Preacher: Pastor (Dr) Otive Igbuzor
Text: Act 6: 1-7 Date: 19/5/24
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INTRODUCTION
Multiplication is rapid growth, and it is desirable. It is the plan of God for His children to experience multiplication. But multiplication can generate its own problems. A classical example is the early Church. The early Church in the first three centuries experienced multiplication and miraculous growth.
Act 2: 41… 3,000 men were added
Act 2: 47… Believers were being added daily
Act 4: 4….5,000 men were added.
Act 5: 14… multitudes of men and women were continuing to be added
Act 6: 1… disciples were multiplied.
Problems Arose
As the believers were being multiplied, problems arose over the daily distribution of food. The Hellenistic Jews, who were Greek speaking felt that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food compared to the Hebraic Jews.
Act 6:1-7 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. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. (NIV)
• Note that conversion does not erase all prejudices.
• Note that they did not complain to those in authority. They just murmured. But those in authority heard and took action.
DEALING WITH PROBLEMS
In any human organisation, problems will arise.
Illustration: Story of a person moving from town A to B. When asked about the behaviour of people in town A, he said they are very wicked. He was told that he will meet thesame kind of people in town B. Another person moving from town A to B when asked about the behaviour of people in town A said they are very kind people. He was told that he will meet thesame kind of people in town B.
• In any human organisation, problems will arise. It is important not to dismiss the problems. It is necessary to acknowledge the problem and seek solution.
• The Apostles did not dismiss the complaints. They acknowledged the problem and sought a solution.
- Handling Problems require discernment: The people did not complain directly to those in authority, but they heard and took action.
1 Kings 3: 9 -Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? (KJV) - Handling problems requires fairness: The Apostles demonstrated wisdom by ensuring fairness. They appointed seven men, full of spirit and wisdom to oversee the distribution of food, ensuring that everyone’s needs were met. The people were chosen by the people themselves.
Prov 106: 3 -Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right. (NIV) - Handling problems requires decisiveness: Do not ignore the problem but also do not overreact. Every problem that arises in the Church is an opportunity to do three things:
a. Examine the effectiveness of your system.
b. Exercise faith in the Lord and each other.
c. Express love in the way that we work at the problem. - Handling problems may require delegation: Instead of blaming anyone, the Apostles delegated responsibility (V.3). This reminds us of the advice of Jethro, Moses’ father inlaw
Ex 18:21-23 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” (NIV)
They choose leaders who are qualified
2 Tim 2: 2 -And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (KJV) - Handling problems produce result: After dealing with the problems, unity was restored among the people and there was multiplication.
CHALLENGE
What problem are you facing in your life, workplace or even in the church? Deal with it, ensure fairness. Utilise discernment. Be decisive. The Almighty God will give you result in Jesus name.
CONCLUSION
Multiplication is desirable. Multiplication leads top growth. But multiplication can generate its own problems. When the problems arise, it is necessary to acknowledge the problem and deal with it ensuring fairness. It is important to handle the problems with discernment and decisiveness. It may require delegation and in the final analysis, there will be unity and growth.
PRAYER POINTS
• Father, help us to handle growth with wisdom and fairness.
• Almighty God, May our Church continue to multiply and bring glory to your name.