Faithful Service: Embracing Leadership in God's Kingdom

Devotional

Day 1: The Qualifications of a Servant Leader

A true servant leader in God’s house is marked by a good reputation, being full of the Holy Spirit, and possessing wisdom. These qualities are not just for show, but are essential for anyone entrusted with responsibility in the church. Your reputation before both God and people matters, and your life should reflect integrity and spiritual maturity. When you are called to serve, it is not about seeking recognition or pleasing others, but about understanding the weight of God’s call and being accountable to Him. Let your life be a testimony that you are serving for the right reasons, with a heart that is pure before the Lord. [26:18]

Acts 6:3 (ESV)
"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."

Reflection: If someone were to ask your peers about your character, what would they say? How can you intentionally cultivate a reputation that honors God both in private and public today?

Day 2: The Power of Spiritual Fullness and Wisdom

Being full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom is not just a qualification for leadership, but the pursuit of every believer. The fullness of God’s Spirit empowers you to live above manipulation and to walk in true wisdom, making you effective and resilient in your service. This spiritual pursuit is a daily journey—seeking unity in faith, growing in the knowledge of Christ, and striving for the fullness of His stature. Dependence on God, rather than on human strength, is what sets you apart and enables you to fulfill your calling with excellence and discernment. [29:35]

Ephesians 4:13 (ESV)
"Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

Reflection: In what practical way can you pursue the fullness of the Holy Spirit and wisdom today—perhaps through prayer, study, or a specific act of obedience?

Day 3: The Blessing of Serving Faithfully

Serving faithfully in the role God has given you brings both honor and boldness in the faith. The call to serve is not about titles or positions, but about being tested, found blameless, and holding the mystery of faith with a pure conscience. When you serve well, you obtain a good standing and great confidence in Christ. This is a call to integrity, self-control, and faithfulness in all areas of life, including your family and personal conduct. God rewards those who serve with sincerity and dedication, and your service has eternal significance. [31:46]

1 Timothy 3:8-13 (ESV)
"Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: What area of your life needs to be brought into greater alignment with the standards of faithful service described here? What is one step you can take today to grow in integrity or faithfulness?

Day 4: The Impact of United, Spirit-Led Service

When every member of the church embraces their role and serves with spiritual maturity and unity, the result is explosive growth and a powerful witness to the world. The early church grew and became attractive because both spiritual and practical needs were met, and the community functioned in harmony. This unity cuts off the enemy’s influence and allows God’s work to flourish. Being intentional about your role and working together with others is what makes the church effective and draws people to Christ. [52:09]

Acts 6:7 (ESV)
"And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith."

Reflection: How can you intentionally contribute to unity and growth in your church community this week—whether by meeting a need, encouraging someone, or resolving a conflict?

Day 5: Embracing the Call to Serve

Every believer has a role to play in God’s kingdom, and no one is called to be idle. God equips those He calls, and your willingness to say “Yes, Lord” opens the door to His grace and purpose in your life. Serving is not about seeking greatness or recognition, but about humbly embracing the call to serve others as Jesus taught. When you stand out in your service, you prove to God—not to people—that He did not make a mistake in choosing you. Identify your gifts, seek opportunities to serve, and let your life be marked by the grace and power of God at work through you. [54:43]

Mark 10:43-45 (ESV)
"But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can step out and serve in your church or community this week, using the gifts God has given you?

Sermon Summary

In Acts 6, the early church faced a challenge that required the appointment of new leaders—men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. These qualifications were not arbitrary; they were essential for anyone entrusted with responsibility in God’s house. Leadership in the kingdom is not about personal ambition or being seen, but about being found faithful, mature, and spiritually grounded. The call is to serve with integrity, to be known for a life that reflects Christ both publicly and privately, and to ensure that our motives are pure before God.

The examples of Stephen, Philip, and the other deacons show that those who step up in faith and obedience, even from humble beginnings, can be used by God in extraordinary ways. Stephen, though not an apostle, became the first martyr and saw visions of Christ. Philip, once an administrator, was the first to bring the gospel to Samaria and Africa. Others, like Procorus and Timon, went on to become bishops and missionaries. Their stories remind us that God often uses those who are simply willing to serve, and that greatness in the kingdom is measured by faithfulness, not by title.

The apostles understood the importance of focusing on prayer and the ministry of the word, delegating practical responsibilities to others so that the church could flourish. When every member functions in their God-given role, the result is unity, growth, and a powerful witness to the world. The enemy seeks to sow division and distraction, but when the church operates in harmony—meeting both spiritual and practical needs—it becomes attractive and effective.

