WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.400 So, tonight we're beginning a new series, a short series on deacons. 00:00:09.800 --> 00:00:17.280 I didn't advertise it, in that I wasn't sure how attractive it would be to come to a sermon series on deacons. 00:00:18.400 --> 00:00:26.580 And yet, I do think, having got you here by stealth, it is a really, really important topic for us as a church family. 00:00:26.579 --> 00:00:33.359 There's no crisis, there's no problem with the deacons, we're really thankful for the deacons that we do have. 00:00:33.439 --> 00:00:39.560 I've not preached on deacons before, but we recognise that within the church leadership, the elders and the deacons, 00:00:39.700 --> 00:00:44.939 we've had three elders in this past year, two have gone back to America, two older elders, 00:00:45.820 --> 00:00:48.159 Czech and Paul Miners, and then Chris Roberts has moved to Ilford. 00:00:48.259 --> 00:00:51.920 So, we're aware that we're a little bit depleted on the eldership. 00:00:51.920 --> 00:00:58.140 And so, we want to think, as a church family, just a bit about church leadership and about elders and deacons, 00:00:58.840 --> 00:01:01.840 and how we're governed as a church family. 00:01:04.159 --> 00:01:05.980 Deacons, what does the word deacon mean? 00:01:07.700 --> 00:01:09.780 It's not a word that we use, is it, kind of out there? 00:01:09.859 --> 00:01:12.820 People don't talk about deacons in your workplace, I would have thought. 00:01:13.359 --> 00:01:15.640 It's a Greek word, and it's a Greek word for servant. 00:01:16.840 --> 00:01:17.900 It's really simple, what it means. 00:01:17.900 --> 00:01:20.540 A deacon is a servant. 00:01:22.800 --> 00:01:25.640 The greatest deacon that has ever lived is the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:01:28.120 --> 00:01:34.560 The Lord Jesus came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom. 00:01:35.700 --> 00:01:37.140 The Lord Jesus is the greatest deacon. 00:01:38.460 --> 00:01:43.219 And every Christian is a deacon with a small d, because we're all servants of the servant, aren't we? 00:01:44.520 --> 00:01:46.880 Every single one of us is a servant. 00:01:47.900 --> 00:01:55.040 And yet, we believe that the New Testament teaches that there are two permanent offices in Christ's church. 00:01:56.400 --> 00:02:01.400 That is, offices that continue in every local body of God's people through all time. 00:02:02.120 --> 00:02:05.140 There is the elder, and there is the deacon. 00:02:06.180 --> 00:02:08.259 The New Testament talks about apostles, doesn't it? 00:02:08.300 --> 00:02:11.319 And it talks about prophets, and evangelists. 00:02:11.319 --> 00:02:16.039 And we don't believe that those are offices that continue today. 00:02:16.120 --> 00:02:18.379 You might have questions on the last one about evangelists. 00:02:19.120 --> 00:02:26.239 But I do want to say, particularly with apostles and prophets, they obviously existed for one specific period. 00:02:26.240 --> 00:02:29.379 In the early years of the Christian church. 00:02:30.080 --> 00:02:34.680 If you look at your New Testament, there is a development within the New Testament. 00:02:35.000 --> 00:02:37.379 1 Corinthians is an early book in the New Testament. 00:02:38.680 --> 00:02:46.219 And then later on, a number of years later, you have the pastoral epistles, which really give us the foundations of how our church should be governed. 00:02:46.219 --> 00:02:50.439 And you'll see, as you go through the New Testament, there is a progression. 00:02:51.240 --> 00:02:54.060 There are certain things which are prominent at certain times. 00:02:54.599 --> 00:02:56.139 Which were for that period. 00:02:57.280 --> 00:03:04.199 And as you come to the pastoral epistles, you'll find that there is a more ordinary pattern of church life. 00:03:04.199 --> 00:03:11.019 And so in the first year of those early churches, in Ephesians 2.20, it describes the apostles and the prophets. 00:03:11.439 --> 00:03:12.000 What are they? 00:03:12.099 --> 00:03:14.119 They are the foundation of the Christian church. 00:03:15.359 --> 00:03:19.219 They are the foundation on which the rest of the church was built. 00:03:20.239 --> 00:03:22.079 You have one foundation in your house. 00:03:23.739 --> 00:03:30.359 And after the foundation is put in place, and the building goes up, you don't keep putting in the foundation. 00:03:30.360 --> 00:03:38.540 Evangelists in the New Testament, they seem to have had a specific roving mission in the early church. 00:03:39.560 --> 00:03:42.480 They weren't limited to one congregation. 00:03:42.960 --> 00:03:49.820 And there's lots of debate, and lots of people get really angry when you say, maybe that office hasn't continued. 00:03:50.880 --> 00:03:54.820 And I wouldn't want to argue that firmly on either way, whether that role continues. 00:03:54.819 --> 00:04:05.139 But whatever the case with those offices, I think you'll find that everyone agrees that the two offices that do continue, 00:04:05.799 --> 00:04:08.439 in all places at all time, are the elder and the deacon. 00:04:09.819 --> 00:04:13.479 And you might think, well, this is not going to bring the numbers in on a Sunday night, is it? 00:04:14.620 --> 00:04:16.759 This isn't kind of box office preaching. 00:04:16.759 --> 00:04:30.259 But I hope what we're going to see together is that the office of the deacon is a wonderful, gracious, exciting, Christ-exalting provision. 00:04:31.819 --> 00:04:34.839 And so I want us to look at the kind of origin of the deacon. 00:04:35.439 --> 00:04:40.139 I want us to think of it in two perspectives, one really broad and general, and then one specific. 00:04:40.139 --> 00:04:47.319 And so the origin of the diaconate roots itself in the character of God. 00:04:49.079 --> 00:04:52.759 The diaconate has its origin most broadly in the character of God. 00:04:54.539 --> 00:04:56.959 In his special concern for the poor and the needy. 00:04:58.419 --> 00:05:01.479 I don't think you can read your Bible for very long without realizing that. 00:05:02.759 --> 00:05:05.819 That God is full of compassion for the poor and the needy. 00:05:05.819 --> 00:05:11.819 You see that in the marvelous revelation of God to Moses on Mount Sinai. 