Unity and Growth Through Change in the Early Church
Summary
In today's message, we explored the early church's challenges and how they navigated cultural tensions to maintain unity and growth. The early church was experiencing a season of revival, with many coming to know Jesus Christ. However, as the gospel spread across cultural boundaries, tensions arose between Greek-speaking Jews and Aramaic-speaking Jews. This tension highlighted the question of whether the gospel was powerful enough to unite diverse cultures. The early church faced a critical moment where they needed to decide whether to change or risk division.
The apostles recognized the importance of maintaining focus on the core mission: spreading God's word. They understood that organizational challenges should not distract from the primary goal of sharing the gospel. To address the issue, they appointed seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to oversee the distribution of resources. This decision allowed the apostles to devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word, ensuring that the church continued to grow and thrive.
The story of the early church teaches us that sometimes growth requires change. We must be open to change, both personally and collectively, to overcome obstacles and continue progressing. The gospel has the power to transcend cultural differences and unite us as one body in Christ. However, we must prioritize prayer and the word of God to maintain focus and direction.
As a church, we are called to be faithful stewards of what God has given us, recognizing that our circumstances are purposeful. We are encouraged to care for those with less, driven by a heart transformed by Jesus Christ. The kingdom of God calls us to act out of love and concern for others, not merely for the sake of equity.
In our journey, we must be willing to change and grow in our reputation, spirit, and wisdom. By seeking God's guidance and being open to feedback, we can become more effective in our mission and reflect the character of Christ in all we do.
Key Takeaways:
1. Embrace Change for Growth: Sometimes, growth requires us to change. We must be open to new ways of thinking and acting to overcome obstacles and continue progressing in our spiritual journey. Change is not always easy, but it is often necessary for growth. [09:45]
2. Unity Through the Gospel: The gospel has the power to unite diverse cultures and overcome differences. By focusing on our shared identity in Christ, we can transcend cultural barriers and work together as one body. This unity is essential for the church's growth and effectiveness. [11:42]
3. Prioritize Prayer and the Word: The two crucial elements for a thriving church are prayer and the word of God. These should be our primary focus, guiding our actions and decisions. By prioritizing these, we ensure that we remain aligned with God's will and purpose. [14:02]
4. Kingdom Solutions for Kingdom Problems: When faced with challenges, we must seek kingdom solutions. This means addressing issues with a heart transformed by Jesus, motivated by love and concern for others. Our actions should reflect the values of the kingdom of God. [08:15]
5. Grow in Reputation, Spirit, and Wisdom: We are called to grow in our reputation, spirit, and wisdom. By being trustworthy, full of the Spirit, and wise, we can effectively serve others and fulfill our mission. This growth requires intentionality and a willingness to seek God's guidance. [22:13]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:11] - Cultural Tensions in the Early Church
- [03:29] - Overcoming Distractions
- [04:57] - The Kingdom Perspective
- [08:15] - Kingdom Solutions
- [09:45] - Embracing Change for Growth
- [11:42] - Unity Through the Gospel
- [14:02] - Prioritizing Prayer and the Word
- [16:12] - Church's Future Vision
- [18:42] - Engaging with the Community
- [21:06] - Choosing Leaders with Wisdom
- [22:13] - Growing in Reputation
- [24:55] - Being Full of the Spirit
- [26:35] - Seeking Wisdom
- [28:31] - Navigating Life's Challenges
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 6:1-7
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Observation Questions:
1. What were the two cultural groups mentioned in the sermon, and what was the source of tension between them? [01:11]
2. How did the apostles address the issue of the widows being overlooked in the daily distribution of food? [03:29]
3. What criteria were used to select the seven men to oversee the distribution of resources? [08:15]
4. What was the result of the apostles' decision to appoint these seven men in terms of the church's growth? [09:45]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of the early church in Acts 6 illustrate the power of the gospel to unite diverse cultures? [11:42]
2. Why is it important for the church to prioritize prayer and the word of God, according to the sermon? [14:02]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that change is necessary for growth, both personally and collectively? [09:45]
4. How does the concept of "kingdom solutions for kingdom problems" challenge the way we typically address issues within the church? [08:15]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overlooked or forgotten. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of the sermon? [03:29]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being open to change. What is one area in your life where you feel God might be calling you to change? [09:45]
3. How can you actively contribute to the unity of your church community, especially when cultural or personal differences arise? [11:42]
4. In what ways can you prioritize prayer and the word of God in your daily life to ensure you remain aligned with God's will? [14:02]
5. Consider the idea of being a faithful steward of what God has given you. How can you use your resources or talents to serve others in your community? [04:57]
6. The sermon talks about growing in reputation, spirit, and wisdom. What specific steps can you take to develop these qualities in your life? [22:13]
7. How can you seek feedback from others to grow in wisdom and better reflect the character of Christ in your interactions? [29:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Change for Spiritual Growth
Change is often a necessary part of growth, both individually and collectively. The early church faced significant cultural tensions as the gospel spread across different communities. Greek-speaking Jews and Aramaic-speaking Jews found themselves at odds, raising the question of whether the gospel could truly unite diverse cultures. The apostles recognized that to maintain unity and continue their mission, they needed to adapt. By appointing seven men of good reputation to manage resources, they ensured that the focus remained on prayer and the ministry of the word. This decision allowed the church to thrive and grow, demonstrating that embracing change can lead to spiritual progress. [09:45]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to embrace change? How can you take a step towards that change today?