Each believer has a unique role to play. No one is called to be idle. The call is to stand out, to embrace the grace and responsibility God has given, and to serve with excellence. When we do this, we not only fulfill our purpose but also contribute to the expansion and health of the body of Christ. Serving is not about recognition or reward, but about loving God and others, and trusting that God will use our obedience for His glory.

Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual leadership requires more than desire; it demands a life marked by good reputation, spiritual fullness, and wisdom. These qualities are not just for public display but must be evident in the eyes of both people and God, ensuring that our influence is rooted in integrity and maturity. Before seeking to lead, examine whether your life reflects these standards, knowing that God’s evaluation is what ultimately matters. [27:31]
2. The stories of Stephen, Philip, and the other deacons reveal that God often elevates those who are willing to serve in obscurity. Their impact was not limited by their titles but was multiplied by their faithfulness and openness to the Spirit’s leading. True greatness in God’s kingdom is found in humble, obedient service, often producing fruit beyond what we can imagine. [34:54]
3. The health and growth of the church depend on every member embracing their role and serving intentionally. When practical and spiritual needs are met by a unified body, the church becomes a powerful witness, and God brings increase. This requires intentionality, unity, and a willingness to work together for the sake of the gospel. [47:35]
4. The enemy’s strategy is to distract and divide, often by overburdening leaders or sowing discontent among members. When leaders are freed to focus on prayer and the word, and others step up to serve, the church becomes resilient and effective. Obedience and responsibility cut off the enemy’s influence and open the door for God’s blessing and growth. [49:44]
5. Serving in God’s house is not about personal gain or recognition, but about responding to God’s call with a willing heart. Each believer is equipped with gifts and opportunities to serve, and no one is meant to be idle. Embrace your calling, stand out in grace, and let your service be an offering to God, trusting that He will use it for His purposes. [54:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[25:56] - Qualifications for Leadership
[27:31] - The Importance of Reputation
[28:54] - Serving with the Right Motives
[29:23] - Pursuing the Fullness of the Spirit
[30:34] - Wisdom and Spiritual Maturity
[32:06] - The Power of Delegation
[33:25] - Evident Qualifications and Peer Recognition
[34:11] - The Impact of the Seven Deacons
[35:20] - Stephen and the Expansion of the Gospel
[36:19] - The Legacy of the Other Deacons
[39:25] - The Call to Obedience and Surrender
[41:22] - Faithfulness Beyond Titles
[45:47] - The Role of Deacons in the Church
[47:35] - Unity, Growth, and the Power of Service
[51:26] - Cutting Off Division and Living in Unity
[54:12] - Embracing Your Role and Standing Out

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 6:1-7 — - 1 Timothy 3:8-13 (qualifications for deacons, referenced in the sermon [30:34])

Observation Questions

According to Acts 6:3, what specific qualities were the early church told to look for when choosing new leaders?
In Acts 6:5-6, who were the seven men chosen, and what process did the apostles use to appoint them?
What does 1 Timothy 3:8-13 say about the character and lifestyle of those who serve as deacons? ([30:34])
What was the result in the church after the apostles delegated responsibilities and the new leaders began to serve? (Acts 6:7, [47:35])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the apostles insisted on leaders being “of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom” instead of just anyone who was willing? ([26:18])
The sermon mentioned that Stephen and Philip, though not apostles, had a huge impact. What does this suggest about how God uses people who are willing to serve, regardless of their title? ([34:54])
The pastor said, “Serving in God’s kingdom is not about eye pleasing. It’s not about being seen.” What are some wrong motives for serving, and why do they matter? ([28:54])
According to the sermon, what happens to the church when everyone embraces their God-given role and serves intentionally? ([47:35])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to examine our reputation both before people and before God. If someone in your community was asked about your character, what do you think they would say? Is there an area you feel God is asking you to grow in? ([27:31])
Are you currently serving in any capacity at church or in your community? If not, what is holding you back? If yes, how can you serve with more intentionality and excellence? ([54:12])
The pastor said, “No one is called to be idle.” What is one practical step you can take this month to discover or embrace your unique role in the body of Christ? ([54:12])
Think about Stephen and Philip, who started with humble tasks but were used by God in powerful ways. Is there a “small” area of service you’ve overlooked or undervalued? How might God want to use you there? ([34:54])
The sermon warned about the enemy’s strategy to distract and divide, especially by overburdening leaders. Are there ways you can help lighten the load for others in your church or small group? ([49:44])
The apostles prioritized prayer and the ministry of the word. How can you support your church leaders so they can focus on these priorities? ([45:13])
Serving is not about recognition or reward, but about loving God and others. Is there a place in your life where you’ve been seeking recognition? How can you shift your focus to serving for God’s glory instead? ([54:12])