00:05:12.399 --> 00:05:15.459 So if you've got a Bible with you, let's jump around a little bit. 00:05:15.480 --> 00:05:17.279 If you haven't got a Bible, just run out and grab one. 00:05:17.819 --> 00:05:19.019 But let's jump around the Bible. 00:05:19.060 --> 00:05:21.180 Let's look at Exodus 34, verses 6 and 7. 00:05:22.519 --> 00:05:24.500 And how does God describe himself to Moses? 00:05:24.879 --> 00:05:29.920 So when Moses went in before the Lord in Exodus 34, verses 6 and 7, 00:05:30.860 --> 00:05:32.579 he went before the Lord to speak with him. 00:05:32.579 --> 00:05:38.159 And when he came out, he told the people of Israel what was commanded. 00:05:39.779 --> 00:05:42.899 The people of Israel see the voice of the Lord. 00:05:43.479 --> 00:05:44.120 They see the face. 00:05:44.199 --> 00:05:44.539 No, sorry. 00:05:44.959 --> 00:05:47.019 It's 34, verses 6 and 7. 00:05:47.099 --> 00:05:48.620 I'm reading from 34, 6. 00:05:49.919 --> 00:05:51.759 Actually, it's 34, verses 6 and 7. 00:05:51.839 --> 00:05:56.459 So the Lord passed before Moses and proclaimed the Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, 00:05:57.759 --> 00:06:00.719 slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 00:06:00.720 --> 00:06:07.140 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin. 00:06:08.940 --> 00:06:11.060 And that's something that's picked up on again and again. 00:06:11.120 --> 00:06:15.260 You'll see that description of who God is that is given to Moses that again and again. 00:06:16.240 --> 00:06:19.180 So the psalmist picks it up. 00:06:19.240 --> 00:06:22.920 It's something which God is praised for over and over and over again. 00:06:22.920 --> 00:06:24.520 So look with me at Psalm 68. 00:06:25.000 --> 00:06:26.379 Why are we to praise God? 00:06:26.939 --> 00:06:27.620 Psalm 68. 00:06:33.500 --> 00:06:34.520 68, verse 4. 00:06:34.920 --> 00:06:35.660 Sing to God. 00:06:36.240 --> 00:06:36.879 It's a command. 00:06:37.060 --> 00:06:38.060 It's not an optional extra. 00:06:38.900 --> 00:06:40.180 Sing praises to his name. 00:06:40.560 --> 00:06:41.700 You've got a duty to sing. 00:06:43.120 --> 00:06:44.300 Lift up a song to him. 00:06:44.540 --> 00:06:45.639 Ride through the decrees. 00:06:45.920 --> 00:06:46.740 His name is the Lord. 00:06:46.860 --> 00:06:47.439 Exalt before him. 00:06:47.580 --> 00:06:47.879 Why? 00:06:47.879 --> 00:06:51.279 Because he's the father of the fatherless. 00:06:52.699 --> 00:06:54.300 And he's the protector of widows. 00:06:57.019 --> 00:06:58.939 Is God in his holy habitation. 00:07:00.680 --> 00:07:01.659 Go a few psalms later. 00:07:01.740 --> 00:07:02.699 Go to Psalm 146. 00:07:04.459 --> 00:07:05.600 And what are we told there? 00:07:07.899 --> 00:07:10.019 We're told in Psalm 146, verse 7, 00:07:10.100 --> 00:07:12.500 that the Lord watches over the sojourners, the travelers. 00:07:12.500 --> 00:07:15.759 He upholds the widows and the fatherless. 00:07:16.639 --> 00:07:18.259 But the way of the wicked he brings to ruin. 00:07:20.360 --> 00:07:22.519 And so all these different categories of needy people. 00:07:22.579 --> 00:07:23.779 And how does the Lord feel about them? 00:07:24.579 --> 00:07:25.899 And what does the Lord do for them? 00:07:25.939 --> 00:07:26.720 He cares for them. 00:07:26.920 --> 00:07:29.120 And he provides for them in every way. 00:07:30.899 --> 00:07:36.319 And this care of the needy, particularly within his church, 00:07:36.360 --> 00:07:38.439 is delegated to the covenant community. 00:07:38.439 --> 00:07:42.560 It is commanded to God's people. 00:07:43.839 --> 00:07:45.879 So let's go back to Deuteronomy chapter 15. 00:07:48.600 --> 00:07:49.819 And what do you see there? 00:07:51.579 --> 00:07:55.659 In Deuteronomy chapter 15, he says in verse 9, 00:07:58.240 --> 00:08:02.120 not in verse 9, verse 11, 00:08:04.220 --> 00:08:04.939 he says, 00:08:05.079 --> 00:08:07.720 for they will never cease to be poor in the land. 00:08:08.439 --> 00:08:10.879 Therefore I command you, 00:08:12.040 --> 00:08:15.199 you shall open wide your hand to your brother, 00:08:16.139 --> 00:08:19.779 to the needy, and to the poor in your land. 00:08:21.839 --> 00:08:26.659 And so God made abundant provision for the poor in his law. 00:08:27.920 --> 00:08:30.699 For the widows, for the orphans, for the foreigners. 00:08:31.300 --> 00:08:33.919 For all those different classes of needy people 00:08:33.919 --> 00:08:36.460 who would come within the borders of Israel. 00:08:36.460 --> 00:08:43.920 He didn't do it by giving freebies, if I can put it like that. 00:08:45.080 --> 00:08:47.139 It doesn't seem to me in the New Testament, as you read it, 00:08:47.180 --> 00:08:51.740 that there is ever just goods or money just given. 00:08:53.220 --> 00:08:56.820 I think that's partly to do with the creation mandate of work. 00:08:56.820 --> 00:08:59.480 And work is a good thing. 00:09:00.180 --> 00:09:01.940 And work should be rewarded. 00:09:02.780 --> 00:09:05.220 So the most obvious example of that is Ruth, isn't it? 00:09:06.379 --> 00:09:08.300 You know the gleaning law, do you remember that? 00:09:08.299 --> 00:09:11.879 The owners of the fields, 00:09:13.179 --> 00:09:14.679 they were not to, 00:09:15.859 --> 00:09:18.759 as they went round and they gleaned and picked up the corn, 00:09:18.939 --> 00:09:21.639 they were to leave the bits in the corner. 00:09:22.559 --> 00:09:23.919 Or if they missed a bit, 00:09:24.759 --> 00:09:28.179 they were to go back and kind of make sure that they hoovered absolutely everything. 00:09:28.620 --> 00:09:33.479 They were to leave the produce that was initially missed by the harvest. 00:09:33.480 --> 00:09:37.200 They went to go round a second and a third time 00:09:37.200 --> 00:09:40.279 and make sure they picked up every last bit of grain. 00:09:41.279 --> 00:09:41.820 Why not? 00:09:41.899 --> 00:09:45.360 Because there was provision so that the poor and the needy 00:09:45.360 --> 00:09:49.420 could come and work and gather it and provide for themselves 00:09:49.420 --> 00:09:51.560 without having to receive a handout, 00:09:52.600 --> 00:09:54.320 without being dependent on charity. 00:09:54.320 --> 00:09:56.440 And that is typical of God's law. 00:09:59.780 --> 00:10:03.680 So in God's law, interest was not to be charged on the poor. 00:10:05.060 --> 00:10:07.120 If they took out a loan, 00:10:07.260 --> 00:10:09.240 interest wasn't to be charged on the loan 00:10:09.240 --> 00:10:12.060 so that people didn't profit from others' misfortune. 