Summary: - Tremendous growth always begins with a problem Acts 6:1 NIV In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. - Growth always brings a new set of challenges - The beginning of every solution is found in the creation of a common language 1 Corinthians 1:10 NKJV Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. Speaking Thinking Judging (Evaluation) Acts 6:2-6 NIV 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. 4 We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word. 5 This proposal pleased the whole group... 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. Matthew 4:17 NIV From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is near." Matthew 4:18-20 NIV 18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 "Come, follow Me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20 At once they left their nets and followed Him. Problem Vocabulary Servant Leaders God always tests the humility of every person He expects to use in a more significant way 1 Peter 5:5 NIV ... All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Acts 6:7 KJV And the Word of God increased... Matthew 4:23 NIV Jesus went through all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 1 Peter 5:5 NIV ... All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. - When we resist what God sees in us, we are not being humble- we are manifesting pride Judges 6:12, 15 NIV 12 When the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." 15 "But Lord," Gideon asked, "How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." - As you go, you will grow! Acts 6:7 NIV So the Word of God spread (increased). The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Matthew 4:24-25 NIV 24 News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering with severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed and He healed them. 25 Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across Jordan followed Him. Problem Vocabulary Servant-Leaders The Word of God increases The number of disciples multiplies