Sermon Clips

Do you fit into this? If I called a few people in this church and say give me a report about this person, are they going to say that you are somebody with a good reputation? A good reputation here simply means that not much fault is found in you. [00:27:40]

You see the thing is as a leader you're going to lead people and you're going to lead people with the things your belief system your worldview because somebody comes to you for advice what you should do really is to go into the book of you know the Bible and tell them what God is saying about the situation but majority of the time we give people our own opinions and so is your opinion sound enough are you grown enough to be able to study God's word implement God's word and then help others Do you have a good reputation? [00:27:59]

Do you understand the the the task that God has placed before you? That this is not about eye pleasing. It's not about being seen. It's understanding the call of God and knowing that what I'm doing, it's critical because I'm going to be evaluated by the maker of the universe one day. [00:29:00]

Are you pursuing the spirit of God? Are you pursuing the fullness of God? You know I like the Bible what the Bible says Ephesians is that we all come to unity of the faith and to know the son of God to unity of the faith to the knowledge of the son of God to the fullness of the structure of the measure of God. [00:29:29]

Anyone full with a good reputation, full of the spirit, moves in wisdom, is difficult for the force of darkness to manipulate you. You prove yourself in the things of God. Because your dependency is not on man but on God. [00:30:18]

You are being called into a role position of leadership with huge responsibilities because eventually I'm trusting God that I'm going to take my hands of being wearing 10 hearts and depend on you the ministers of the church to do God's work. [00:32:28]

And so the reason why they chose the seven was because they qualified. They had good reputation, full of the spirit. And you know what's interesting? It was obvious for everybody to see. Do I need to use a touch light to kind of figure out in your soul what I'm saying this morning? Or is it evident for your peers to see that these qualifications are right there? [00:33:19]

But if you study history, these seven went and did tremendous things. The first person to ever to be martyed. The person was actually responsible for the growth of the church was Steven. And it's amazing if you read his story, the he was the first one that told them that I see Jesus standing right God the father. He was just a deacon man. [00:34:05]

Every one of these guys went out and did great things for the kingdom. But it be it began with them being church members. They got saved like everybody else. Nicholas the procelate simply means that he was a Jew. He converted to Judaism and then became a Christian from Antioch. [00:38:07]

But within the congregation, just as you stood up, we just did not come to you and said, "Daniel, take this call. India, take this call. Kesha, take this call." You stood up. These guys stood up. Leadership praise was seen in them. So they were given the opportunity to do what? To serve and that was that began the explosion of the gospel. [00:38:53]

It's interesting when you are chasing something, you never get it until you sit back and say, "Lord, do with me what you want to be done." And it's never about positions, never about recognitions. It's about grace. You're not hearing me. [00:39:37]

The path might be very slippery and very dark, but I trust you, God. How we going to make it tomorrow? I don't know, but I trust you. God searches the heart of man and knows that this is not about you. It's all about him. And when you answer that call, the sky is the limit. [00:40:32]

Ladies and gentlemen, you might not be called pastor today, evangelist today, prophet today or teacher today, but I promise you that if you stay committed to God, good reputation, full of the spirit of wisdom, God will alleviate you to where he wants you to go. [00:41:27]

There are so many times pastors are doing the work out of experience. No, out of anointing or grace. Out of experience. As a doctor, you practice doctor so many times they become second nature to you. Somebody comes a headache paracetamo. You know what I mean? We just they just prescribe medication. [00:43:13]

The reason why you are being confirmed today, invited, graduating from the school today is for you to rise up into the position that the commissioner God has placed you. And the ultimate goal is to be able to stand alone. Deacons were the ones that were responsible for managing the day-to-day affairs of the church, not the apostles. [00:45:33]

When every single person begins to function in the role in the house of God, one thing happens. Explosion of growth. Because it doesn't matter how smart I am, how intelligent I am, I think I am, or what I am. You cannot. God never called one man to be the the center focus or the center person. Never. [00:46:54]

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