ACTS 6
“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.” Acts 6:1 ESV
The church has grown, but the enemies' attacks have not ceased. In year one of the church, they have experienced growth and faced challenges. As the number of followers increased, a conflict arose from within the church. A group within the church of Acts called the Hellenists brought a complaint against the Hebrews about the neglect of their widows during the daily distributions.
The enemy knows no boundaries when it comes to fighting against your faith. He will attack from multiple angles, and Acts chapter 6 is no different. This time the enemy attempts to disrupt the growth of the church by attacking from within.
When the enemy is unable to reach you externally, he will try to undermine you through minor internal issues of your daily assignments.
The early church is not excluded from the attacks. The adversary has shifted tactics and is now attacking from various directions. If he cannot weaken you through significant matters, he will do so through the small inconveniences of daily life.
The truth is that no church is flawless and complaints will come. Jesus is perfection in every aspect, while people are not. The church is made up of many different types of people. With each person having unique personalities, looks, ideas, and issues. We can not hold imperfect people to a standard of perfection.
The enemy knows no boundaries when it comes to fighting against your faith. He will attack from multiple angles, and Acts chapter 6 is no different. This time the enemy attempts to disrupt the growth of the church by attacking from within.
When the enemy is unable to reach you externally, he will try to undermine you through minor internal issues of your daily assignments.
The early church is not excluded from the attacks. The adversary has shifted tactics and is now attacking from various directions. If he cannot weaken you through significant matters, he will do so through the small inconveniences of daily life.
The truth is that no church is flawless and complaints will come. Jesus is perfection in every aspect, while people are not. The church is made up of many different types of people. With each person having unique personalities, looks, ideas, and issues. We can not hold imperfect people to a standard of perfection.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23 ESV
When imperfect people are held to a standard of perfection division will happen. And as a result, many denominations have arisen from unresolved disagreements within the church. Pain within churches often begins with minor conflicts that can escalate. It is crucial to address these needs to prevent disputes that may result in division. The apostles were aware of this and took swift action to resolve the situation concerning the overlooked widows. They recognized the potential harm of internal conflicts. The way the apostles responded to this conflict shows us that ministry was never intended to be done alone.
“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.” Acts 6:3 ESV
The apostles enabled others within the church to take on leadership roles. They looked for men who had a good reputation, filled with the Spirit and wisdom. These individuals are often regarded as the first deacons appointed in the church. To support the church, leaders must stand out as different. There should be no doubt about where their faith lies. This is crucial as they need to be ready for the different challenges that the enemy has set before them.
Just like the first church took no time in addressing the needs of the widows, we to must reflect on our own needs and how to address them. We should reach out for support on our personal needs, whether these involve faith, challenges, or hidden sins. Spiritual growth will stop if we ignore our personal spiritual needs. The apostles are an example of tacking on personal needs from a spiritual perspective. They show that this is far easier when we have others surrounding us. It is crucial to be surrounded by people who are devoted and caring individuals filled with the spirit.
Just like the first church took no time in addressing the needs of the widows, we to must reflect on our own needs and how to address them. We should reach out for support on our personal needs, whether these involve faith, challenges, or hidden sins. Spiritual growth will stop if we ignore our personal spiritual needs. The apostles are an example of tacking on personal needs from a spiritual perspective. They show that this is far easier when we have others surrounding us. It is crucial to be surrounded by people who are devoted and caring individuals filled with the spirit.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV
As he tried with the church of Acts. The adversary our enemy aims to divide and conquer. He waits for his prey to be separated from the group before he attacks. Strength and safety lie in numbers. When we are surrounded in protection, those nearby will see the faith that continues to grow with in us.
“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 6:7 ESV
See you Sunday!
Drake Whitworth
Drake Whitworth
Posted in Year One
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