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Acts 6:1-10: Solving Problems with Spirit and Wisdom Episode | Network 211 Weekly Message

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Acts 6:1-10: Solving Problems with Spirit and Wisdom

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DATE : Mon, 6 Nov 2006 19:47:00 GMT
Entered in Database : 2006-11-06 19:47:00
length : 4068820
Link to the Show / Show Notes

By Flattery, George M.

Introduction
There are two interrelated problems presented in Acts 6:1-10. The first problem deals with the discord that arose in the early church with regard to the distribution of food. The second problem has to do with opposition that arose in connection with the ministry of Stephen. My message today deals with how these two problems were solved through the leadership of the Spirit who gives wisdom.

For a full explanation of this text, click here.
One, many issues can cause discontent in the church.

In Acts 6:1 Luke reports that "while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food." The church was growing, but trouble loomed. It is not uncommon for trouble to arise during times of growth! The church in Jerusalem was not exempt.

The church at Jerusalem was made up of Hebrews and Hellenists. The Hebrews were Aramaic-speaking Jews, most of them natives of Palestine. The Hellenists were "Grecian Jews," and they habitually spoke Greek. They were either natives of the lands of the dispersion or had connections with them. Because of the distribution of food, tension existed in the church between the Hebrews and the Hellenists.

Today, as always, problems arise in the church over things that seem to be quite insignificant. They are significant, however, to the people who are troubled by them. Sometimes, as in the early church, people fight over the benevolence provided by the church. Others are in a constant state of discord over the styles of worship. Surely, these quarrels are not pleasing to God.

Two, the church must choose men and women who are full of the Spirit and wisdom to lead.

The apostles moved quickly to solve the problem. They decided to delegate the distribution of food to others! They advised the congregation to select seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to put in charge of this task. The apostles wanted to devote their time to the ministry of the Word and to prayer. All seven have Greek names. This probably indicates that they all belonged to the Hellenistic group.

The selected men were to be "full" of the Spirit and wisdom. Up to this point in Acts the presence of the Spirit has primarily been connected with boldness to speak, power to witness, and prophetic inspiration. In this case there was a need for wisdom in practical administration. So men full of the Spirit and wisdom are to be selected for administrative purposes. The Spirit is the source of the wisdom.

Today, more than ever, we need men and women who are filled with the Spirit and wisdom to lead the church. The church encounters many problems that are perplexing and difficult to handle. With the help of the Spirit, we can solve the problems.

Three, those who minister in grace and power will face opposition.

Now, Luke writes (Acts 6:8), "And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people." Through the power of the Spirit he ministered mightily among the people. Most likely his strong ministry began after he was appointed to serve tables. The grace of God was upon Him.

In Acts 6:9 Luke writes: "But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen." Very often, when people minister in the power of the Spirit opposition is stirred up. The gospel is powerful in changing lives, and not everyone wants others to change

Four, the solution is the anointing of the Spirit who gives wisdom.

The members of the synagogue were a powerful group of opponents to Stephen, but Luke says (6:10), "they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking." Stephen spoke with great prophetic wisdom. Jesus had promised that the Spirit would be with His disciples on such occasions. He declared (Luke 12:12), "for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say." NASU The ability of Stephen to speak was a fulfillment the promise. The wisdom was from the Spirit of God.

Once again the Spirit of God provides the solution. The Spirit anointed Stephen and spoke through him with great wisdom. His opponents could not cope with the wisdom and Spirit with which he spoke. When the Spirit enables us, no man can defeat us!

Conclusion
When the early church faced problems, the leaders were filled with wisdom and the Spirit. Today, we need that same wisdom that comes from the Spirit. The Spirit of God will guide us in the administration of the church and in answering our opponents. We are highly privileged to have the Holy Spirit guide us in all things. Let us open our hearts to His leadership!

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