Misunderstood

Acts 6:1-7

Misunderstood

• Bill Smith, a country shopkeeper, went to the city to buy goods. They were sent immediately and reached home before he did. When the boxes were delivered, Mrs. Smith, who was keeping the shop,, uttered a scream, seized a hatchet, and began frantically to open the largest one.

“What’s the matter, Sarah?” asked one of the bystanders, who had watched her in amazement. Pale and faint, Mrs. Smith pointed to an inscription on the box

It read “Bill inside.”

• In the pre-World War I days, ex-President Taft had a reception at the White House which was attended by Government officials. Members of the Army an Navy, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and leading Washington citizens. As these lined up to shake hands with the President, the President’s tailor also fell into line. As he reached the President, the latter grasped his hand remarking, “You look familiar to me, but I can’t just place you.” “Why Mr. President,” he replied, “I made your pants,” “Oh, yes, yes, why how do you do Major Pants,” was the president’s reply.

• Arabian Proverb

The mistakes of the learned man are like a shipwreck which wrecks many others with it.

- When we are misunderstood there is the - COMPLAINT

- GRUMBLE

- MURMUR

- Israel afraid of the enemy -- Sentenced to 40 years wandering

Numbers 14:27 (KJV)

How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.

- Korah over leadership - Rebellion - Ground Swallowed

Numbers 16:41 (KJV)

But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.

1 Corinthians 10:10-13 (KJV)

Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Jude 16 (KJV)

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.

Jude 16 (NKJV)

These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.

Philippians 2:14-15 (KJV)

Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

- Acts 5 Satan Without ---- (Ananias, with Sapphira)

-Acts 6 Satan Within --- v.1 Disciples

Acts 6:1 (KJV)

And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

- Difference of Opinion

- Responsibilities

- Bills

- Duties

-Uncontrolled Situations

- Decisions to make

- Problems

- Misunderstanding

• Families

• Friends

• Neighbours

• Relatives

• Job

• UNSAVED

How To Solve Misunderstanding

1. Communication

v.2

Acts 6:2 (KJV)

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

- Listen to both sides

2. Plan

v.3

Acts 6:3 (KJV)

Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

- Emphasize the Spirit

Philippians 4:8-9 (KJV)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

3. Implement

- They put into action their decision

Acts 6:5 (KJV)

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, - a crown

a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and

Philip, - fond of horses - [Power - Beauty - Speed}

and Prochorus, - Leading in a choric dance

and Nicanor, - Victorious

and Timon, - Deeming (judge) Worthy

and Parmenas, - Faithful