Day 2: Unity Through the Power of the Gospel
The gospel has the profound ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. In the early church, cultural tensions threatened to divide the community, but the apostles focused on their shared identity in Christ. By prioritizing the gospel, they transcended cultural barriers and worked together as one body. This unity was essential for the church's growth and effectiveness. Today, we are reminded that our shared faith in Christ can overcome differences and bring us together in love and purpose. [11:42]
Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."
Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life where cultural or personal differences have created tension. How can you focus on your shared identity in Christ to foster unity?
Day 3: Prioritizing Prayer and the Word of God
For a church to thrive, it must prioritize prayer and the word of God. These elements are crucial for guiding actions and decisions, ensuring alignment with God's will and purpose. The early church faced organizational challenges, but the apostles remained committed to their core mission by dedicating themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. This focus allowed them to navigate obstacles and continue growing. Today, we are encouraged to make prayer and scripture central in our lives, seeking God's guidance in all we do. [14:02]
Colossians 4:2-4 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak."
Reflection: How can you create a daily routine that prioritizes prayer and engagement with the word of God? What specific steps can you take to make this a reality?
Day 4: Kingdom Solutions for Kingdom Problems
When faced with challenges, the early church sought solutions that reflected the values of the kingdom of God. They addressed issues with hearts transformed by Jesus, motivated by love and concern for others. This approach ensured that their actions aligned with the principles of the kingdom, fostering growth and unity. Today, we are called to seek kingdom solutions in our own lives, addressing problems with love and a heart for service. [08:15]
James 3:17-18 (ESV): "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
Reflection: Consider a challenge you are currently facing. How can you approach it with a heart transformed by Jesus, seeking a solution that reflects the values of the kingdom of God?
Day 5: Growing in Reputation, Spirit, and Wisdom
We are called to grow in our reputation, spirit, and wisdom, becoming more effective in our mission and reflecting the character of Christ. The early church appointed leaders who were trustworthy, full of the Spirit, and wise, ensuring that they could serve others effectively. This growth requires intentionality and a willingness to seek God's guidance. As we strive to grow in these areas, we become better equipped to fulfill our calling and serve those around us. [22:13]
Proverbs 3:13-18 (ESV): "Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed."
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally seek to grow in reputation, spirit, and wisdom? What practical steps can you take to pursue this growth in your daily life?
Quotes
"Sometimes you can't move forward or you can't progress unless you're willing to make some changes. That's what was happening in the lives of the Christians we're going to study today. They needed to make some changes. They had been in a season really of revival themselves." [00:00:08] (15 seconds)
"Many people are coming to know Jesus Christ. This is the early church. Thousands of people, as a matter of fact, have come to know Jesus Christ. And yet, because the gospel is so powerful, because it crosses cultural boundaries, lots of different kinds of people are coming to know Jesus Christ." [00:00:22] (16 seconds)
"Get back to the main thing. And that's what these folks needed to do was get back to the main thing. So the 12 summoned, the 12, these apostles, they summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, it is not pleasing to God for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables." [00:04:58] (17 seconds)
"God's word changes us. That's what happens. So we better get used to change. We can't be unwilling to change because God's word is going to change us. But also, God himself is going to change things. He's going to change people in your life. He's going to change structures in your life." [00:13:15] (18 seconds)
"Let's say that a little bit differently. Do you remember who they picked? They picked people of great reputation, full of the Spirit, and full of wisdom. Whatever changes, whether it's here at church or in your life, how many think if you just added a whole bunch more spirit and a whole bunch more wisdom, that might go better than without it?" [00:21:09] (19 seconds)
"Sometimes we've just done enough disappointing of people because we didn't complete our word. We didn't show up. We didn't do the thing we said we're going to do. If we wouldn't have said anything, it wouldn't have been a big deal, but we said we were going to do it, and then we didn't." [00:22:59] (12 seconds)
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