The Work of God

• Arrested for Jesus…
  • The amazing MIRACLES [shadow of Peter] were gathering a LOT of attention…
  • People were coming from ALL around Jerusalem – and EVERYONE was getting healed…
  • And the CHURCH was GROWING – countless people were putting their FAITH in Jesus…
  • This was in direct CONTRAST to the COMMAND of the High Priest – Acts 4:18
  • So the SANHEDRIN [Sadducees] were filled with RAGE – and arrested the APOSTLES…
  • But God sent an ANGEL and set them free [Sadducees did not believe in angels]!
• Bold for Jesus…
  • After re-arresting them – the High Priest demanded to know why they had DISOBEYED…
  • Peter was BOLD to answer – they will obey GOD and not MEN…
  • The counsel had MURDERED Jesus – whom God RAISED [they did not believe the resurrection]
  • And God had PROVEN Jesus was the ONLY way by their TESTIMONY and the HOLY Spirit…
  • At those words – the SANHEDRIN was FURIOUS [διαπρίω] – and wanted to kill the APOSTLES!
• Work of Jesus…
  • One of the SANHEDRIN – a PHARISEE names GAMALIEL stood up and stopped them…
  • If this was a work of MEN – it would come to NOTHING [Theudas and Judas]
  • But SINCE [indicative] it was a work of GOD – they did NOT have the POWER [δύναμαι] to stop it
  • GAMALIEL knew about the healing of the LAME man – being set free from PRISON [angel]
  • So the SANHEDRIN beat and threatened the APOSTLES – but set them free…
  • And the APOSTLES continued to TEACH and PREACH in the name of Jesus!

• 1^st – New Problem… vs. 1
  • 1^st – Growing church… vs. 1
    • Disciples…
      • Now in those days when the number of the disciples was multiplying!
      • After the SECOND arrest of the APOSTLES…
      • Their REFUSAL to obey men – but instead continuing to PREACH and TEACH Jesus…
      • The RESULT was people were getting saved in RECORD numbers…
      • But not just SAVED – they were becoming DISCIPLES [μαθητής] of Jesus…
      • DISCIPLES [μαθητής] – the word means to LEARN – or GROW in understanding [of Jesus]
      • ONLY the SECOND time this word is used in Acts [Upper room] – Acts 1:15
      • But it will be used THREE times just in this CHAPTER!
      • When we think about church GROWTH – we tend to look at NUMBERS…
      • And while it is true that when God is working – the church will be GROWING…
      • It is NOT just limited to how many people come to church…
      • More important it is the MATURITY of those who are coming…
      • Jesus did NOT command us to go out and get a LOT of people to come to church…
      • He commanded [imperative] us to make DISCIPLES [μαθητής] of Him!
      • Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples [μαθητής] of all the nations!”
    • Church Growth…
      • This is the FOURTH time in Acts the book talks about the church GROWING…
      • After the day of PENTECOST – the Lord ADDED daily – Acts 2:47
      • After the FIRST arrest of Peter and John – FIVE thousand were saved – Acts 4:4
      • Then after the death of Ananias and Saphira – the Lord increasingly ADDED – Acts 5:14
      • Now after the SECOND arrest – the LORD MULTIPLIED the DISCIPLES [μαθητής]!
      • If we do a GOOGLE search for – HOW to grow a church…
      • We will see that there are THOUSANDS of results – PRACTICAL tips…
      • Everything from being FRIENDLY – to having ENGAGING music…
      • Interestingly the ONE thing we will NOT see – it any mention of Jesus!
      • The church today is filled with WORLDLY ideas on how to GROW…
      • They treat it like a BUSINESS – come at the problem with COMMITTEES…
      • Then wonder why it is so HARD – and why it takes so much EFFORT to maintain…
      • The answer is because they are going about it all WRONG – the church belongs to God…
      • And when a church makes DISCIPLES of Jesus – teaches them His WORD…
      • That is when a church will GROW – even MULTIPLY – because God is the one doing the work!