00:10:12.520 --> 00:10:16.340 And so when you had to give a coat or a millstone of security for a loan, 00:10:16.700 --> 00:10:19.480 it was to be given back the moment that you needed it. 00:10:20.940 --> 00:10:24.260 And all of that was written into God's law for God's people. 00:10:25.320 --> 00:10:28.040 And why was it written into God's law for God's people? 00:10:28.140 --> 00:10:30.260 Because God cared for the poor and the needy. 00:10:31.780 --> 00:10:33.360 And the Old Testament prophets, 00:10:33.480 --> 00:10:36.640 they rebuke God's people over and over and over again 00:10:36.640 --> 00:10:37.800 because they failed to do this. 00:10:38.940 --> 00:10:41.040 Because they didn't care for the poor and the needy. 00:10:42.620 --> 00:10:44.220 And so come with me to Isaiah chapter 58. 00:10:46.160 --> 00:10:48.220 Isaiah 58 and verses 6 and 7. 00:10:52.180 --> 00:10:54.240 Where Isaiah says this, and God says this, 00:10:54.240 --> 00:10:56.799 Is not this the fast that I choose? 00:10:56.860 --> 00:10:58.899 To loose the bonds of wickedness? 00:10:59.899 --> 00:11:01.740 To undo the straps of the yoke? 00:11:01.840 --> 00:11:03.419 To let the oppressed grow free? 00:11:03.840 --> 00:11:05.259 And to break every yoke? 00:11:05.259 --> 00:11:10.000 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry? 00:11:11.220 --> 00:11:13.279 And bring the homeless poor into your house? 00:11:14.360 --> 00:11:16.080 And when you see the naked to cover him, 00:11:16.279 --> 00:11:18.159 and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? 00:11:19.960 --> 00:11:23.139 And that's fairly typical of the teaching and the preaching of the prophets. 00:11:23.139 --> 00:11:28.279 They turned God's people to God's people. 00:11:30.279 --> 00:11:32.419 And commanded them to obey God's law. 00:11:32.519 --> 00:11:35.340 God has told you to do this, so why are you not doing it? 00:11:37.740 --> 00:11:39.539 Israel was meant to be a light to the nations. 00:11:39.699 --> 00:11:43.519 They were meant to display God's gracious character of God to the nations. 00:11:43.740 --> 00:11:44.360 But we know, don't we? 00:11:44.539 --> 00:11:45.199 We saw it this morning. 00:11:45.299 --> 00:11:47.460 Over and over again, they failed to do that. 00:11:47.460 --> 00:11:49.440 And of course, that's not just something for the Old Testament. 00:11:51.440 --> 00:11:52.960 And so when you come into the New Testament, 00:11:53.100 --> 00:11:55.019 you find exactly the same concern. 00:11:55.700 --> 00:11:57.560 The famous parable of the Good Samaritan. 00:11:59.160 --> 00:12:00.160 In Luke 10. 00:12:01.920 --> 00:12:06.000 Listen to what Jesus says as he summarizes that teaching of the Good Samaritan. 00:12:07.320 --> 00:12:10.120 He says, Luke 10 and verse 36. 00:12:10.120 --> 00:12:15.580 He asked, which one of these do you think proved to be a good neighbor? 00:12:16.480 --> 00:12:18.139 To the man who fell among the poors. 00:12:18.200 --> 00:12:20.360 And he said, well, the one who showed him mercy. 00:12:21.580 --> 00:12:23.440 And Jesus said to him, you go and do likewise. 00:12:25.100 --> 00:12:27.480 You go and do what the Samaritan did. 00:12:27.779 --> 00:12:32.539 You go and care for the whole range of those who have needs. 00:12:33.539 --> 00:12:35.320 As you have opportunity to do so. 00:12:36.759 --> 00:12:38.100 We find it in Paul's letters. 00:12:38.100 --> 00:12:42.580 Galatians chapter 2 and verse 10. 00:12:45.600 --> 00:12:49.360 Only they asked us to remember the poor. 00:12:50.580 --> 00:12:51.980 The very thing I was eager to do. 00:12:53.460 --> 00:12:54.159 Good James. 00:12:56.680 --> 00:12:59.399 What do you find in James chapter 1 and verse 27? 00:13:04.100 --> 00:13:07.639 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this. 00:13:07.639 --> 00:13:09.879 To visit orphans and widows and their affliction. 00:13:10.580 --> 00:13:12.679 And to keep oneself unstained from the world. 00:13:14.139 --> 00:13:15.240 John puts it like this. 00:13:17.500 --> 00:13:19.120 In 1 John 3.17. 00:13:19.120 --> 00:13:26.879 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need. 00:13:27.620 --> 00:13:29.720 Yet closes his heart against him. 00:13:30.720 --> 00:13:32.179 How does God's love abide in him? 00:13:33.580 --> 00:13:34.299 Little children. 00:13:35.080 --> 00:13:37.220 Let us not love in word or talk. 00:13:38.039 --> 00:13:39.419 But in deed and in truth. 00:13:39.419 --> 00:13:43.719 And that's just a little sampling. 00:13:44.219 --> 00:13:45.039 We could be here all night. 00:13:46.379 --> 00:13:48.219 There are a number of verses that you and I could turn to. 00:13:48.299 --> 00:13:50.059 That make the same point over and over and over again. 00:13:50.179 --> 00:13:54.659 God's concern for the needy and the destitute amongst his people. 00:13:54.860 --> 00:13:56.879 Is everywhere in scripture. 00:13:58.819 --> 00:14:00.240 And so any church. 00:14:00.240 --> 00:14:03.980 That wants to reflect the Lord's heart. 00:14:05.500 --> 00:14:07.980 Will have an honoured and an active diaconate. 00:14:10.139 --> 00:14:11.799 Because we are to be involved. 00:14:12.360 --> 00:14:13.580 As the people of God. 00:14:13.659 --> 00:14:15.720 In acts of mercy and of compassion. 00:14:18.360 --> 00:14:19.779 That's every single one of us isn't it? 00:14:19.820 --> 00:14:20.759 As to be involved in that. 00:14:21.019 --> 00:14:23.379 But one of God's great provisions. 00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:25.820 For that work within the church. 00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:27.460 Is a functioning diaconate. 00:14:27.460 --> 00:14:31.180 And so there's the origin of the diaconate. 00:14:31.300 --> 00:14:33.500 It's kind of most general and broad level. 00:14:33.920 --> 00:14:35.840 It's in the character of God himself. 00:14:37.620 --> 00:14:39.480 God's special concern for the poor. 00:14:39.680 --> 00:14:40.700 And the needy. 00:14:40.759 --> 00:14:41.980 And particularly amongst his people. 00:14:44.220 --> 00:14:45.220 But then specifically. 00:14:45.400 --> 00:14:47.220 We find the origin of the diaconate in a crisis. 00:14:47.379 --> 00:14:48.879 So let's go to the passage that Judy read. 00:14:49.000 --> 00:14:49.879 In Acts chapter 6. 