THE HUB

Structure

Devotional

Have you heard people say, "Christianity is an organized religion?" It's true, but not in the way you might think...In the first six chapters of Acts, you'll see the church grow from 120 to 10,000 disciples! As more people started to follow Jesus, you can see how a complicated set of conditions had to be met within the church. In this lesson, find out more about why biblical structure exists and how it supports the church!

1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a] 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.

ACTS 6:1-6

Questions:

  • What is your biggest takeaway from this passage? Explain why.
  • In verse 2, the Twelve said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of GOd in order to wait on tables.” What are your thoughts or reactions to this quote?
  • What would you say are some ways we cn help support our leaders?
  • How can we help all generations and socioeconomic classes feel valued and ministered to within the church?
  • What can you do, personally, to aid in this?

Practice The Way of Jesus:

Acts chapter 6 teaches us problems large or small can be solved by the leadership of the Holy Spirit and good structure. We must view every problem as an opportunity not only to solve the problem at hand but to expand our ministry by opening more doors of opportunity and windows of ideas. This week, consider the needs in your community group. Seek a structure that could support that need and propose to your community group leaders for their consideration.