other leaders gathered together to find a solution. The head of the ‘Twelve’, most likely Peter, stated that preaching the Word and prayer must have priority from apostolic leadership. The recommendation was to pick from the many disciples seven men of good reputation who were filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom. These men would be assigned to take care of all the widows and report back on the progress.
It is not always easy to keep focus as a disciple of Jesus. Many good works present themselves and compete for our attention. People with needs can be demanding and stir up strife. Compassion for hurting people is the heart of Jesus and we are to minister without partiality. But those in leadership must make wise choices in the use of their time. Prayer is an absolute priority for effective use of time. Ministry of the Word is the calling of pastors, prophets, evangelists, teachers and apostles. Others with the calling to serve should be empowered to use their gifts in these needy areas of ministry.
Have you ever had to wrestle with your calling and the use of your time? What kind of priorities have you set up to keep your focus on the calling you have from the Lord? What place does prayer have in your life on a daily basis? Are you called to minister God’s Word?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your calling to me to preach Your Word and pray. It is comforting to know that there are others in Your family who have different gifts and talent to do compassion ministry and help. Give me the Holy Spirit and wisdom to set godly priorities based on my calling. Amen.
The priority of prayer and preaching!
Scripture reading for May 12th: Acts 6
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Acts 6:2-4, 6 “So the Twelve gathered the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” . . . . “They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.”
The Apostles were facing pressure of time to serve all the people and help with their legitimate needs. They wisely gave instructions to choose seven other men who were qualified to help in the ministry. These men would serve the needs that were pressing and free the Apostles to pray and minister the word of God. Over-comers must give priority to prayer and the ministry of God’s word! Those anointed to preach and teach and lead must spend time with the Lord and His word! Even good works can become sin or a hindrance to the work God has called those in leadership to do.
Observations for over-comers: God hears the prayers of His people and blesses those who spend time in prayer and listening to His word. Don’t let sin or good works hinder your time with God. “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld His love from me.” (Psalm 66:18-20)
Apostles and Deacons
Scripture reading for May 13th: Acts 6
Church growth is wonderful, but it also brings problems that must be worked out. The early church experienced rapid growth from Pentecost onward. There were many preaching the message and as people heard the Good News, they were saved. Many of the new believers had needs and the original apostles soon found themselves overwhelmed with the need to pray and minister God’s word and do the daily work of caring for these needs.
“So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:2-4)
The apostles knew their calling and gifting to pray and preach the word. They understood that others should do some of the ministry of serving. They also realized that this ministry of serving required spiritual maturity and the power of the Holy Spirit. They chose men full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom to take care of the widows who were being neglected. After they chose them, they laid their hands on them and prayed over them to set them in their new ministry position. (Acts 6:6)
Church leadership must choose godly helpers to minister to other in the Name and power of Christ. We must realize that ministry gifting and willingness are not the only qualifications. Those appointed by God to lead must discern those full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom! The result was rapid church growth as each person did their part!