KEEPING THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT

Acts 6:1 – “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.”

In 1906, revival broke out in Los Angeles, California, under the leadership of an African American Pastor named William Seymore.

The Azusa Street Revival was intergenerational, multicultural, and international, even in a time of intense segregation and while all the Jim Crow laws of the time were in effect.

Matthew 12:25 – “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.”

Ephesians 4:3 (NLT) – “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”

In Acts 6, the enemy is trying to bring division in the early church between the Hebrews and the Hellenists.

Hebrews – Jewish believers in Jesus who grew up in Israel, read the Bible in Hebrew, and spoke Aramaic.

Hellenists – Jewish believers in Jesus who had lived in other countries, spoke Greek, and read the Bible in Greek.

Acts 6:1 – “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.”

The leaders of the early church made three choices that helped them overcome the spirit of division. The Holy Spirit wants to help us make those same three choices today.

 

1. CHOOSE TO FACE CONFLICT

The apostles faced the conflict, they heard the complaint, and they took action.

Steps to Healthy Conflict Resolution:

a. Pick a time and sit down together.

b. Let people share their heart.

c. Listen to one another’s concerns. (James 1:19)

d. Choose to ask for forgiveness and to forgive.

e. Take action to change.

Acts 6:2 – “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.’”

Acts 6:3 – “Therefore brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”

 

2. CHOOSE TO EMPOWER OTHERS

Acts 6:3b – “…whom we may appoint over this business.”

The apostles realized they had to delegate ministry, authority, and responsibility to others in the Body of Christ.

John Maxwell – The Law of Empowerment

“Secure leaders empower others.” – John Maxwell 

In 1903, Henry Ford wanted to build a motorcar for the multitudes.

We want to empower people in ministry for the Glory of God.

Ephesians 4:12 – “For the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ.”

 

3. CHOOSE TO SERVE

Acts 6:5 – “And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.”

Acts 6:6 – “Whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.”

Delegation leads to multiplication!

Acts 6:7 – “Then the Word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.”

Every believer is called to be a minister of Jesus Christ.

Every minister is a servant.

Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

We want to invite you to serve the Lord, reach the harvest, and advance the Kingdom with us.

 

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your response to conflict? Do you avoid it, or do you face it and work through it?

2. How has your past affected the way you react to conflict?

3. What were some of the steps the apostles took that helped them work through conflict in a healthy way?

4. Are you surprised that there was conflict in the early church? Why or why not?

5. Do you struggle with delegation? Have you ever asked why?

6. What area of service in the local church do you sense the Lord calling you to step into?