SCRIPTURE: Acts 6
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. [John 15:5]
It is so important that we distinguish between the root and the fruit.
The root is the source of life, the fruit is the result of life.
The fruit of the Spirit is not restricted to the 9 mentioned examples in Galatians 5:22-23].
Any good effort, any character quality, any ministry success, is a fruit of the Spirit if it is rooted in Jesus.
The strategy developed by the apostles to care for the widows is a good example of good fruit.
It is a great way to demonstrate the love of Jesus.
Unfortunately, many times people try to turn fruit into roots; unless your church sets up your ministry exactly like this, it will fail.
We turn cultural patterns into eternal principles.
Every Jesus-follower and every church must seek to remain in Jesus, connected to His life, His love, His purpose.
The Spirit will then manifest Himself through us in unique and wonderful ways.
Each of us is different, so the fruit of the Spirit will take different forms among us.
Of course there are common patterns, but there are infinitely more patterns than we realize.
It’s interesting to consider those selected to care for the needs of the widows: they were looking for men full of the Spirit and wisdom [Acts 6:3].
Stephen is said to be full of faith [Acts 6:5] and of grace and power [Acts 6:8].
These were qualities that he was especially noted to have.
This does not make the others lesser than him, just different.
The Spirit gifts each person uniquely!
I need to root myself in God through Jesus, spending time with Him in prayer and the bible – opening my heart, confessing my sin, seeking His will, committing myself to His purpose.
As I do, the Spirit overflows in me, to the point where people see in us the reflection of His glory, like the face of an angel!
The root is our connection to Jesus, the fruit is however that life manifests itself, personally and publicly.
For churches, this means focusing first on seeking God, not just establishing programs.
A program cannot bear fruit apart from Christ.
It doesn’t matter what church structures are in place, or what programs are adopted – if we are not connected to Christ, they will not work.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me and my church to be rooted in You. May we bear much fruit!
As the believers grew, complaints among them also appeared how some widows were being overlooked. As the number of believers grew so did the challenges of God’s ministry – and tasks were assigned – the ministry of the Word and those who wait on tables. The men were filled with the Spirit.
God blessed the ministry and also provided the means that it could grow. The disciples could not manage all that was happening by themselves and needed help and help they received. Reminds me of Moses, discharged some of his responsibilities so that he could carry out his task. The Spirit moves in mighty ways. Even a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
God’s Spirit was at work and His people were connected to Him and He blessed them and they grew. I too need to be Spirit led in all I do and say spending time with Him in prayer so that my ministry also may take hold. This is true for all God’s children – faithful service – obedient service – walking with their God in all they do and say. GodPower. It is God Who gives His people strength.
1. God gives His people strength.
If we believe in His way, He’s swift to repay
All those who bear the burden of the day
God gives His people strength.
2. God gives His people hope
If we but trust in His word, our prayers are always heard
He warmly welcomes anyone who’s erred.
God gives His people hope.
3. God gives His people love
If we but open wide our hearts, He’s sure to do His part
He’s always the first to make a start.
God gives His people love.
4. God gives His people peace.
When sorrow fills us to the brim, and courage grows dim
He lays to rest our restlessness in Him.
God gives His people peace