“Discipleship Empowerment Keys”!
Title: Given Deacons!
Key Verses: “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; but we ourselves continually to pray and to the ministry of the word”. Acts 6:3-4
Key Background: Acts 6:1-2
- 12 Apostles
- Multitude of disciples
- Challenges concerning the widows and needy
Key Framework / Context:
- Disciples multiplying v1
- Widows being neglected v1
- Servants (deacons) – good reputation – full of Holy Spirit – full of wisdom v3
- Apostles – given to prayer and the ministry of the word v4
- Stephen – full of faith – full of the Holy Spirit v5
- Laying on of hands v6
- Word spread – even priest saved and obedient v7
Key Words:
- Disciples – discipline ones C/R Matt 28:18-20
- Widows - needy C/R Zech 7:10, 1 Tim 5:3, James 1:27
- Deacons - servers C/R 1 Tim 3:8-13
- Apostles – overseers /elders C/R 1 Tim 3:1-7
- Give – physical and spiritually C/R Luke 6:38
Key Discipleship Principle:
Deacons are a gift of God for the church, and they are to be of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit, full of wisdom and willing to serve.
Key Personal Application: (Words to Action)
Do we trust in the ministry of deacons as called of God who are fellow disciples of Christ Jesus? Do we make an effort to support them as they support others in the body of Christ?
Key Prayer Focus for Today: To pray for the work of the ministry of deacons worldwide today and that the church, (the disciples) will choose disciples who will be true deacons.