Serving takes Commitment
Acts 6:1-15
Introduction
- This chapter contains two different thoughts which are tough to separate
- It is because one lends to the other that we will tackle both of them today
- First, we see the calling (recorded by Luke) of the first disciples
-- These were men devoted to the teaching of Scripture and to serving others
-- It is important to remember this happened before Paul’s letters to Tim/Titus
-- A deacon is a servant, someone who takes care of others needs first
-- He is not a ruler or a dictator; but is a servant of all within the church
- Second, we see the capture of one of the first deacons, a man named Stephen
-- Most know of the stoning of Stephen in chapter 7; great testimony
-- But before that happens, we see why he was such a threat to the religious
-- God knew when he was called what would happen and this should comfort us
- Read Acts 6:1-15
- Pray
Point 1 – Choosing the First Deacons (1-7)
- Most times understanding the “why” helps us study and comprehend
- God’s Word is wonderful in giving the “why”, IF we will study it fully
- Side note: This is why expository preaching is so critical – it gives the “why”
-- Topical preaching is just that, preaching on topics (life, heaven, death, etc.)
-- But expository takes the words written, and using scripture confirms them
- So, let’s look at how these men were called and specifically … WHY?
- First, he needs to be someone of integrity (doing what’s right no one looking)
-- The Greek word used here is “martyroumenous” which means witness
-- The Disciples asked the people to choose 7 witnesses (or evangelists)
-- His character is blameless and he is to be above reproach (Paul echoes in 1 Tim)
- Second, the deacon is to be filled with the Holy Spirit
-- He has the Spirit of God living within him, and it controls him (not vice-versa)
-- Most importantly, a deacon is concerned about his relationship with Jesus
- This relationship, above everything else is critical in his life and it guides him
- This means that false idols and things that take the place of it are put aside
- APP: As believers, whether a deacon or not, this should be evident
- It means that Jesus is what we live for … and not for temporary pleasures
- Lastly, a deacon is to be full of wisdom from being tested and tried
-- Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
-- This fear is not like the boogy-man; but fear as in respect of who He is
- So, how does get wise (again, whether a deacon or not)? By study!
-- Spending time reading God’s Word and digesting it are critical to being servants
-- This is why Luke says in v4 that they would continue being devoted to scripture
-- Additionally, if one is full of the Spirit and wise he will know how to pray
- There will be a devotion to prayer in all facets and it will guide his life
- This is why we see the criticality of picking leaders who exemplify this
- Re-read verses 5-7
- Because of the choosing of these seven, God’s Word was preached
- But notice that priests were saved (v7) – Jewish priests who prev. turned away
- TRANS: Now, we are about to see what can happen when we are obedient
-- If you are taking notes, don’t miss what is about to occur to Stephen
Point 2 – Testimony brings Danger (8-15)
- When the Gospel or truth is preached, those who don’t like it will rise up
-- There will constantly be those who hate the truth, and Stephen met them all
-- What happened to him was that charges were brought by ungodly men
- But why? It’s simple: It’s not that the truth bothered them so much …
- But it’s because they wanted to prove him wrong; to refute his testimony
- IMP: See … if Stephen were telling the truth, then THEY were living a lie
-- These men were stirred up because they were irritated, they had to right
- So, who were these men that were accusing him? Who were the “they”?
- They were members of the local synagogue
-- Synagogue of the freed – Possibly Jewish slaves captured and taken to Rome, now free and returned to their home.
-- Cyrenians and Alexandrians – 2 Major cities of North Africa. Cyrenian was home of Simon who carried Jesus’ cross (Luke 23.26)
-- Cilicia and Asia – Roman provinces in Asia. Paul’s hometown of Tarsus was located in Cilicia; he likely attended their synagogue in Jerusalem. May even have been involved in the debate with Stephen.
-- Men of earthly wisdom and reasoning; they knew who they were in the flesh
- v10: When you are filled with the Spirit of God worldly people will not be able to cope with you wisdom and you Godly witness.
- So what do they do? Falsely accuse by using weak-minded people (see v13)
-- They secretly induced men to accuse Stephen
-- They got someone to do their dirty work
-- Sound familiar? Remember Jesus trial: Matt 26.59-61 and Mark 14.55-59
- The only charge they had which didn’t really require “proof”: blasphemy (v11)
- IMP: For Stephen as with the other Apostles (and this HUGE for us today) the reality of the cross now replaced the ritual of the temple.
- So he is brought before the council and what happens?
- The Council of the Sanhedrin ultimately were condemning themselves when they condemned Stephen. Why? Because they rejected what he preached: JESUS!
- Now, look at what happens in verse 15 of Acts 6
-- Stephen, being falsely accused had a glow about him of an angel; radiant light
- This reminds me of Moses (Exodus 34 and 39 shows us this)
-- It also tells me that Stephen was able to stand firm; absolved of his guilt of sin
- IMP: A godly man can stand firm in the presence of the Lord and his/her accusers
Conclusion
- This one verse, shows us how we can face adversity even the worst kind
- The question is … what will do with it? What will we do now that we know?
- Will we stand firm in this world and proclaim Jesus; or shrink in the shadows?
- Will we be counted worthy (last week) to be persecuted? Worthy to witness?
-- Worthy to be called servants of the one true living Lord?
-- Worthy to testify even in the face of our enemies?
- It is my prayer that we would see this man’s life for what it is: a roadmap to live
- Pray
