Sermons

Better Together

(Acts 6:1-7) In those days, as the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. Then the Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching about God to wait on tables. Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the preaching ministry.” The proposal pleased the whole company. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus a proselyte from Antioch. They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the preaching about God flourished, the number of the disciples in Jerusalem multiplied greatly, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.

OUR WAITERS

Jesus puts a high premium on those who wait tables.

1. They Did Not Appoint LEADERS

A. “Shepherd” is used interchangeably with “elder” and “overseer”.

(1 Peter 5:1-2) “ I exhort the elders among you: shepherd God’s flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion…”

( Acts 20:17) [Paul] sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church…

(Acts 20:28) The Holy spirit has appointed you as overseers, to shepherd the church of God.

B. “Shepherd” (pastor), “elder” and “overseer” all describe the leader of the local congregation.

(James 4:6) God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

(Philippians 2:3) Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. (Romans 12:3) I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.

2. They Did Not Appoint TEACHERS

A. The highest regarded position in the church is that of teacher.

(2 Timothy 3:16) All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching.

(Deuteronomy 32:2) “Let My teaching fall like rain and My word settle like dew, like gentle rain on new grass and showers on tender plants.”

(Proverbs 22:6) Teach a youth about the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

(James 3:1-2) Not many should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment.

B. Most of the folks who attend FBCP do so because they love their teachers.

3. They DID Appoint WAITERS

(2-3) The Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching about God to WAIT ON TABLES. Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty.

A. We’re looking at the election of the first deacons.

B. The first deacons were elected in order to be “servants”.

C. All of us are charged with being servants like Jesus.

(Luke 6:40) “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.”