Main Thought
In Acts 6, the early church was growing rapidly. This growth was exciting, but it also created new needs. A complaint arose because widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. This could have slowed the church down; instead, it became an opportunity for shared responsibility. The apostles empowered new people to serve and step into Spirit-inspired structure. As a result, the mission did not stall - it accelerated.
God is calling us to move from maintenance to multiplication. We can build spiritual velocity with an attitude of excellence and a commitment to steward that which God has given us. (This can include our relationships, discipleship opportunities, the employment of spiritual gifts through serving, and more.) We can embrace roles that accelerate mission. These things can change our trajectory as we seek to honor God and make disciples.
Main Passages
“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 to the ministry of the word.’ And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 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.”
- Acts 6:1–7, ESV
“Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him.”
- Daniel 6:3-4, ESV
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’”
- Matthew 25:21
Main Passages
Why is protecting priorities essential for sustained purpose? What happens when we lose focus?
As Believers, we should aspire to hear God address us with the words of Matthew 25:21: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” What would it take to receive such high commendation from the Lord?
Acts 6 ends with multiplication and gospel impact. Take a moment to dream in faith. Where do you believe God could take us in this season - as individuals, families, Life Groups, ministries, or as a church?