00:14:51.680 --> 00:14:52.660 And here we have. 00:14:53.320 --> 00:14:54.960 Luke's record of this crisis. 00:14:54.960 --> 00:14:56.019 In the church. 00:14:57.460 --> 00:14:58.740 It's really interesting. 00:14:58.860 --> 00:14:59.320 Chapter 5. 00:14:59.480 --> 00:15:00.560 You've got hypocrisy. 00:15:01.139 --> 00:15:03.240 And you've got opposition of the state. 00:15:03.300 --> 00:15:04.560 Which is a great threat. 00:15:05.420 --> 00:15:06.780 It's a massive threat. 00:15:07.780 --> 00:15:09.759 I think you come to Acts chapter 6. 00:15:09.920 --> 00:15:11.200 And you have a greater threat. 00:15:11.320 --> 00:15:14.139 And it's the greater threat of disunity within. 00:15:14.139 --> 00:15:16.740 And so first of all. 00:15:16.819 --> 00:15:17.480 We begin with the problem. 00:15:18.360 --> 00:15:20.199 The problem Luke begins by telling us something. 00:15:20.419 --> 00:15:22.419 That is wonderful and tremendously positive. 00:15:22.419 --> 00:15:22.799 Isn't it? 00:15:23.159 --> 00:15:24.759 Look at chapter 6 verse 1. 00:15:24.819 --> 00:15:25.500 Now in these days. 00:15:25.600 --> 00:15:27.539 When the disciples were increasing in number. 00:15:27.539 --> 00:15:28.500 That's great isn't it? 00:15:29.139 --> 00:15:30.139 Who doesn't want that? 00:15:34.139 --> 00:15:35.480 It's tremendously positive. 00:15:36.179 --> 00:15:38.360 God was adding many new people to the church. 00:15:38.360 --> 00:15:41.259 But as anybody who's been in a church like we have. 00:15:41.320 --> 00:15:42.899 We've just grown just a little bit. 00:15:43.300 --> 00:15:44.680 Growth brings with it challenges. 00:15:46.340 --> 00:15:47.600 And so look at the second half of verse 1. 00:15:48.539 --> 00:15:51.659 A complaint by the hellness arose against the Hebrews. 00:15:52.460 --> 00:15:56.680 Because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 00:15:56.679 --> 00:16:02.099 So if a widow had no family to support her. 00:16:03.039 --> 00:16:06.479 Then it was and it is the church's responsibility. 00:16:07.159 --> 00:16:08.979 To provide for material needs. 00:16:09.719 --> 00:16:10.779 That follows on doesn't it? 00:16:10.779 --> 00:16:13.099 From God's special care of widows in the Old Testament. 00:16:14.839 --> 00:16:16.099 And so we've been thinking about that. 00:16:16.179 --> 00:16:19.739 But let me give you one reference out of many. 00:16:19.799 --> 00:16:22.539 Let me give you from Exodus chapter 22 and verse 22. 00:16:23.539 --> 00:16:24.599 Where it says this. 00:16:24.600 --> 00:16:27.759 You shall not mistreat any widow. 00:16:28.620 --> 00:16:29.879 Or fatherless child. 00:16:31.820 --> 00:16:33.279 If you do mistreat them. 00:16:33.980 --> 00:16:35.500 And they cry out to me. 00:16:35.620 --> 00:16:36.920 I will surely hear their cry. 00:16:37.019 --> 00:16:38.120 And my wrath will burn. 00:16:38.200 --> 00:16:39.700 And I will kill you with the sword. 00:16:39.960 --> 00:16:41.279 And your wives shall become widows. 00:16:41.379 --> 00:16:42.500 And your children fatherless. 00:16:44.540 --> 00:16:46.500 And so that is very serious isn't it? 00:16:48.100 --> 00:16:49.540 It's something that the Lord says. 00:16:49.660 --> 00:16:50.840 I care about this. 00:16:51.779 --> 00:16:52.259 Extremely. 00:16:52.259 --> 00:16:56.100 I care about widows. 00:16:57.500 --> 00:16:58.700 And so as the church grows. 00:16:58.819 --> 00:17:00.480 And the number of widows increases. 00:17:00.799 --> 00:17:02.559 So the administrative demands. 00:17:02.639 --> 00:17:05.240 Of keeping track of all these widows increases too. 00:17:06.039 --> 00:17:07.240 Who is it that needs help? 00:17:08.379 --> 00:17:09.879 How much do they need help? 00:17:10.839 --> 00:17:12.359 When does this help need to be given? 00:17:13.660 --> 00:17:14.779 Who's going to give the help? 00:17:16.200 --> 00:17:17.339 And I think that's hard to do isn't it? 00:17:17.339 --> 00:17:19.299 That's hard to do when numbers are so large. 00:17:21.079 --> 00:17:24.299 And so 3,000 people were baptized. 00:17:24.759 --> 00:17:25.720 And added to the church. 00:17:25.720 --> 00:17:26.779 On the day of Pentecost. 00:17:27.119 --> 00:17:27.519 Start it. 00:17:29.220 --> 00:17:31.919 Acts chapter 2 and verse 47. 00:17:34.720 --> 00:17:36.319 It says praising God. 00:17:36.399 --> 00:17:37.079 They were praising God. 00:17:37.159 --> 00:17:38.799 And having favor with all the people. 00:17:38.899 --> 00:17:41.220 And the Lord added to their number daily. 00:17:41.939 --> 00:17:42.759 Day by day. 00:17:42.839 --> 00:17:43.699 Those who were being saved. 00:17:43.700 --> 00:17:47.360 Chapter 4 and verse 4. 00:17:47.539 --> 00:17:48.299 In the book of Acts. 00:17:48.680 --> 00:17:50.440 Many of those who heard the word believed. 00:17:50.559 --> 00:17:51.860 And the number of the men. 00:17:52.059 --> 00:17:52.940 That's just the men. 00:17:53.039 --> 00:17:54.100 Came to about 5,000. 00:17:58.000 --> 00:17:59.380 I expect there were some people who were saying. 00:17:59.460 --> 00:18:00.039 I wish the church. 00:18:00.299 --> 00:18:02.140 It was much nicer when it remained small. 00:18:02.140 --> 00:18:08.040 So the numbers are absolutely huge here. 00:18:10.240 --> 00:18:11.540 And there's no question. 00:18:11.660 --> 00:18:12.600 There's no question at all. 00:18:12.640 --> 00:18:14.320 That the apostles were deliberately missing out. 00:18:14.380 --> 00:18:14.880 These widows. 00:18:15.100 --> 00:18:16.460 That's what their intention was. 00:18:16.500 --> 00:18:18.540 It's just a question of growth. 00:18:21.020 --> 00:18:22.880 You could say it's a question of poor administration. 00:18:23.060 --> 00:18:23.880 And poor supervision. 00:18:24.320 --> 00:18:26.280 And some of the widows are falling through the cracks. 00:18:27.540 --> 00:18:29.000 And there are only 12 apostles. 00:18:29.000 --> 00:18:30.960 And there are many, many widows. 00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:34.180 And what made the problem worse. 00:18:34.420 --> 00:18:36.000 Is that all the widows that are being overlooked. 00:18:36.140 --> 00:18:38.640 Were part of one particular group within the church. 00:18:41.660 --> 00:18:45.680 Church in Jerusalem is made up of two main groups of Jews. 00:18:47.259 --> 00:18:49.480 In the beginning there were the Hellenist Jews. 00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:53.160 They spoke Greek. 