In Honor of Those Who Serve and Those Who Give Their Lives for the Cause of Christ
Sermon Notes
1. Elders who serve (6.1-7)
So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.
Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.
But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6.2-4).
2. Deacons who serve (6.1-7)
Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task (6.3).
The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.
And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them (Acts 6.5-6).
3. Martyrs who give their lives (6.8-7.59)
• The message of Stephen
- He spoke full of the Spirit
- He spoke about the promise of God
- He taught that it is not about the land
- Nor is it about Moses and the law
- Nor is it about the tabernacle or the temple
• He died alone as the first martyr of faith in Christ
- He died suddenly at the hand of mob violence
- He died with Saul standing by with approval
- He died with a heart of forgiveness – just like Jesus died
- He died seeing Jesus standing at the right hand of God
Applying the truths to our lives:
1. Are you/am I preoccupied with the church’s success? Are we giving ourselves to the cause of Christ in the way the Spirit calls us to give ourselves?
2. Are we preaching to the choir or are we reaching the lost?
3. Are we serving where God calls us to serve?
4. Do we honor those who serve as God’s servants in keeping the church focused on its priorities?
5. Do we know the Word like Stephen knew it?
6. Do we honor and revere those who give their lives for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ?
7. Do we take our faith seriously - willing to die? Willing to reprioritize our lives and live accordingly?
Review:
The Young Acts 2 Church is Hungry (Acts 2.42-47)
• For God’s Word
• For being with God’s people
• For worship (breaking bread and prayer)
• To be His witnesses
• To give of their resources to support the vision
