By God's Design Series

Series: Action [#13]

BY GOD’S DESIGN

Acts 6:1-7

Introduction:

A common phrase from many church goers is, “My Pastor never, ________ (you fill in the blank)”; or “Those Deacons at my Church just think they own the place”. We need to be reminded that the Church belongs to God and He is the Designer of the Church. Christ is the Head of the Church and God calls each person to specific tasks. God is the caller of Pastors and Deacons. If they are not God called, then they will fail. Everything God does within His Church is for a purpose.

Acts 6:1-7

1. What was the purpose of choosing these 7 deacons?

There was a need for unity. These widows were fighting and complaining because they felt like no one cared about them. The Apostles were trying to handle the spiritual and physical parts of the ministry and it was impossible. Although both are very important, they needed to focus on one or the other.

Deacons are to be…

^ Mediators not agitators.

There was a need for physical ministry. The reason most believe that these 7 men were the 1st deacons is because of their job description in this passage. They were to be “table waiters”.

Deacons are to be…

^ Servants not served.

There was a need for men of godly reputation. These men were chosen by the people within the Church based upon their reputation of being Spirit filled and full of wisdom.

Deacons are to be…

^ Respected not feared.

2. What was the task of the Pastors?

There was a need for spiritual leadership. The Apostles, who were the pastors of the early Church; needed to focus on prayer, study, and preaching.

Pastors are to…

^ Focus on the spiritual matters, not the physical.

There was a need for trust in the Church. The Apostles had to trust the people that they were choosing the men that God laid on their hearts.

Pastors are to…

^ Turn over responsibility to those chosen, not micro-manage.

There was a need for the movement of the Spirit. We need to work within our calling and when we do God will bless it.

Pastors are to…

^ Remember that God gives the increase, not Pastors.

Conclusion:

The results of a Church serving in their gifts, is many lives changed for the Kingdom; (even the hardest to reach).