00:18:53.880 --> 00:18:55.839 They had a Greek mindset. 00:18:56.079 --> 00:18:57.500 They had a Greek lifestyle. 00:18:57.500 --> 00:19:00.380 And most of the Hellenists were outsiders. 00:19:00.519 --> 00:19:01.779 They were immigrants to Jerusalem. 00:19:04.180 --> 00:19:06.779 There were Jews living all around the Roman Empire at that time in history. 00:19:07.160 --> 00:19:10.420 But many devout Jews would move to Jerusalem. 00:19:11.200 --> 00:19:12.319 As they grew older. 00:19:14.279 --> 00:19:16.099 As they came to the end of their life. 00:19:16.700 --> 00:19:18.799 They wanted to live in the city of God. 00:19:19.819 --> 00:19:21.480 They wanted to die in the holy city. 00:19:21.480 --> 00:19:26.259 And so that means that there's quite a lot of these Hellenist widows. 00:19:26.519 --> 00:19:28.880 Who'd come from all over the Roman Empire into Jerusalem. 00:19:30.000 --> 00:19:31.039 So there are the Hellenists. 00:19:31.140 --> 00:19:32.140 And then you've got the Hebrew Jews. 00:19:32.220 --> 00:19:33.059 The other group. 00:19:34.720 --> 00:19:35.900 And they are from Judea. 00:19:36.000 --> 00:19:37.579 They are true Hebrews. 00:19:37.900 --> 00:19:39.620 They have a thoroughly Hebrew mindset. 00:19:40.220 --> 00:19:42.759 We might call them kind of true-blooded Jews. 00:19:42.880 --> 00:19:43.200 If you want it. 00:19:44.539 --> 00:19:46.279 They're the real Jews in their own mind. 00:19:47.079 --> 00:19:48.339 Do you remember how Paul described himself? 00:19:48.440 --> 00:19:50.420 He said, I was a Hebrew of Hebrews. 00:19:50.420 --> 00:19:54.080 And there's rivalry. 00:19:54.320 --> 00:19:57.380 And there's a bit of tension between these two groups in Judaism. 00:19:57.519 --> 00:19:59.279 And so these old fault lines. 00:20:00.240 --> 00:20:01.480 From the past. 00:20:02.340 --> 00:20:03.759 Are still present in the church. 00:20:05.940 --> 00:20:06.800 And the devil. 00:20:07.140 --> 00:20:08.480 He seeks to kind of. 00:20:09.539 --> 00:20:10.660 Expand that fault line. 00:20:11.500 --> 00:20:12.320 That's exactly what he does. 00:20:12.940 --> 00:20:14.420 There's an oversight and neglect. 00:20:15.180 --> 00:20:17.000 There's a mistake on the part of the apostles. 00:20:17.640 --> 00:20:20.140 And it gives rise to what Luke says. 00:20:20.140 --> 00:20:21.060 In Acts 6. 00:20:21.280 --> 00:20:21.940 Can you see it? 00:20:22.240 --> 00:20:22.860 A complaint. 00:20:23.640 --> 00:20:24.340 It's a really. 00:20:27.040 --> 00:20:27.440 Poor. 00:20:27.680 --> 00:20:28.400 I think translation. 00:20:31.600 --> 00:20:32.000 Murmuring. 00:20:32.780 --> 00:20:33.860 Is a better translation. 00:20:35.220 --> 00:20:35.620 Grumbling. 00:20:36.820 --> 00:20:38.100 That's the literal word. 00:20:39.040 --> 00:20:39.400 Grumbling. 00:20:39.400 --> 00:20:40.040 Grumbling. 00:20:41.720 --> 00:20:42.080 Murmuring. 00:20:42.080 --> 00:20:43.120 Murmuring is an ominous word. 00:20:43.180 --> 00:20:43.360 Isn't it? 00:20:45.759 --> 00:20:46.920 So let me say this. 00:20:46.980 --> 00:20:48.480 Grumbling is never a good word in the Bible. 00:20:51.040 --> 00:20:52.700 Because you've heard about grumbling before. 00:20:52.780 --> 00:20:52.920 I knew. 00:20:53.000 --> 00:20:53.640 In the Old Testament. 00:20:55.300 --> 00:20:56.320 When the Israelites. 00:20:56.800 --> 00:20:57.000 And. 00:20:57.540 --> 00:20:58.220 Had come out. 00:20:58.460 --> 00:20:58.800 Of the. 00:20:59.500 --> 00:21:00.300 Land of Israel. 00:21:00.460 --> 00:21:01.160 And were in the wilderness. 00:21:01.440 --> 00:21:01.960 And they. 00:21:02.300 --> 00:21:02.900 What did they do? 00:21:03.540 --> 00:21:04.080 They grumbled. 00:21:04.079 --> 00:21:06.460 They murmured. 00:21:08.099 --> 00:21:09.240 And they grumbled against God. 00:21:09.439 --> 00:21:11.119 That's the connotations this word has. 00:21:13.019 --> 00:21:14.299 And so these members of the church. 00:21:14.379 --> 00:21:14.839 In Acts 6. 00:21:15.059 --> 00:21:16.539 They may have had a legitimate complaint. 00:21:17.220 --> 00:21:18.139 But they're dealing with it. 00:21:18.220 --> 00:21:19.339 In a very ungodly way. 00:21:20.679 --> 00:21:21.720 They murmur. 00:21:22.720 --> 00:21:24.079 Against the leaders of the church. 00:21:24.079 --> 00:21:28.960 And that's something that I see in churches. 00:21:28.960 --> 00:21:29.859 All around. 00:21:30.259 --> 00:21:30.619 Today. 00:21:30.740 --> 00:21:31.279 Again and again. 00:21:33.199 --> 00:21:35.199 And so people have got a legitimate issue. 00:21:35.199 --> 00:21:35.819 About something. 00:21:36.519 --> 00:21:37.500 A legitimate issue. 00:21:37.599 --> 00:21:38.019 About something. 00:21:38.119 --> 00:21:39.199 There is a real problem. 00:21:39.279 --> 00:21:39.939 And a real problem. 00:21:39.939 --> 00:21:41.399 That needs to be addressed. 00:21:42.319 --> 00:21:44.099 It's right for it to be raised. 00:21:44.699 --> 00:21:45.659 But instead of raising it. 00:21:45.740 --> 00:21:47.179 Openly to the leaders of the church. 00:21:47.240 --> 00:21:48.099 With the elders of the church. 00:21:48.199 --> 00:21:48.559 People. 00:21:50.599 --> 00:21:50.960 Grumble. 00:21:50.960 --> 00:21:54.180 And they moan about it. 00:21:54.220 --> 00:21:55.220 Behind the elders back. 00:21:56.519 --> 00:21:57.519 And down the phone. 00:21:59.340 --> 00:22:01.279 An ill feeling is spread. 00:22:01.620 --> 00:22:03.059 Like a virus. 00:22:04.579 --> 00:22:06.039 To anybody that will listen. 00:22:08.500 --> 00:22:09.340 Anyone that will listen. 00:22:09.420 --> 00:22:10.039 And be sympathetic. 00:22:11.700 --> 00:22:12.660 And give them a hearing. 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:14.840 And so Acts 6. 00:22:14.900 --> 00:22:15.019 One. 00:22:15.120 --> 00:22:15.740 It was a problem. 00:22:15.860 --> 00:22:16.920 It is a problem now. 00:22:18.880 --> 00:22:19.860 And it's a real problem. 00:22:19.859 --> 00:22:21.240 The widows are being neglected. 00:22:21.939 --> 00:22:23.000 There's no question about that. 00:22:24.579 --> 00:22:25.819 And the widows being neglected. 00:22:25.979 --> 00:22:27.919 Are particularly vulnerable widows. 00:22:28.219 --> 00:22:28.799 These immigrants. 00:22:28.919 --> 00:22:30.459 They don't have a big family network. 00:22:30.459 --> 00:22:30.879 In Jerusalem. 