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Called to Serve

  • A Growing Church…
    • After the SECOND arrest of the APOSTLES – and their REFUSAL to obey men…
    • The RESULT was people were getting saved in RECORD numbers [multiplying]
    • Not just SAVED – they were becoming DISCIPLES [μαθητής] of Jesus…
    • But with that GROWTH came a new PROBLEM – partiality within the church…
    • The enemy wanted to use their differences [language] to try and DIVIDE them!
  • Many hands…
    • The TWELVE – knew they needed to TEACH and PRAY [spiritual ministry]
    • So they asked the DISCIPLES to choose SEVEN men to SERVE [διάκονος] practically…
    • They gave qualifications: from among you – full of the Spirit – good reputation – and wisdom…
    • Because these men would represent both the Church and Jesus Christ!
  • Called to serve…
    • The church chose Steve – Philip – and FIVE other men…
    • The APOSTLES laid hands on them – recognizing their CALLING to the MINISTRY…
    • And the results was the MULTIPLICATION of the ministry…
    • Because there is nothing quite as wonderful as seeing people step up and help in ministry…
    • God rarely does a work through just one person – God uses an army!
  • 1st – Faithful to Jesus… vs. 8
    • 1st – STEPHEN… vs. 8
      • Full of faith…
        • [but] Stephen full of faith!
        • The church had chosen SEVEN men to minister PRACTICALLY…
        • Their purpose was supposed to be helping to feed the WIDOWS – Acts 6:1
        • BUT [δέ] – the word here in the GREEK is meant to give a strong CONTRAST…
        • STEPHEN [Στέφανος] – began to do a LOT more than just help wait on tables…
        • Because he was FULL of faith [πίστις]!
        • Mark 9:23 – “All things are possible to him who believes [πίστις].”
        • We might ask what are the LIMITS of what God can do in our lives…
        • Does He only do GREAT works through really TALENTED people…
        • As it turns out the answer NO – God is NOT limited by our ABILITIES…
        • The only things the HOLDS back His work in our life – is our FAITH…
        • Because although there is NOTHING HE cannot do – He will NOT force us to do ANYTHING…
        • If we want to see God AMAZING works in our lives – all we have to do is ASK…
        • Mind you – if we ask for the WRONG things [lots of money] – then He will NOT answer…
        • But if we ask to be FILLED with the Spirit – that is a prayer God loves to respond to!
        • James 4:2-3 – “You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive because you ask [for the wrong things]!”
      • Filled with Power…
        • And [he was filled with] power!
        • As a RESULT of his FAITH – God filled STEPHEN with His POWER [δύναμις]
        • This was NOT human power – this was the POWER of the Spirit…
        • We were told – STEPHEN was a man who was full of the SPIRIT – Acts 6:5
        • Acts 1:8 – “You shall receive power [δύναμις] when the Holy Spirit has come upon you!”
        • There are THREE prepositions that are used to define the WORK of the SPIRIT…
        • PARA [παρά] – the Spirit comes ALONGSIDE and convicts the world of their SIN – John 16:8
        • EN [ἐν] – the Spirit comes and lives INSIDE of the believer – I Corinthians 6:19
        • EPI [ἐπί] – the Spirit comes UPON the believer to give them POWER!
        • If someone gave us brand new car – title and key [nice gift]
        • But when we got in and pushed the button [fancy] – nothing happened [no gas]
        • If we do NOT have gas – then the car will NOT move very fast [push it down the road]
        • Yet that is how many believers live their lives – they lack POWER [and are exhausted]!
        • The THIRD aspect of the ministry of the Holy Spirit is the often misunderstood…
        • It can be called the BAPTISM of the Spirit – being FILLED with the Spirit…
        • What it describes is something that happens AFTER salvation…
        • Giving us the POWER [δύναμις] of God – so we can be do great WONDERS for Jesus…
        • And all we have do to is ASK – and God will FILL up our gas tank – Luke 11:13
      • Great wonders…
        • [Therefore he] did great wonders and signs among the people!