  • 2^nd – Partiality… vs. 2
    • Different culture…
      • There arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists.
      • Because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution!
      • Along with the GROWTH in numbers – came NEW problems…
      • There was a COMPLAINT [γογγυσμός] – to quietly murmur…
      • The Greek speaking [Hellenist] Jews – were NOT happy with the Hebrews speaking Jews…
      • Because when the food was served [διακονία] there was PARTIALITY…
      • The Jewish WIDOWS [χήρα] were getting preferential treatment – most of the food…
      • While the Hellenistic widows were ignored – because they were different!
      • It is our nature to be skeptical of people who are DIFFERENT than us…
      • If you do NOT look like me – talk like me – then I want NOTHING to do with you!
      • The Lord has blessed us with a DIVERSE church…
      • We come from DIFFERENT backgrounds – even speak DIFFERENT languages…
      • Which is why it is important to be color blind – culture blind – Romans 2:11
      • It does NOT matter if we are tall or short – rich or poor – light or dark…
      • When we walk into the church – we should ALL feel like we are at home!
    • On the offensive…
      • Satan does not give up easily – if he fails in ONE area – he will try something else…
      • Satan tried to INTIMIDATE the church with the arrest of Peter and John – Acts 4
      • Satan tried to COMPROMISE the church with Ananias and Sapphira – Acts 5
      • Now he tried to DIVIDE the church by focusing on their differences!
      • More than anything satan wants to keep us from Jesus…
      • He will try to INTIMIDATE us – stir up people around us to CONVINCE us not to go to church…
      • But if satan CANNOT intimidate us – then he will try and COMPROMISE our walk …
      • Get us so busy that we do not have any time for Jesus…
      • Ever notice that when we want to read our Bible – go to church – life gets EXTRA busy…
      • But if that does NOT work – then satan will try to DIVIDE us!
    • The opportunity…
      • Rather than be INTIMIDATED – COMPROMISED – or DIVIDED …
      • The church instead used each attack as an opportunity to run to Jesus…
      • In the end what satan meant to destroy the church – instead made it STRONGER!
      • Satan is NOT creative – he has been doing the same things for THOUSANDS of years…
      • We have TWO options when he comes knocking at our door…
      • We can allow ourselves to be distracted by his tactics – giving him the victory…
      • Or we can ask Jesus to answer the door – and watch satan run away!
      • II Corinthians 2:11 – “Satan will not outsmart us. We are very familiar with his evil schemes.” [NLT]

• 2^nd – Many hands… vs. 2-4
  • 1^st – Teaching and Prayer… vs. 2
    • The Apostles…
      • Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said:
      • It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables!
      • The TWELVE [οἱ δώδεκα] – only time in Acts this title is used for the APOSTLES…
      • CALLED [προσκαλέω] the many DISCIPLES [μαθητής] within the church…
      • And told them it would NOT [οὐ] be pleasing [present] to the Lord…
      • If they LEFT the teaching of the Word of God – to serve [present] tables!
      • I love to sweat – let me swing a hammer – let me sweep the floor…
      • The problem is if a pastor spends ALL day making the church look nice – NO time to study…
      • Come Sunday morning the message would be VERY short – and NOT very good!
      • The number ONE responsibility for a PASTOR is to teach the WORD and PRAY…
      • A pastor must TEACH the word so that people can KNOW Jesus…
      • A pastor must PRAY so that he knows where the LORD is leading His church!
    • Still Servants…
      • I Corinthians 4:1 – “[We are] servants… who have been put in charge of explaining Gods secrets.” [NLT]
      • Being in CHARGE does NOT mean a PASTOR should NOT serve…
      • Just the opposite – PASTORS are called to be SERVANTS…
      • SERVANTS [ὑπηρέτης] – the word means the UNDER rower!
      • In a roman ship – the SERVANTS [ὑπηρέτης] were the ones under the deck…
      • They made sure the ship moved forward – but they were NEVER seen [no glory]!