00:22:31.039 --> 00:22:32.099 They don't have people on hand. 00:22:32.139 --> 00:22:32.659 To care for them. 00:22:33.059 --> 00:22:34.179 And so what are the apostles going to do? 00:22:35.919 --> 00:22:37.379 If they give their time. 00:22:37.519 --> 00:22:38.759 To ensure that this work. 00:22:38.839 --> 00:22:39.539 Is done properly. 00:22:39.699 --> 00:22:40.119 Then it means. 00:22:40.219 --> 00:22:42.139 They will not have any time. 00:22:42.959 --> 00:22:43.799 For prayer. 00:22:43.939 --> 00:22:44.740 And the ministry of the word. 00:22:45.959 --> 00:22:47.199 And that will hamstring. 00:22:47.740 --> 00:22:48.899 Restrict the church's growth. 00:22:49.859 --> 00:22:51.099 And that brings us. 00:22:51.279 --> 00:22:51.659 From the problem. 00:22:51.759 --> 00:22:52.199 To the principle. 00:22:52.319 --> 00:22:52.619 Verse 2. 00:22:53.519 --> 00:22:55.099 How did the apostles deal with this problem? 00:22:56.479 --> 00:22:57.179 Well what they do. 00:22:57.240 --> 00:22:59.039 Is they clarify for themselves. 00:22:59.259 --> 00:22:59.740 And the church. 00:22:59.819 --> 00:23:00.459 The priorities. 00:23:02.039 --> 00:23:03.099 What's the principle at stake? 00:23:03.139 --> 00:23:04.299 It's there at the end of verse 2. 00:23:04.500 --> 00:23:04.859 They said. 00:23:04.959 --> 00:23:05.719 It is not right. 00:23:05.779 --> 00:23:06.799 That we should give up. 00:23:06.879 --> 00:23:07.879 Preaching the word of God. 00:23:07.939 --> 00:23:08.699 To serve tables. 00:23:11.500 --> 00:23:11.979 Now again. 00:23:12.019 --> 00:23:12.979 Don't misunderstand this. 00:23:13.019 --> 00:23:13.219 All right. 00:23:13.240 --> 00:23:14.339 Do not misunderstand this. 00:23:14.339 --> 00:23:15.819 This is not saying. 00:23:16.740 --> 00:23:17.459 That the. 00:23:17.799 --> 00:23:18.240 The. 00:23:18.720 --> 00:23:20.059 Serving at tables. 00:23:20.480 --> 00:23:22.299 The distribution of money. 00:23:22.639 --> 00:23:23.439 Or food. 00:23:23.619 --> 00:23:24.980 Or clothing to widows. 00:23:26.159 --> 00:23:27.439 It is not suggesting. 00:23:27.559 --> 00:23:29.159 That that's a second class thing. 00:23:31.980 --> 00:23:32.879 They're not suggesting. 00:23:33.039 --> 00:23:33.740 That it should stop. 00:23:35.399 --> 00:23:36.179 All they're doing. 00:23:36.240 --> 00:23:36.619 Is they're saying. 00:23:36.819 --> 00:23:38.119 We can't be responsible for it. 00:23:39.439 --> 00:23:40.319 And they're not saying that. 00:23:40.399 --> 00:23:41.159 Because they're lazy. 00:23:41.480 --> 00:23:42.000 They're not saying that. 00:23:42.039 --> 00:23:43.179 Because they want to get out of the work. 00:23:44.859 --> 00:23:45.799 They're not saying that. 00:23:45.839 --> 00:23:47.559 Because they are so high and mighty. 00:23:47.679 --> 00:23:48.639 And they are apostles. 00:23:49.179 --> 00:23:50.480 They couldn't possibly do something. 00:23:50.559 --> 00:23:51.139 So demeaning. 00:23:52.539 --> 00:23:53.720 As look after old women. 00:23:54.059 --> 00:23:54.839 That's not what they're saying. 00:23:56.859 --> 00:23:57.939 These are the same men. 00:23:57.980 --> 00:23:59.079 Who were in the upper room. 00:24:00.339 --> 00:24:02.059 When they saw the son of God. 00:24:02.159 --> 00:24:03.079 Get up from the table. 00:24:03.079 --> 00:24:04.539 And take a towel. 00:24:05.899 --> 00:24:07.099 Wrap it around his waist. 00:24:07.299 --> 00:24:08.519 And wash his disciples feet. 00:24:10.179 --> 00:24:11.500 And he explains to them. 00:24:11.559 --> 00:24:12.740 That he was setting them. 00:24:12.799 --> 00:24:13.379 An example. 00:24:14.339 --> 00:24:15.379 For them to follow. 00:24:17.779 --> 00:24:19.359 And so I think the principle here. 00:24:19.459 --> 00:24:20.919 Is faithfully doing. 00:24:21.099 --> 00:24:22.699 The work that God has given you to do. 00:24:24.319 --> 00:24:25.439 The work must be done. 00:24:26.500 --> 00:24:28.159 The widows must be cared for. 00:24:28.259 --> 00:24:29.279 But the apostles can't do it. 00:24:30.639 --> 00:24:32.059 Because if they do. 00:24:32.279 --> 00:24:34.259 They're not going to be able to carry out. 00:24:34.339 --> 00:24:36.099 The primary work. 00:24:36.519 --> 00:24:38.019 That God has given them to do. 00:24:38.119 --> 00:24:38.720 Of prayer. 00:24:38.859 --> 00:24:39.740 And ministry of the word. 00:24:39.740 --> 00:24:42.460 And so they have a proposal. 00:24:45.099 --> 00:24:45.819 The problem. 00:24:46.319 --> 00:24:46.839 The principle. 00:24:47.019 --> 00:24:47.620 And the proposal. 00:24:49.460 --> 00:24:50.220 And I think again. 00:24:50.299 --> 00:24:50.740 It's just. 00:24:51.539 --> 00:24:51.859 Worth. 00:24:52.359 --> 00:24:53.039 Seeing that. 00:24:54.620 --> 00:24:55.700 As some people read. 00:24:56.180 --> 00:24:57.039 Acts chapter 6. 00:24:57.120 --> 00:24:57.259 They say. 00:24:57.259 --> 00:24:57.400 Listen. 00:24:57.460 --> 00:24:58.380 All I'm going to do as a minister. 00:24:58.460 --> 00:24:58.900 Is pray. 00:24:59.120 --> 00:25:00.000 And read God's word. 00:25:00.120 --> 00:25:00.779 And preach God's word. 00:25:00.839 --> 00:25:02.200 That's all my issue. 00:25:02.420 --> 00:25:03.160 That's all I'm going to do. 00:25:04.000 --> 00:25:04.820 Anything else. 00:25:05.040 --> 00:25:06.160 Is over to you. 00:25:06.240 --> 00:25:07.500 I don't think that's right. 00:25:08.860 --> 00:25:10.279 I think that neglects. 00:25:10.880 --> 00:25:12.040 I think that neglects. 00:25:12.060 --> 00:25:13.680 The biblical theme of oversight. 00:25:13.900 --> 00:25:14.140 And so. 00:25:14.279 --> 00:25:15.279 What you see here. 00:25:15.340 --> 00:25:16.259 Is they come up with a proposal. 00:25:16.420 --> 00:25:17.860 I cannot believe. 00:25:18.200 --> 00:25:18.800 That that proposal. 00:25:18.980 --> 00:25:20.140 Was easy to come up with. 00:25:21.960 --> 00:25:22.840 I can't imagine. 00:25:22.840 --> 00:25:23.540 That they had a kind of. 00:25:23.660 --> 00:25:24.300 Blinding light. 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:24.560 And thought. 00:25:24.620 --> 00:25:25.519 Oh well this is the obvious way. 00:25:25.600 --> 00:25:26.660 They had to work it through. 00:25:27.300 --> 00:25:28.080 The same way the church leaders. 00:25:28.140 --> 00:25:29.100 Have to work things through today. 00:25:30.060 --> 00:25:30.880 So the proposal. 00:25:32.000 --> 00:25:32.759 Is the apostles. 00:25:32.759 --> 00:25:34.039 With God's authority. 