Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for May 1, 2016
“Addressing an In-House Issue” Acts 6:1-7 Bible Study 05/01/16
Our text this morning addresses another internal crisis that threatened the health of the early church. The manner in which the apostles and fellowship of believers handled the matter of neglected widows is instructive and enlightening for the church today.
I. Introduction
-another internal issue
-previously: deception
-presently: dissension
-threat to church health and growth
-specific challenges: making provision/maintaining priority
II. Potential for Conflict (1-2)
-complaint
-Hellenists and Hebrews
-neglected in the daily distribution
-business meeting
-the Word of God and serving tables
III. Solving the Problem (3-7)
-congregational involvement
-selection of seven: delegation
-qualifications
-affirmation of apostolic intent
-Stephen and Philip…
-prayer and commissioning
-result: health/growth
IV. So What?
-When the church functions in the power of the Holy Spirit, pressing needs are met and the priority of the Word is affirmed.
-“The life of the church hangs on the Word of God.” (Deut. 8:3; Matt. 4:4) (Piper)
-Prioritize prayer and the ministry of the Word.
-Cultivate an every member is a minister mentality.
-Commit and contribute to church unity.
-“Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds. Help us grasp the heights of Your plans for us. Truths unchanged from the dawn of time that will echo down through eternity. And by grace we’ll stand on Your promises. And by faith we’ll walk as You walk with us. Speak, O Lord, till Your church is built and the earth is filled with Your glory.” (Getty/Townend)