      • Pastors are FIRST and foremost to be SERVANTS – they are the EXAMPLE for the church…
      • They should be the FIRST one to pick up the broom – the FIRST to clean the toilet…
      • But there needs to be a BALANCE – they cannot allow those things to take ALL their time…
      • Because they also need to study the Word – and PRAY so they can be led by the Lord!
  • 2^nd – Two roles… vs. 3-4
    • Deacon…
      • [Seek out seven men] whom we may appoint over this business!
      • In order to have the time to study and teach the WORD of God and PRAYER…
      • But still be able to take care of the PRACTICAL needs within the church…
      • There needed to be others RAISED up to HELP out…
      • So the Apostles established TWO leadership roles within the church…
      • FIRST – there are DEACONS who take care of the PRACTICAL needs…
      • DEACONS [διάκονος] – the word means SERVANT!
      • While we may NOT use the title much within the church today…
      • The role describes those who are taking care of the DAILY needs of the church…
      • Setting up for services – repairing the facility – picking up the trash…
      • Greeting the people [usher] – being a part of the worship team!
    • Pastor…
      • We will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word!
      • SECOND – are the PASTORS who take of the SPIRITUAL needs of the church…
      • Those who are DEVOTED to teaching the WORD and PRAYER!
      • STUDYING so they are prepared to TEACH and FEED the people…
      • PRAYING for guidance for the church – and for those who are in need…
      • Giving Biblical counsel to those who looking for Godly answers!
    • God of order…
      • Imagine if there was no ORGANIZATION within the church…
      • There was NO one leading – and NO one was overseeing the practical needs…
      • We would walk in on a Sunday morning – and NO chairs would be set up…
      • There would be NO snacks – NO toilet paper in the bathroom…
      • NO one would know who would be speaking – or WHAT they were going to be talking about…
      • It would be chaos – and ministry cannot happen effectively in chaos!
      • I Corinthians 14:33 – “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace… But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.”

• 3^rd – The Qualifications… vs. 3
  • 1^st – From the church… vs. 3
    • Seeking…
      • Therefore brethren – seek out!
      • Since God does not work in CHAOS – and there was a need for more people to HELP…
      • THEREFORE [οὖν] – the church was to SEEK others who were willing to SERVE…
      • SEEK – upon [ἐπί] close examination [σκοπός]
      • NOTE – it was NOT the apostles who were to CHOSE – it the CHURCH…
      • The DISCIPLES were called to EXAMINE and see who among them was CALLED to SERVE…
      • But they were given FIVE characteristics to look for!
    • Among you…
      • From among you!
      • FIRST – a SERVANT is to be from within the CHURCH…
      • Because how could they EXAMINE [σκοπός] the person if they were from the OUTSIDE!
      • Too often churches today when there is a NEED – they ask for applications [résumés]
      • But God raises up SERVANT for the church from WITHIN… 
      • All we need to do is look at how God is using someone – where is the FRUIT!
  • 2^nd – Seven men… vs. 3
    • Not just men…
      • Seven men!
      • SECOND – the SERVANTS were be MEN [ἄνδρας]
      • The number SEVEN is commonly used in the Bible to represent completion – Genesis 2:1-2
      • The idea being that once the church had DEACONS – the leadership would be COMPLETE!
      • It is important to NOTE – this does that mean WOMEN cannot SERVE…
      • Phoebe is called a DEACONESS [διάκονον] in the Church of Rome – Romans 16:1-2
      • The example of Phoebe shows that women CAN also be DEACONS in the church!
    • Except pastors…
      • I Timothy 2:12 – “I do not permit a woman to teach – or have authority over a man.”
      • The ONE exception is WOMEN cannot TEACH or have AUTHORITY over men in the church…
      • To understand WHY we need to answer FOUR questions…
      • FIRST – is this written to WOMEN [γυνή] or WIVES [same word in Greek]
      • The answer is WOMEN – because marriage is NOT mentioned in I Timothy…
      • The whole context of the book is how a CHURCH should operate!