00:25:34.039 --> 00:25:34.879 As his ambassadors. 00:25:35.079 --> 00:25:35.539 They suggest. 00:25:35.619 --> 00:25:36.879 That a new class of minister. 00:25:36.980 --> 00:25:37.599 Be instituted. 00:25:39.140 --> 00:25:39.539 Now. 00:25:39.759 --> 00:25:40.180 You need to see. 00:25:40.240 --> 00:25:41.420 They're not called deacons here. 00:25:42.920 --> 00:25:43.420 In fact. 00:25:43.460 --> 00:25:44.379 They're not called anything here. 00:25:46.460 --> 00:25:47.799 And there are some issues. 00:25:47.799 --> 00:25:48.480 With saying. 00:25:48.680 --> 00:25:49.900 This is the passage. 00:25:49.900 --> 00:25:51.319 Which shows us how deacons operate. 00:25:51.319 --> 00:25:53.180 There are problems with that. 00:25:53.279 --> 00:25:53.879 Because later on. 00:25:53.940 --> 00:25:54.759 Philip starts preaching. 00:25:55.000 --> 00:25:56.619 And it's a little bit more fluid. 00:25:56.740 --> 00:25:57.339 Than that. 00:25:58.759 --> 00:26:00.099 But what it does show us here. 00:26:00.180 --> 00:26:00.940 Is that the verb. 00:26:01.279 --> 00:26:01.879 To deacon. 00:26:01.880 --> 00:26:03.000 Is used. 00:26:05.320 --> 00:26:05.920 The word. 00:26:06.060 --> 00:26:07.060 The verb to deacon. 00:26:07.200 --> 00:26:07.860 Is used here. 00:26:08.900 --> 00:26:09.920 To describe the work. 00:26:09.960 --> 00:26:10.780 That these men are going to do. 00:26:10.880 --> 00:26:11.040 So. 00:26:11.320 --> 00:26:12.180 The people are to choose. 00:26:12.240 --> 00:26:12.920 Seven men. 00:26:13.080 --> 00:26:13.940 Who've got the gifts. 00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:14.700 And the qualifications. 00:26:15.200 --> 00:26:16.160 For this important work. 00:26:16.340 --> 00:26:17.640 And they'll be given the work. 00:26:18.440 --> 00:26:19.460 And when they understand. 00:26:19.600 --> 00:26:20.280 What the work is. 00:26:20.360 --> 00:26:21.440 The apostles at that point. 00:26:21.500 --> 00:26:22.580 Can forget all about it. 00:26:23.860 --> 00:26:25.100 Knowing that it's in good hands. 00:26:25.160 --> 00:26:26.040 It's a brilliant solution. 00:26:26.039 --> 00:26:28.599 It's a fitting solution. 00:26:30.079 --> 00:26:31.559 And so the ministry of mercy. 00:26:31.559 --> 00:26:32.659 Is not neglected. 00:26:33.279 --> 00:26:34.680 It's being properly organized. 00:26:36.379 --> 00:26:38.019 And God's concern. 00:26:38.019 --> 00:26:38.639 For the poor. 00:26:38.740 --> 00:26:39.480 And the needy. 00:26:39.480 --> 00:26:40.740 Is being expressed. 00:26:40.740 --> 00:26:41.980 Within the church. 00:26:42.480 --> 00:26:44.319 And these two permanent offices. 00:26:44.319 --> 00:26:45.740 Of elder and deacon. 00:26:45.740 --> 00:26:49.000 And they reflect the way. 00:26:49.140 --> 00:26:50.519 That God has created human beings. 00:26:50.519 --> 00:26:50.960 I think. 00:26:52.019 --> 00:26:53.460 It's why I chose to speak. 00:26:53.660 --> 00:26:54.200 To the children. 00:26:54.880 --> 00:26:56.180 That we have two parts. 00:26:56.960 --> 00:26:57.660 To a human person. 00:26:57.799 --> 00:26:58.339 There is body. 00:26:58.539 --> 00:26:59.059 And soul. 00:27:00.059 --> 00:27:01.039 There is physical. 00:27:01.259 --> 00:27:01.880 And spiritual. 00:27:02.720 --> 00:27:04.180 And they both matter. 00:27:05.579 --> 00:27:06.400 And God. 00:27:06.559 --> 00:27:07.440 Wonderfully provides. 00:27:07.519 --> 00:27:08.039 For both. 00:27:08.120 --> 00:27:09.039 Within his church. 00:27:09.279 --> 00:27:10.039 He provides. 00:27:10.259 --> 00:27:10.680 For us. 00:27:10.740 --> 00:27:12.000 As whole persons. 00:27:12.299 --> 00:27:12.839 Isn't that great? 00:27:12.839 --> 00:27:15.779 He does not relate to you. 00:27:15.779 --> 00:27:17.559 As a disembodied soul. 00:27:18.059 --> 00:27:18.799 As if the body. 00:27:18.959 --> 00:27:19.519 Doesn't matter. 00:27:19.819 --> 00:27:20.299 And the church. 00:27:20.299 --> 00:27:21.559 Must never separate. 00:27:21.599 --> 00:27:22.699 What God has put together. 00:27:23.159 --> 00:27:23.819 It's a mistake. 00:27:23.819 --> 00:27:24.639 That the church does. 00:27:24.639 --> 00:27:25.199 Again. 00:27:25.379 --> 00:27:25.779 And again. 00:27:25.879 --> 00:27:26.299 And again. 00:27:27.659 --> 00:27:28.659 I find myself. 00:27:28.839 --> 00:27:29.480 Doing it all the time. 00:27:29.579 --> 00:27:30.039 I find myself. 00:27:30.099 --> 00:27:30.939 Praying that souls. 00:27:31.159 --> 00:27:32.000 Will be saved. 00:27:34.899 --> 00:27:35.319 Now. 00:27:35.419 --> 00:27:36.319 You know what I mean. 00:27:36.379 --> 00:27:36.659 Don't you? 00:27:37.599 --> 00:27:37.799 But. 00:27:38.220 --> 00:27:39.240 There's not such thing. 00:27:39.279 --> 00:27:40.059 As a soul. 00:27:40.220 --> 00:27:41.359 Without a body. 00:27:41.359 --> 00:27:43.479 In our world. 00:27:46.679 --> 00:27:47.779 As if the only thing. 00:27:47.879 --> 00:27:48.240 That matters. 00:27:48.339 --> 00:27:48.899 Is their soul. 00:27:48.939 --> 00:27:49.419 And these people. 00:27:49.559 --> 00:27:50.139 Have no care. 00:27:50.199 --> 00:27:50.719 For the body. 00:27:51.359 --> 00:27:52.319 Show no concern. 00:27:52.319 --> 00:27:52.839 For the body. 00:27:52.879 --> 00:27:53.479 And think the body. 00:27:53.479 --> 00:27:54.179 Doesn't matter. 00:27:54.899 --> 00:27:55.879 And don't speak about. 00:27:56.099 --> 00:27:56.459 Living. 00:27:56.899 --> 00:27:58.439 Under Christ's lordship. 00:27:58.519 --> 00:27:59.179 In your body. 00:27:59.299 --> 00:28:00.199 In this life. 00:28:01.039 --> 00:28:01.639 Paul talks about. 00:28:01.719 --> 00:28:02.399 Glorify God. 00:28:02.459 --> 00:28:03.099 In your body. 00:28:07.099 --> 00:28:07.619 And then. 00:28:07.699 --> 00:28:08.099 On the other hand. 00:28:08.139 --> 00:28:08.599 There are Christians. 00:28:08.799 --> 00:28:09.979 That neglect the soul. 00:28:10.059 --> 00:28:10.319 Don't they? 00:28:10.319 --> 00:28:13.399 That speak. 00:28:13.899 --> 00:28:15.079 On and on and on. 00:28:15.139 --> 00:28:16.059 About social justice. 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:17.039 They talk about. 00:28:17.159 --> 00:28:17.700 Caring for the poor. 00:28:17.799 --> 00:28:18.359 They talk about. 00:28:18.439 --> 00:28:18.819 The widows. 00:28:18.919 --> 00:28:19.659 The orphans. 00:28:20.439 --> 00:28:21.119 But actually. 00:28:21.299 --> 00:28:22.240 Never get to the point. 00:28:22.359 --> 00:28:23.059 Of speaking. 