Resolving Issues in a Christian's Life Acts 6

6:1 – “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.” 6:2 – “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.” 6:3 – “Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.”

Acts 6 6:4 – “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 6:5 – “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. 6:6 – “These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

Acts 6 6:7 – “And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” 6:8 – “And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.” 6:9 – “Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it is called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen.”

Acts 6 6:10 – “But they could not withstand the wisdom and Spirit with which he was speaking.” 6:11 – “Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 6:12 – “And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council,

Acts 6 6:13 – “and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law,” 6:14 – “for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” 6:15 – And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw his face was like the face of an angel.”

Issues Will Arise Among Believers in the Church Verse 1 – The Hellenist widows were being neglected Hellenists – Greek speaking Jews who had returned from being exiled and had been Greek ways Needs of widows being met – Biblical principles in 1 st Timothy 5 Issues are going to come

To Resolve Issues, Focus on Prayer and God’s Word Verse 2,4 – devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word The issue didn’t stop the church from praying and teaching God’s word As a church focuses on prayer and God’s Word, it leads to the people in the church doing the same Stay focused on the main thing

To Resolve Issues, Handle in a Godly and Mature Way Verse 3 – Godly and mature believers are: – Of good repute – Full of the Holy Spirit – Full of wisdom When facing an issue, ask yourself – Am I handling this in a godly and mature wway?

To Resolve Issues, Use Spiritual Gifts Appropriately Verses 3-6 The apostles taught and shepherded Those with the gift of serving were chosen to serve When people served, using their gifts in the appropriate area, the issue resolved itself 1 st deacons in the church? You have a place!!!

Issues Will Arise For Believers Outside the Church Verses 8-18 Stephen is falsely accused, men lie against him, and he is arrested. Stephen still handled this issue in a godly and mature way Believers will face issues outside the church with unbelievers

Issues will come into a believers life: – Focus on prayer and God’s word – Handle in a godly and mature way – Serve and use your gifts in the correct way Verse 7 – the church grew Growing Together – we grow together as believers in the church as we handle issues that arise according to these Biblical principles