        • Because STEPHEN was full of FAITH [πίστις] – and asked to be FILLED with the SPIRIT…
        • Giving him the POWER [δύναμις] of God – he KEPT [imperfect] doing GREAT wonders…
        • GREAT [μέγας] wonders [σημεῖον] – the word can be translated as MIRACLES…
        • Interesting we are NOT told what those MIRACLES were – NO mention of HEALINGS…
        • Instead we are told the MIRACLES were done in [ἐν] the people…
        • I think the MIRACLES of STEPHEN were the salvation of those he shared the GOSPEL with!
        • Jesus told His DISCIPLES – they would do GREATER works than He did – John 14:12
        • But what is GREATER than healing the blind – or RAISING the dead!
        • The problem with HEALING – is that people will get SICK again…
        • Even if someone comes back from the DEAD – they will still DIE [Lazarus is not with us today]
        • The GREATEST miracle that we can be a part of – is seeing people come to Jesus…
        • When we have FAITH – and are FILLED – we will have POWER to be BOLD for Jesus…
        • And see the MIRACLE of lost SINNERS being given new life!
    • 2nd – Using our gifts…
      • For God…
        • Before we can move on to see the details of HOW God used STEPHEN…
        • We need to take a look at HOW a man who WAITED tables – became a POWERFUL leader…
        • STEPHEN was given certain TALENTS – and he CHOSE to use them for the Lord!
        • I do NOT give up easily – when I use that selfishly you would call me STUBBORN…
        • That same trait when used for God – becomes PRESERVICE…
        • It is the same GIFT – but when used for the right purpose – it becomes a blessing!
        • God has given to each one of us certain ABILITIES – areas where we are GIFTED…
        • We do NOT choose these gifts – they are GIVEN to us by God – Romans 12:6
        • Too often we take these TALENTS – and use them for selfish purposes…
        • But we will NEVER become what God desires until we give our GIFTS to bless others!
        • I Peter 4:10 – “As each one has received a gift minister it to one another.”
      • Different Talents…
        • When Jesus gave the PARABLE of the FAITHFUL servant – Matthew 25:14-30
        • The MASTER gave DIFFERENT gifts to His SERVANTS [five – two – and one]
        • When the MASTER came to take an account of His SERVANTS…
        • The Lord said [imperfect] to the one who had been FAITHFUL [πιστός] over a FEW things…
        • He would [future] set him over [καθίστημι] MANY things – Matthew 25:20
        • We often get caught up in WHAT our GIFT[s] are – comparing them to OTHERS…
        • Where what we should be doing is just USING whatever GIFT[s] we have for God…
        • Because when we are FAITHFUL to use our GIFTS for God – He give us greater opportunities!
    • 3rd – Day of small things …
      • Humble beginnings…
        • Being a SERVANT [διάκονος] was NOT a high position [like being a janitor]
        • But through his position – STEPHEN learned HUMILITY…
        • And he learned NOT to give up – he learned to be FAITHFUL even in the little things!
        • A lot of people will say they WANT to be used by God…
        • Only to be handed a broom – or asked to take out the trash…
        • And they walk away – because they think those jobs are beneath them [not humble]
        • Or they ask to SERVE – and start out with a LOT of excitement…
        • But after a few weeks they start to show up late – leave the work unfinished [not faithful]
        • I have noted TWO traits on the people God uses…
        • They are HUMILITY – there is no task too small for them to do…
        • And they are FAITHFUL – they finish what they started!
      • Do not despise…
        • God did NOT do MIRACLES through STEPHEN his FIRST day on the job…
        • STEPHEN spent a lot of time wiping tables – taking out the trash…
        • But because he was FAITHFUL – he had proven he could handle more…
        • And so God began to do more and more AMAZING things through his life!
        • When I first started serving in church – it was NOT teaching Bible studies…
        • I began serving by taking out the trash – sweeping up after service…
        • But the longer I was around – the more opportunities I was given to serve!
        • God does not promote us right to a position of responsibility…
        • When we are FAITHFUL in the LITTLE things – then the Lord gives us MORE!
