Sermon Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: FWPSM

Acts 6:1-7 (ESV) 1 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. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 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. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

7 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.

Sermon OutlineA key purpose for the existence of the church within the world is the ministry of care to the suffering.

1. Frustration

2. v1 “a complaint by the Hellenists… against the Hebrews… widows… being neglected…”

3. Organization

4. vv3-4 “Pick out from among you… good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom… but we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

5. Multiplication

6. v7 “word of God increased… number of disciples multiplied… great many priests…”

Prayer of ConfessionOur gracious and merciful Father, you extend care to address our most fundamental needs. Lord we need you. Forgive us our many sins. We have neglected others. We have taken advantage of those who should be served and protected. We have hardened our hearts to the suffering of others. With pride we have not sought the help we have needed. With self pity, we have grumbled and made demands of others that have been burdensome. As a community, we fall short of your standard to love one another and our neighbors. Forgive us our sins. Heal us. Grant us wisdom and your Spirit that we would gain the heart and mind of Christ. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. What systems have broken down or are not functioning properly that are leading to frustration? For you? For our church? For our city or particular communities within NYC?
2. How can Christians remain consistent in the ministry of care to the suffering? How can we better adapt to different situations? How do we deal with our lack of motivation? With hardness of heart? With our own exhaustion?
3. Why is spiritual maturity needed for leadership in difficult periods? What role should wisdom play in problem solving?
4. Why is ministry of the word and prayer primary? What happens if we serve without being grounded in relationship with God and understanding of His ways? Why is it that some who pray and study the Bible don’t act with care for the suffering?
5. What organizational structures are needed in a church community to maximize the functioning of the church? How can a church community better utilize the varied gifts of her members?
6. How do we consistently apply the gospel to ourselves? What devotional habits keep us grounded in what Jesus has done on our behalf? What is needed at the center of our own spiritual lives to keep our hearts softened, and provide the energy and motivation to serve others?
7. What do you feel like is your greatest need at the moment? How should you pray about that need? What will it look like for you to lean on God by faith in this period?