Steadfast Obedience: Embracing Servitude in the Church
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we gathered to delve into Acts chapter 6, focusing on the theme of steadfast obedience and the call to serve within the church. The book of Acts narrates the story of ordinary people empowered by the Spirit of God, captivated by the Son of God, and equipped with the Word of God, commissioned on the unstoppable mission of God. The early church faced external pressures, internal corruption, and potential division, yet it continued to grow because of the unhindered ministry of the Word. The apostles, recognizing their primary calling to preach, saw the need to delegate responsibilities to maintain the unity and growth of the church.
In Acts 6, the church in Jerusalem faced a practical problem: the Hellenist widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. The apostles, understanding the spiritual implications of this issue, proposed a solution that involved appointing seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to oversee this task. This decision allowed the apostles to focus on prayer and preaching while ensuring the needs of the congregation were met. This model of shared leadership and servitude is foundational for the church's growth, both numerically and spiritually.
The essence of servitude, as modeled by Jesus Christ, is not about oppression but about joyful obedience. Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve, exemplified this through His life, death, and resurrection. As followers of Christ, we are called to adopt this mindset of servitude, putting others before ourselves and serving with steadfast obedience. This attitude is crucial for maintaining unity within the church and extending the ministry of the Word to those outside the church.
In conclusion, whether you are a regular attender, a partner, a ministry leader, or a first-time visitor, the call is the same: commit to steadfast obedience by having the mind of Christ while serving the ministry of Christ. This commitment is essential for the church to fulfill its mission of engaging, embracing, equipping, and empowering people for God's glory.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Unstoppable Mission of God: The book of Acts demonstrates that the mission of God is unstoppable, driven by ordinary people empowered by the Spirit and captivated by the Son. This mission continues today, evidenced by our gathering and the ongoing spread of the gospel. We are part of this divine narrative, called to participate actively in God's redemptive plan. [03:17]
2. The Importance of Shared Leadership: The apostles recognized the need to delegate responsibilities to maintain the church's unity and growth. By appointing seven men to oversee the daily distribution, they ensured that the ministry of the Word remained unhindered. This model of shared leadership is essential for the church's health and effectiveness. [22:07]
3. Servitude as Joyful Obedience: Jesus Christ exemplified servitude through His life, death, and resurrection. Serving is not about oppression but about joyful obedience to God. As followers of Christ, we are called to adopt this mindset, putting others before ourselves and serving with steadfast obedience. [39:39]
4. The Role of the Church in Meeting Needs: The early church's response to the needs of the Hellenist widows highlights the importance of addressing practical issues within the congregation. By doing so, the church not only maintains unity but also sets a foundation for effective ministry both inside and outside the church. [31:38]
5. Commitment to Steadfast Obedience: Whether you are a regular attender, a partner, a ministry leader, or a first-time visitor, the call is to commit to steadfast obedience. This involves having the mind of Christ while serving the ministry of Christ, ensuring that the church fulfills its mission of engaging, embracing, equipping, and empowering people for God's glory. [47:45]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:26] - Introduction to Acts
[02:28] - The Commission of the Apostles
[03:17] - The Unstoppable Mission of God
[04:47] - Persecution and Growth
[06:06] - God's Sovereignty Over Enemy's Schemes
[07:16] - The Growth of the Early Church
[09:04] - Numerical and Spiritual Growth
[11:14] - The Problem of Neglected Widows
[14:06] - Practical vs. Spiritual Problems
[16:10] - The Apostles' Solution
[18:16] - The Priority of Preaching
[20:08] - Protecting Unity in the Church
[22:07] - Appointing Seven Men to Serve
[25:01] - The Outcome of Shared Leadership
[31:38] - The Role of the Church in Meeting Needs
[39:39] - Servitude as Joyful Obedience
[47:45] - Commitment to Steadfast Obedience
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Acts 6:1-7
- Mark 10:43-45
- Philippians 2:1-8
#### Observation Questions
1. What problem did the early church in Jerusalem face according to Acts 6:1? How did the apostles respond to this issue? [11:14]
2. What qualifications were required for the seven men chosen to serve in Acts 6:3? Why were these qualifications important? [22:07]
3. How did Jesus describe the concept of servitude in Mark 10:43-45? What does this reveal about His approach to leadership?