        • Zechariah 4:10 – Do not despise small beginnings – the LORD rejoices to see the work begin.”
  • 2nd – Bold for Jesus… vs. 9-15
    • 1st – Defending the faith… vs. 9-10
      • Freedmen… vs. 9
        • Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen.
        • [Cyrenians – Alexandrians – and those from Cilicia and Asia]!
        • STEPHEN was filled with the SPIRIT and POWER – doing MIRACLES…
        • BUT [δέ] there were certain JEWS from one particular SYNAGOGUE [Jewish church]
        • FREEDMEN [Λιβερτῖνος] – men who had been SLAVES – but had been set free…
        • They were from Cyrene [Libya] – Alexandria [Egypt] – Cilicia and Asia minor [Turkey]!
        • There are several theories as to WHO these men were…
        • But most hold they were either GENTILE slaves set FREE by converting to Judaism…
        • Or JEWISH slaves who spoke GREEK – that had been set FREE!
      • Reaching out… vs. 9
        • Disputing with Stephen!
        • STEPHEN had a GREEK name – ministered to GREEK widows in the church…
        • Making him a THREAT – because he was willing to share with ANYONE…
        • He had no problem reaching out to a Greek speaking Jewish synagogue!
        • We should be willing to reach out others – DIFFERENT people – with the Gospel…
        • We do NOT expect people to become like us – we are willing to go to them!
        • I Corinthians 9:22 – “I have become all things to all men that I might save some.”
      • Wisdom of God… vs. 10
        • They were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke!
        • These FREE men – kept asking [present] questions [συζητέω] of STEPHEN…
        • The suggestion is that they were trying to find ERRORS in the Gospel message…
        • But they were NOT [οὐ] able to stand against [ἀνθίστημι] his WISDOM [σοφία]
        • Because as he SPOKE [imperfect] he was full of the SPIRIT [τῷ πνεύματι]!
        • The world thinks they are FREE – but they are BLIND to the TRUTH…
        • It does NOT matter if they are trusting in a RELIGION…
        • Or if they reject RELIGION – and embrace HUMANISM [there is no God]
        • What they cannot SEE – is that they are still in BONDAGE to SIN – Romans 6:16
        • As we are FILLED with the SPIRIT – we are ready to give them the ANSWER…
        • Because our WORDS are NOT our own – we are NOT sharing our OPINION…
        • Through the POWER of the SPIRIT – we are sharing the TRUTH – John 17:17
        • And the world has NO answers – when they are confronted with the WISDOM [σοφία] of God!
        • Matthew 10:20 – “It is not you who speak but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.”
    • 2nd – Liars… vs. 11-13
      • Blasphemy… vs. 11
        • Then they secretly induced men to say:
        • We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God!
        • Because these FREED men could NOT win their debate with STEPHEN – they cheated…
        • The BRIBED [ὑποβάλλω] men to LIE about him saying:
        • STEPHEN had BLASPHEMED Moses and God!
        • This was NOT something new – it had been done long before…
        • When a man called Naboth refused to sell his vineyard to wicked king Ahaz – I Kings 21:3
        • The king hired WICKED men who lied and had Naboth killed for BLASPHEMING God…
        • But it did NOT turn out well for Ahaz – he got the land – but God was NOT happy!
        • I Kings 21:19 – “Thus says the LORD: Have you murdered and also taken possession!”
      • Arrested… vs. 12
        • They stirred up the people – the elders – and the scribes.
        • And they came upon him – seized him – and brought him to the council!
        • These FREED men TORE [root συγκινέω] into the PEOPLE – ELDERS – and SCRIBES…
        • Making them panic that STEPHEN was a THREAT that had to be immediately addressed…
        • So they came and violently arrested [root ἁρπάζω] him…
        • And brought STEPHEN before the SANHEDRIN [συνέδριον]!
        • This was NOT something new – it had been done to the Apostles…
        • They had been teaching the people in the Temple when they were ARRESTED – Acts 5:26
      • False witnesses… vs. 13
        • They also set up false witnesses who said:
        • This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law!
