Week 3: Serve and Scatter
Fear can silence Christians, but God calls us to boldly proclaim the gospel in every circumstance, no matter the outcome.
Watch Session 3
The road to this point in the book of Acts has not been easy. As Louie said in the video, the incline of the early church’s path was steep, and things did not improve in Acts 6–7. But these chapters give us a picture of service and a model of faith we should aspire to. Let’s start our discussion by thinking through the spiritual high points in our lives.
For many of us, the most spiritually gratifying moments of our lives are in the good times with friends, family, in worship, or prayerful solitude with God. They are emboldening moments when our calling feels sure. Despite the difficult circumstances the church was experiencing in Acts 2–5, the people of God were seeing signs and wonders, witnessing miraculous movements of God’s Spirit, and were increasing in number. Their lives weren’t peaceful, but they were experiencing God’s power.
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the apostles appointed seven men to oversee the distribution of food. But this was not the first time these men served the church. Like the apostles, they were “full of the Spirit” and “men of good reputation.” In other words, they were visible figures of high character in the church and already active evangelists.
The men chosen to serve in Acts 6 were already serving God and his people before they were given special appointments by the disciples. In our culture, the church can feel like a place we go to receive spiritual fulfillment. We want a service that gives us good music, good preaching, and good production quality. But the early church saw their church service differently. Instead of looking to receive, they searched for ways to give their lives to the church.
In what ways could a service mindset change the ways we interact with our church on Sundays and throughout the week?
Please answer in the comments section
It is very unlikely that we will be persecuted like Stephen. We may never be persecuted for our faith at all. Even so, we quickly give into fear and close our mouths when opposed or even when we are afraid we might be opposed for talking about Jesus.
Opposition, persecution, and a brutal death did not stop Stephen from spreading the gospel. The only thing that could have stopped the gospel from being preached was if Stephen gave into fear and closed his mouth. No matter your circumstances, no matter who you are with, boldly proclaim Christ like Stephen. You never know how God might use your courage to change lives.