    • Authority…
      • SECOND – what does it meant to NOT be allowed to TEACH or have AUTHORITY…
      • Most churches define this as being the role of a PASTOR [title]
      • But women can TEACH and have AUTHORITY over women and children!
        
    • Cultural…
      • THIRD – many churches argue this is cultural [only for the times of the New Testament]
      • This is VERY dangerous – it allows us to reject anything we do NOT like in the Bible…
      • It makes the Word subject to our opinion – negating its authority!
    • Example
      • FOURTH – some argue this means women seem LESS than men…
      • Pointing out that Eve was deceived and NOT Adam – I Timothy 2:14
      • But ask any HUSBAND who is SMARTER – and almost all of them will point to their WIFE…
      • And the Bible has NO problem with women leading OUTSIDE the church [Deborah] – Judges 4
      • So since women are at least equal in capability – why does God give this command!
      • Men are called to LEAD in their homes – Ephesians 6:4
      • Therefore God sets MEN as an example within the church [encourage men to lead at home]
      • But we are all EQUAL before God – all of us are saved by the same GRACE – Galatians 3:28
  • 3^rd – Good reputation… vs. 3
    • Of good reputation!
    • THIRD – a SERVANT has to have [passive] a GOOD witness [μαρτυρέω]!
    • People do NOT see the Lord – but they do listen to and follow SERVANTS in the church…
    • If a SERVANT [deacon] is having a bad day – people might mistakenly think God is too…
    • That is why they will receive greater judgment – because of their influence on others…
    • Therefore SERVANTS must have a good WITNESS [μαρτυρέω] – people are watching!
  • 4^th – Full of the Spirit… vs. 3
    • Full of the Holy Spirit!
    • FOURTH – a SERVANT has to be FULL of the HOLY [ἅγιος] Spirit…
    • This might come as a SURPRISE – but we must be filled with the SPIRIT to take out the TRASH…
    • But it ties back into the previous requirement – having a GOOD reputation…
    • The ONLY way we will have a GOOD witness – is if we are FULL of the SPIRIT!
    • How much is a CLAY pot worth – a few hundred pesos…
    • Fill that POT with DIRT – and it becomes worth – less [dirty pot]
    • Fill that POT with GOLD – and suddenly it becomes PRICELESS – because of what is in it!
    • II Corinthians 4:7 – “We have this treasure in earthen vessels.”
    • We are just CLAY pots – the question is what do we have inside of us…
    • Are we FULL of ourselves [worthless] – or FILLED with of the Spirit [priceless]
    • If we are FULL of ourselves – we are NOT going to be a good WITNESS…
    • But if we are FILLED with the Spirit – we are going to be an incredible WITNESS for God!
  • 5^th – Full of wisdom… vs. 3
    • And wisdom!
    • FIFTH – a SERVANT is to have WISDOM [σοφία]
    • The problem is there are TWO sources of WISDOM in this life – ABOVE and BELOW…
    • WISDOM from BELOW [earthly] is focused on the things of this life…
    • Believing that the more EDUCATION – more MONEY – more POSSESSIONS we have the better…
    • But in contrast WISDOM from ABOVE [heaven] is focused on being HOLY [ἅγιος]!
    • James 3:15-17 – “Wisdom [that] does not descend from above [is] earthly… but the wisdom that is from above is first [holy].”
    • Put all FIVE qualifications together and we get a good PICTURE of who is called to SERVE…
    • SERVANTS need to come out of the church – so we can see [σκοπός] their FRUIT…
    • FULL of the HOLY Spirit – who gives them WISDOM [σοφία] – SETS them apart [holy] for God…
    • So they can have a GOOD witness [μαρτυρέω – and therefore be a GOOD example for the church!
      

• 4^th – Called to Serve… vs. 5-7
  • 1^st – Seven men… vs. 5
    • Good solution…
      • The saying pleased the whole multitude!
