community group discussion guide

For the City

Acts 6:1-7
(2/2/25)

introduction

We are continuing our sermon series called “For the City.” We began in Jeremiah 29 with God’s instructions to his people about how to live in exile while in the city of Babylon: they were to move in yet stay distinct, work for its flourishing yet hope for God’s redemption, and recognize God’s providence even in a foreign land. This is how God, through his people, intends to bring shalom to the city.

In the Book of Acts, we again see God leading his people to serve the city, and to “increase in number there; do not decrease” (Jeremiah 29:6). As the New Testament church ministered God’s “complete healing” (Acts 3:16) in both word and deed, the “word of God spread [and] the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly” (Acts 6:7). While last week we focused on word and deed ministry that serves the city, this week we focus on word and deed ministry that serves the church. As needs arise and troubles come, God does not bring in outside experts or consultants. Instead, God reveals spiritual gifts and leaders who are already “among you” and who become essential sharers of the gospel, with the result that the church continues to grow and spread not merely in Jerusalem, but throughout the world.

opening question

 
If you currently volunteer or lead at church in any capacity, what is your favorite part of your role? If you do not currently serve, what do you most appreciate about those who do?

read Acts 6:1-7 (NIV)

1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 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 and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Take a few moments to reflect on the Scripture. Share some insights, questions, or points that strike you. Then read what follows.

problem

Acts 6 opens with a major problem facing the young New Testament church. A perfect storm of circumstances and challenges results in complaining that has eerie echoes of Israel’s experience in the wilderness. Then, as now, we see a problem with food, complaints dividing the community, and a threat to God’s mission for his people. The problems here in Acts 6 are real: there is a language and a cultural barrier between the Hellenistic (or Greek) and the Hebraic (or Palestinian) Jews, there are oversights that have become personal, and it is happening in a growing and diversifying community. But, just as in the wilderness, God miraculously provides. Just as the Israelites in the desert wake up to find manna covering the ground, so the early church finds its crucial leaders right there in pews, so to speak. How can this problem in Acts 6 help us to think about our problems in the church today? And, more importantly, how can it help us seek God’s solutions?

“God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things in the lives of others…God never intended us to simply be the objects of his love. We are also called to be instruments of that love in the lives of others.”

— Paul David Tripp

  1. What are all of the challenges and problems facing the church in verses 1 and 2?
  1. Whose needs are typically overlooked inside our church, and why do you think this is?
  1. What would it look like for us, and for Redeemer West Side, to trust that God has already provided “from among you” all the gifts and skills that we need to serve each other?

opportunity

This formative event in the early church allows us to see not only God’s provision of leaders who serve but also a renewed focus on “prayer and the ministry of the word” (v. 4). The leaders who serve are a diverse group of men whose names suggest that some were Hellenistic Jews, some were Hebraic Jews, and at least one was a Gentile (Nicolas from the Syrian town of Antioch). Philip, helpfully, was bilingual in Aramaic and Greek. And in the next few chapters, Stephen’s preaching will catalyze both persecution and a movement out of Jerusalem and into the Gentile world, which is led by Philip and others. God not only resolves a cultural conflict over food distribution, but does so in a way that opens the doors for all people to come into the church. And it was all because the church answered the call to serve.

Interestingly, the word behind “wait on” tables and “ministry” of the word is the same word, and that word is diakonia, or “serving.” The implication is that all Christians are, and are called to be, servers. Word and deed go together in both public ministry and church relationships. This is especially true of Jesus Christ. He was continually healing, providing food, and even raising the dead, right alongside preaching, teaching, rebuking, and inviting. And one of his main identities was as a servant. “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” (Mark 10:45).

“Gifts of God’s Spirit equip believers to serve others, whether through spoken words that declare God’s truth or through serving deeds that display God’s compassion.”

— Dennie E. Johnson

  1. What does it mean for us that Jesus identifies as a servant? If you have time, read and discuss Philippians 2:5-11.
  1. Have you ever asked God to show you what gifts you have, and where to use them?
  1. How can we pray for each other as we consider the ways we already serve or ways in which we might start serving?

announcements

  • Sunday, February 9 | Membership Class, 1:15-2:30 pm
    This is a pre-requisite class for becoming a church member. This class is strongly encouraged of anyone who considers RWS as their “home church.”
  • Sunday, February 9 | Souper Bowl Party, 5:45 pm (kickoff at 6:30pm)
    Bring friends, family, and canned soup to donate to neighbors in need – it’s going to be a great Super Bowl viewing party at W83! Please RSVP in advance to help with our refreshments planning.
  • Sunday, March 2 | Save the Date for CG Leader Huddle, 1:15-2:30 pm

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

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