        • They prepared [ἵστημι] men to LIE [μάρτυρας ψευδεῖς] about STEPHEN to the SANHEDRIN…
        • Saying – he would NOT stop speaking BLASPHEMY against [κατά] the Temple and the Law!
        • This was NOT something new – it had been done to Jesus – Matthew 26:59-60
        • The SANHEDRIN had sought LIARS so they could condemn Him to death!
        • As it turns out – the ENEMIES of God have always tried to silence His messengers…
        • The problem is that the world LOVES [ἀγαπάω] the darkness – John 3:19
        • The same LOVE [ἀγαπάω] that God has for us – the world has for SIN…
        • Therefore they will do ANYTHING to stop the MESSAGE – turn off the LIGHT – John 15:18
    • 3rd – Half truths… vs. 14
      • Destroy the temple…
        • We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place!
        • The LIARS made TWO accusation against STEPHEN…
        • FIRST – they had heard him say – Jesus will [future] DESTROY the TEMPLE…
        • No doubt STEPHEN had been talking about [past] the RESURRECTION of Jesus!
        • The LIE was very subtle – Jesus did say He had POWER [Δύναμαι] to DESTROY the TEMPLE…
        • And He would rebuild it in THREE days – but He was talking about His body – John 2:21
        • But Stephen was NOT talking about something Jesus WOULD [future] do…
        • He was talking about something Jesus had ALREADY [past] done!
      • Change customs…
        • [He will also] change the customs which Moses delivered to us!
        • SECOND – they heard STEPHEN say Jesus had FULFILLED the Law…
        • He was had NOT come to CHANGE it – HE came to CHANGE us!
        • Matthew 5:17 – “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”
        • The LIE again was very subtle – what Jesus taught did seem to CHANGE the LAW…
        • He was saying NO one could ever been GOOD enough – Romans 3:20
        • Jesus was the ONLY one who was ever able to keep ALL of the law [fulfilled]
        • But then the ONLY one who ever EARNED heaven – choose to DIE in our place…
        • So that ANYONE could be SAVED – not by the LAW – but by GRACE!
        • II Corinthians 5:21 – “God made Christ – who never sinned – to be the offering for our sin so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
      • Twisting words…
        • We have an ENEMY know knows how to TWIST the Word…
        • The very FIRST question in the Bible – is the snake asking – did God say – Genesis 3:1
        • Only to then go on MISQUOTE what God said to Adam and Eve [every tree]
        • He quoted from Psalm 91 when tempting Jesus on the Temple mount – Luke 4:10
        • I had a young man come up to meet this week…
        • He was reading Christian book that had some questionable content…
        • His justification was the author was quoting the Bible – I responded – so did satan!
        • That is why it is so IMPORTANT that we KNOW our Bibles…
        • Our enemy is subtle and cunning – he loves to give HALF truths…
        • They might sound right – and if we are NOT careful – we can be deceived…
        • Get into the Word – VERIFY what is being said – KNOW the whole TRUTH!
        • Acts 17:11 – “Search the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things [are] so.”
    • 4th – Message from God… vs. 15
      • All who sat in the council – looking steadfastly at him – saw his face as the face of an angel!
      • As the WHOLE [πᾶς] counsel [συνέδριον] STARED [ἀτενίζω] STEPHEN…
      • They SAW that his face looked like an ANGEL…
      • ANGEL [ἄγγελος] – the word means MESSENGER [of God]
      • Because Steven was about the give them a WORD they would NEVER forget – Acts 7
      • It would be so POWERFUL – that they would KILL him just to make him stop!
      • The world does NOT want to hear the TRUTH – they prefer the LIE…
      • But God sends us out into the WORLD as His MESSENGERS [ἄγγελος]
      • Because there is only ONE hope – ONE way to be saved…
      • And God LOVES the world too much to let them believe the LIE…
      • God wants us to be BOLD for Him – and share the GOOD news with EVERYONE!

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