      • The instructions [ὁ λόγος] of the TWELVE pleased the WHOLE [πᾶς] church…
      • Because it was NOT their idea – it came from the WORD [ὁ λόγος]
      • What could have been a DISASTER – division because of DIFFERENCES in the church…
      • Instead became an OPPORTUNITY for the church to raise up new SERVANTS!
    • Steven and Philip…
      • They chose Stephen -a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit!
      • Their FIRST two choices were STEVEN [Στέφανος] – his name mean CROWN [στέφανος]
      • He had the REPUTATION of being FULL [adjective] of FAITH [πίστις]
      • And as a RESULT – he was also FULL of the HOLY Spirit…
      • He would become the first MARTYR of the church because of his WITNESS – Acts 6-7
      • Philip – [Φίλιππος] – lover of horses – became the only man called an EVANGELIST – Acts 21:8
      • Because he would bring the Gospel to Samaria – and a Eunuch – Acts 8
    • Five others…
      • Prochorus [Πρόχορος] – towards [πρό] the chorus [χορός] – perhaps the worship leader
      • Nicanor [Νικάνωρ] – whose name means VICTORIOUS [νικάω]
      • Timon [Τίμων] – whose name means HONORABLE [τιμή]
      • Parmenas [Παρμενᾶς] – whose names mean to [παρά] ABIDE [μένω]
      • Nicolas a proselyte from Antioch [Νικόλαος] – victory [νικάω] for the people [λαός]
      • Although all FIVE of these men are ONLY mentioned here in the Bible…
      • Their names give us some insight into their CHARACTER…
      • Men who WORSHIP – are VICTORIOUS – ABIDE – and are HONORABLE…
      • And do NOT miss – they were NOT just JEWS – Nicolas was a Gentile [proselyte]!
      • When the CHURCH choses men whom the SEE [σκοπός] have a GOOD witness..
      • They end up with SERVANTS who have a GREAT character…
      • And they are DIVERSE – people who come from EVERY walk of life!
  • 2^nd – Anointed… vs. 6
    • Laying Hands…
      • Whom they set before the apostles – and when they had prayed – they laid hands on them!
      • When the SEVEN men the CHURCH had chosen were set before the APOSTLES…
      • They LAID hands [indicative] on them – PRAYING [participle] for them…
      • FIRST time in the Bible we see LAYING on of hands to recognize a CALLING…
      • The purpose was to identify the deacons with the Apostles…
      • Showing the church they had been given the AUTHORITY to be a part of the ministry!
    • Calling of God…
      • It was not to APPOINT – they had been serving BEFORE they laid hands on them…
      • The laying on of hands was to CONFIRM the work God was already doing!
      • Laying hands on someone does not make them a SERVANT…
      • We should ONLY be laying hands on people who are ALREADY doing the work…
      • We laid hands on them to RECOGNIZE [confirm] as a body that they are CALLED!
      • I Timothy 5:22 – “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily.”
  • 3^rd – Multiplication… vs. 7
    • Word spread…
      • Then the word of God spread. The number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem!
      • As a RESULT of there being new SERVANTS in the church…
      • It gave TIME for the APOSTLES to STUDY the WORD and TEACH…
      • Therefore – the WORD of God continued [imperfect] to SPREAD [αὐξάνω]
      • Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes by hearing… the word of God.”
    • Even priests…
      • A great many of the priests were obedient to the faith!
      • MANY of the priests LISTENED [ὑπακούω] and OBEYED [imperfect] the FAITH…
      • The people who had ARRESTED the APOSTLES – Acts 4:1
      • Were now coming to put their FAITH in Jesus! 
      • When the disciples ran to Jesus after being PERSECUTED – the church GREW – Acts 4:4
      • When the believers refused to COMPROMISE – the Lord ADDED to the church – Acts 5:14
      • But because of being able to focus on the WORD – the DISCIPLES [μαθητής] MULTIPLIED!
      • There is nothing quite as wonderful as seeing people step up and help in ministry…
      • There is only so much that ONE man can do – so many hours in ONE day…
      • But as people step up to help out – the work of the ministry EXPANDS…
      • God rarely does a work through just one person – God uses an army!