… Adventures of the Holy Spirit
The Duty of Diligence to the Word. vv. 1-2
v.1- Greek-Jewish speaking Christians were concerned because of neglect to their widows. A real concern. A valid concern. The church was growing leaps and bounds, the men would have been recorded in this culture, so the count would have been around 5000 in Acts 4. Baptist math would tell us roughly 20,000 with women and children. So growing pains were happening! The apostles could not manage all the needs and concerns, their job according to Ephesians 4:12 “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,” therefore; the apostles had to triage ministry, yet remain faithful to the ministry of the word and prayer first and foremost.
Remember what Jethro, Moses father-in-law said in Exodus 18:17-18 “17 Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.” Moses was bombarded with everyone’s needs day after day, so they appointed managers.
Growing pains cause a need for organization!
The Duty of Deacons Bestowed by God’s Wisdom. vv. 3-6
- 3- gives us the requirements of a deacon. Servant leaders! The word deacon comes from the Greek word, means servant.
Paul lays out the requirements for a deacon in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”
We could not or would not be the church we are today without our servant leaders! Thank you deacons! If you’ve been attending this church for sometime, but not serving in some capacity, it’s your time! Pray about how you can serve. We were made for His glory, for His work! The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few!
The Delight of Disciples being made from their Work. vv. 7-11
Verses 7 and 8 say clearly that the Jewish priest were becoming obedient to the faith of Jesus Christ! Delighting in the work of ministry, will pull you through the hard times.
2 Timothy 2:2 is happening in the Jerusalem church. So Paul writes to Timothy, “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
The Danger of Delighting in your Duty in a Godless World. vv. 12-15
Danger will come when you’re truly following Christ!
Queen Mary (bloody Mary)- a professing Christian had many executed because they would not profess “their” belief of the Lord’s Supper. These men believed in Christ, but they did not hold to the elements becoming the actual body and blood of Jesus, yet they viewed it as symbolic. We believe it to be symbolic! These early Baptist were killed by another professing Christian.
A Navy Chaplain was targeted by a senior chaplain because he would not endorse same sex marriage. This went to court, the chaplain was allowed to retire! Within the church of Christ, even comes persecution.
2 Timothy 3:12 “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,”
1 Peter 4:12-14 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”