4. According to Philippians 2:1-8, what mindset should believers have, and how is this mindset exemplified by Jesus?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did the apostles prioritize preaching the Word over serving tables, and what does this decision reveal about their understanding of their primary calling? [17:41]
2. How does the appointment of the seven men in Acts 6:3-6 demonstrate the importance of shared leadership within the church? What benefits can shared leadership bring to a church community? [22:07]
3. In what ways does Jesus' teaching in Mark 10:43-45 challenge the world's view of greatness and leadership? How can this teaching be applied in a church setting?
4. How does Philippians 2:1-8 describe the attitude of Christ, and why is this attitude essential for maintaining unity and effective ministry within the church?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the apostles' decision to delegate responsibilities in Acts 6, how can you identify areas in your church where shared leadership might be beneficial? Are there specific tasks or ministries where you could step up to serve? [22:07]
2. Jesus taught that true greatness comes from being a servant to all (Mark 10:43-45). How can you adopt a servant's mindset in your daily life? Are there specific actions you can take this week to serve others joyfully?
3. Philippians 2:1-8 calls believers to have the same mindset as Christ, considering others more significant than themselves. Can you think of a recent situation where you struggled to put others first? How can you approach similar situations differently in the future?
4. The early church faced internal challenges that threatened its unity (Acts 6:1). How can you contribute to maintaining unity within your church community? Are there specific steps you can take to address any existing divisions or conflicts?
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of steadfast obedience and joyful servitude. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate steadfast obedience in your service to the church and community? [47:45]
6. How can you encourage others in your church to embrace a mindset of servitude and shared leadership? Are there specific individuals you can mentor or support in their journey of faith and service?
7. Reflect on the role of the church in meeting the needs of its members and the broader community. How can you be more proactive in identifying and addressing practical needs within your church and neighborhood? [31:38]
Devotional
### Day 1: The Unstoppable Mission of God
Description: The book of Acts illustrates the unstoppable mission of God, driven by ordinary people empowered by the Holy Spirit and captivated by Jesus Christ. This mission is not confined to the early church but continues today, as evidenced by our gatherings and the ongoing spread of the gospel. We are part of this divine narrative, called to actively participate in God's redemptive plan. The early church faced numerous challenges, including external pressures and internal conflicts, yet it continued to grow because of the unhindered ministry of the Word. This growth was a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit working through ordinary believers. [03:17]
Bible Passage: "But the word of God increased and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark." (Acts 12:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's redemptive plan today? Think of one specific way you can share the gospel or serve others in your community this week.
### Day 2: The Importance of Shared Leadership
Description: The apostles recognized the need to delegate responsibilities to maintain the church's unity and growth. In Acts 6, they appointed seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to oversee the daily distribution of food to the Hellenist widows. This decision allowed the apostles to focus on prayer and preaching while ensuring the needs of the congregation were met. This model of shared leadership is essential for the church's health and effectiveness. By distributing responsibilities, the church can address practical needs without compromising its spiritual mission. [22:07]
Bible Passage: "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a responsibility or task you can delegate to someone else in your church or community to better focus on your primary calling? How can you empower others to serve effectively?
### Day 3: Servitude as Joyful Obedience
Description: Jesus Christ exemplified servitude through His life, death, and resurrection. Serving is not about oppression but about joyful obedience to God. As followers of Christ, we are called to adopt this mindset, putting others before ourselves and serving with steadfast obedience. This attitude is crucial for maintaining unity within the church and extending the ministry of the Word to those outside the church. Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve, demonstrated that true greatness is found in humble service. [39:39]
Bible Passage: "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can serve someone in your life today with a joyful heart. How can you embody the servitude of Christ in your daily interactions?
### Day 4: The Role of the Church in Meeting Needs
Description: The early church's response to the needs of the Hellenist widows highlights the importance of addressing practical issues within the congregation. By doing so, the church not only maintains unity but also sets a foundation for effective ministry both inside and outside the church. The apostles' decision to appoint seven men to oversee the daily distribution ensured that the physical needs of the congregation were met without hindering the spiritual mission of the church. This balance between practical service and spiritual focus is essential for the church's overall health and growth. [31:38]
Bible Passage: "And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful." (Titus 3:14, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a practical need within your church or community that you can help address. How can meeting this need contribute to the overall unity and growth of the church?
