I.        Introduction.

                              A.            There was a problem in the Jerusalem church.

1.       It arose because of the needs of some of the Christian widows needs were not adequately met.

                              B.            Those neglected were identified as Hellenistic Jews.

1.       These were Jews who had immigrated to Jerusalem from Gentile areas outside of Jerusalem.

2.       Hebrew would not have been their first language and their life styles would also have differed from the native Jews of Jerusalem.

3.       Native Jews would have looked at them as second class and so the needs of these widows would have been less important to them.

4.       There is no place in the church for attitudes like this.

                              C.            The Apostles dealt with the problem and the Church benefited.

1.       With effective leadership the church can overcome problems and continue to prosper spiritually.

II.      The Church Benefits from Effective Leadership.

                              A.            The Apostles clearly took the lead. Act.6:2

1. Formulated a plan.

2. Summoned the congregation.

1.       Communicated the plan to everyone.

3.  Designated the number of men to be chosen.

1.       Set the qualifications. V.3

4. Gave final approval of those men.

                              B.            Apostles do not simply dictate to the congregation everything they are to do. 1 Pet.5:3

                              C.            Qualified men are to serve as Elders. 1 Tim.3:1-7; Tit.1:6-9

1. They must show the same leadership.

2. They must deal with problems directly like the Apostles did.

1.       Formulated a plan.

2.       Communicated the plan to the congregation.

3.       Allow the congregation to be involved.

4.       Give the final approval.

III.       The Church Benefits from Willing followers. Col. 3:12-16

                              A.            The people followed the plan set forth by the Apostles.

1. “The statement found approval with the whole congregation” v.5.

2. All the diverse groups agreed.

                              B.            Some Churches today the complaining would have continued.

1.  They would question the qualifications as stated by the Apostles.

2. They would question why those seven and not others.

3. Philippians 2:14  Do all things without complaining and disputing,

4. (Romans 14:1 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 

                              C.            Great things can be accomplished when people respect the authority of their leaders.

1. And working together without selfish ambition or rivalry.

IV.       The Church benefits from keeping focused on the work at hand.

                              A.            Apostles did not allow this issue to distract them from their God-given mission.

1. They were careful to continue the “ministry of the word” v.4

2. The problem could have consumed all their energy

3. What a shame it would have been if the distribution of food would have kept the lost from hearing the gospel.

                              B.            The devil will not sit idly by if things are going well in a Church. 2 Cor.11:14-15; 2 Thes.2:9-12

1. He will do his best to disrupt the advancement of the Gospel.

2. Don’t be misleading about his abilities to deceive and distract us.

                              C.            Church will be grow even when enduring adversity.

1. Acts 4:4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

2.  Acts 6:1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there..

3. Acts 6:7 then the word of Gd spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priest were obedient to the faith.

V.                  Conclusion.

                              A.            The church will be able to overcome problems if:

1.  We have effective Elders.

2. We are willing to submit and follow them.

3. We stay focused on our mission and not our selfs.

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