### Day 5: Commitment to Steadfast Obedience
Description: Whether you are a regular attender, a partner, a ministry leader, or a first-time visitor, the call is to commit to steadfast obedience. This involves having the mind of Christ while serving the ministry of Christ, ensuring that the church fulfills its mission of engaging, embracing, equipping, and empowering people for God's glory. Steadfast obedience requires a commitment to follow Christ's example of humility and service, putting the needs of others before our own and working together to advance the gospel. [47:45]
Bible Passage: "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:5-7, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle with obedience to Christ. What steps can you take today to align your actions with the mind of Christ and serve others more faithfully?
Quotes
1. "Acts is the story of how the ordinary people of God, who have been empowered by the Spirit of God and captivated by the Son of God, equipped with the Word of God, had been commissioned on the unstoppable mission of God. That's Acts in a nutshell. The mission that they were given was to tell everyone, everywhere, everything they possibly could about what we refer to as the gospel of Jesus Christ. They knew it as the good news, and that's where we get the word gospel from." [01:26] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The fact that you are gathered here this morning, in this place, in this city, for this cause, is a picture that the gospel is still going forward. They're still going forward, even this morning. You are physical evidence that God's mission is unstoppable. It is unstoppable. And his plan for redeeming people is still on the move." [03:17] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our God loves to add and to multiply, where our enemy likes to subtract and divide. That's it there. That's it. God loves to add and multiply, where our enemy, loves to subtract and divide. Thankfully, our God's sovereignty always, always comes out on top over our enemy's schemes. Always. Always. His attempts to crush the church, it actually led to the church growing. It actually led to the church multiplying and becoming stronger. And consequently, the gospel spread even more." [06:06] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The church was growing because of the unhindered ministry of the word. That's what it was. It was not because they had great coffee. It was not because they had great music. It was not because they have a beautiful location, a beautiful meeting place, okay? It wasn't because of those things. Those are all great and nice, and I'm thankful for all of those things. But the church was growing because of the ministry, the ministry of the word." [07:58] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Imagine if we just did the things that God asked us to do, he would make the things that he said he's going to make happen, happen. It sounds too simple to believe, but it's in fact true. We see it here. We see it throughout the page of scripture. I know if we sat on the shirt stories of what God has done in our lives, we could point to the thing of like, when I finally turned myself over to him in obedience, man, he just blew the doors off of what I, what I was doing and what was happening in my area." [10:15] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The apostles saw more than a problem of widows needing food. Like they assessed the situation and saw this is more than just people not having food. They saw the need to protect the unity from within the church. They said this section over here is mad at this section over here. It's not just about getting them food. It's about showing them how we're to do this together. They didn't have this kitschy phrase in the New Testament, but this is what it looks like to do life together." [20:08] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The solution to the problem that was affecting the people of the church was in fact the people of the church. That's what we see right here. These men were to be of good repute and full of the spirit of wisdom and of wisdom. Outstanding candidates were required. They were required for this work. Again, this is the apostle saying this is important. We're not saying just get whoever you can get. It was like get the seven best guys you can find." [23:06] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The church needs men and women of good repute and full of the spirit and of wisdom to faithfully serve as leaders within the church in order for the needs outside the church to also be met. If we're not taking care of our home, we can't help anybody else. This is why when you're on a plane, they tell you to put on your own mask before helping someone else's." [32:27] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "If we have been chosen by God to be His people, then we have been chosen to serve. Serving is leading. Leading is serving. This is why the solution to the problem in Jerusalem was to appoint people to lead. To appoint people to serve. They didn't have a committee. Like, we want you to be the food pantry committee. It's like, we want you to be the food pantry. We want you to serve there." [35:28] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The attitude of Christ was that of a servant. From his birth to the years leading up to his earthly ministry, and maybe even especially in his death and resurrection, his mind was set on the obedience of servitude. And please hear me when I say this. Servitude is not about oppression. It's not about being under the thumb of somebody else. It's not being under the authority of someone else. Servitude is not about oppression. It's about obedience. It's about saying, I joyfully, I rejoice in serving the Lord. I rejoice in serving the people of the Lord. I rejoice in serving those who are lost and far from the Lord." [39:39] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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