00:28:23.139 --> 00:28:23.879 Of the great need. 00:28:23.899 --> 00:28:24.500 Of humanity. 00:28:25.079 --> 00:28:25.579 The gospel. 00:28:26.859 --> 00:28:27.599 Of teaching. 00:28:27.700 --> 00:28:28.259 And evangelism. 00:28:28.259 --> 00:28:28.799 And prayer. 00:28:29.899 --> 00:28:30.439 And so it's not meant. 00:28:30.439 --> 00:28:31.359 To be one or the other. 00:28:31.720 --> 00:28:32.439 God has put both. 00:28:32.519 --> 00:28:33.179 These things together. 00:28:34.439 --> 00:28:35.200 And we are meant. 00:28:35.240 --> 00:28:36.220 To care for both. 00:28:36.220 --> 00:28:39.579 And so within the church. 00:28:39.740 --> 00:28:40.779 Amongst God's people. 00:28:41.680 --> 00:28:42.360 The elders. 00:28:42.920 --> 00:28:43.640 If I can say. 00:28:43.720 --> 00:28:44.819 Look after the soul. 00:28:45.460 --> 00:28:46.539 The deacons care for the body. 00:28:48.819 --> 00:28:49.440 And that way. 00:28:49.500 --> 00:28:50.360 The church is able to meet. 00:28:50.440 --> 00:28:51.420 All the needs of God's people. 00:28:51.519 --> 00:28:52.420 Somebody has put it like this. 00:28:52.700 --> 00:28:53.920 The elders are God's voice. 00:28:54.039 --> 00:28:55.360 The deacons are God's hands. 00:28:55.359 --> 00:28:59.559 Now please. 00:28:59.619 --> 00:29:00.500 Don't misunderstand me. 00:29:00.500 --> 00:29:00.879 At this point. 00:29:00.939 --> 00:29:02.099 This will be really important. 00:29:03.099 --> 00:29:04.099 It's not that the elders. 00:29:04.240 --> 00:29:05.299 Are spiritual men. 00:29:05.839 --> 00:29:06.539 And the deacons. 00:29:06.579 --> 00:29:07.299 Are practical people. 00:29:08.979 --> 00:29:10.099 It's not that you have to be. 00:29:10.279 --> 00:29:10.859 Spiritually minded. 00:29:10.859 --> 00:29:11.679 To be an elder. 00:29:11.919 --> 00:29:12.779 And well you don't have to be. 00:29:12.859 --> 00:29:13.240 Very spiritual. 00:29:13.359 --> 00:29:14.899 To be a deacon. 00:29:14.959 --> 00:29:15.359 As long as you're. 00:29:15.500 --> 00:29:16.019 Practically minded. 00:29:17.740 --> 00:29:18.459 Now the New Testament. 00:29:18.599 --> 00:29:19.099 Is really clear. 00:29:19.179 --> 00:29:19.359 Isn't it. 00:29:19.379 --> 00:29:19.899 That everyone. 00:29:20.000 --> 00:29:20.979 Who has a leadership role. 00:29:20.979 --> 00:29:22.039 In the church of Jesus Christ. 00:29:22.039 --> 00:29:23.839 Needs to be outstandingly. 00:29:24.679 --> 00:29:25.339 Spiritually minded. 00:29:25.359 --> 00:29:29.059 And so. 00:29:29.199 --> 00:29:30.139 So think of the way. 00:29:30.259 --> 00:29:31.019 That we use our money. 00:29:31.019 --> 00:29:31.500 As a church. 00:29:31.500 --> 00:29:32.439 That requires. 00:29:32.439 --> 00:29:33.459 The people who are. 00:29:33.859 --> 00:29:34.519 Involved in that. 00:29:34.619 --> 00:29:35.779 To be spiritually minded. 00:29:35.939 --> 00:29:36.839 Committed Christians. 00:29:38.339 --> 00:29:39.559 So that they will use. 00:29:39.559 --> 00:29:40.259 That money. 00:29:40.259 --> 00:29:41.319 That people are giving. 00:29:41.319 --> 00:29:41.799 To the church. 00:29:41.859 --> 00:29:43.259 In the wisest possible way. 00:29:43.299 --> 00:29:44.139 For the work of the kingdom. 00:29:45.419 --> 00:29:46.679 And not in worldly ways. 00:29:48.740 --> 00:29:49.979 And so a worldly minded. 00:29:49.979 --> 00:29:50.719 Person will see. 00:29:50.919 --> 00:29:51.339 Like what. 00:29:51.459 --> 00:29:52.240 Why are you giving. 00:29:52.439 --> 00:29:53.299 Fifteen thousand pound. 00:29:53.379 --> 00:29:54.119 Of presbytery. 00:29:54.119 --> 00:29:55.799 For other churches. 00:29:55.959 --> 00:29:57.000 And for other plants. 00:29:57.679 --> 00:29:58.379 And for the governing. 00:29:58.379 --> 00:29:59.739 Of other churches. 00:30:01.339 --> 00:30:01.699 Surely. 00:30:01.919 --> 00:30:02.759 You could use that better. 00:30:02.859 --> 00:30:03.519 Here couldn't you. 00:30:03.599 --> 00:30:04.139 In Ealing. 00:30:04.279 --> 00:30:05.059 In West Ealing. 00:30:06.079 --> 00:30:07.079 Where we would see. 00:30:07.079 --> 00:30:07.819 The good of it. 00:30:07.979 --> 00:30:08.639 And we would get. 00:30:08.699 --> 00:30:09.479 The best use of it. 00:30:09.519 --> 00:30:10.119 And we could use it. 00:30:10.159 --> 00:30:10.819 For the facilities. 00:30:12.019 --> 00:30:13.139 Why do we want to spend it. 00:30:13.139 --> 00:30:13.539 On preaching. 00:30:13.639 --> 00:30:14.479 In the back of beyond. 00:30:14.579 --> 00:30:16.079 In places that we don't go. 00:30:16.500 --> 00:30:17.279 That we'll never go. 00:30:19.539 --> 00:30:20.199 Now of course. 00:30:20.239 --> 00:30:21.299 Our deacons need to be. 00:30:21.299 --> 00:30:22.220 Outstandingly. 00:30:22.579 --> 00:30:23.460 Spiritually minded. 00:30:25.419 --> 00:30:26.099 And that's something. 00:30:26.180 --> 00:30:26.980 We'll come back to again. 00:30:27.019 --> 00:30:27.299 And again. 00:30:27.379 --> 00:30:27.779 The problem. 00:30:27.899 --> 00:30:28.319 The principle. 00:30:28.440 --> 00:30:28.899 The proposal. 00:30:29.940 --> 00:30:30.680 And then lastly. 00:30:30.759 --> 00:30:31.139 Verse seven. 00:30:31.200 --> 00:30:31.799 The progress. 00:30:31.919 --> 00:30:32.399 Can you see it? 00:30:32.720 --> 00:30:33.399 What's the result. 00:30:33.460 --> 00:30:34.480 Of this change of government? 00:30:36.059 --> 00:30:37.599 Why does church government matter? 00:30:41.680 --> 00:30:42.740 Church government matters. 00:30:42.740 --> 00:30:43.619 Because verse seven. 00:30:43.680 --> 00:30:44.279 The word of God. 00:30:44.359 --> 00:30:45.359 Continued to increase. 00:30:45.359 --> 00:30:48.259 And the number of disciples. 00:30:48.459 --> 00:30:49.459 Multiplied greatly. 00:30:50.939 --> 00:30:52.639 And a great many of the priests. 00:30:52.839 --> 00:30:53.740 Became obedient to faith. 00:30:57.939 --> 00:30:58.659 The devil. 00:30:58.859 --> 00:30:59.419 He's behind. 00:30:59.619 --> 00:30:59.979 Act six. 00:31:00.059 --> 00:31:01.279 He's trying to stop. 00:31:01.359 --> 00:31:02.419 The word of God spreading. 00:31:03.039 --> 00:31:03.939 He's tried to distract. 00:31:04.039 --> 00:31:04.659 The preachers. 00:31:05.919 --> 00:31:06.959 By piling on. 00:31:07.139 --> 00:31:08.099 All sorts of other work. 00:31:09.159 --> 00:31:10.599 And he's tried to divide. 00:31:10.740 --> 00:31:11.379 The congregation. 00:31:11.379 --> 00:31:12.599 Along the fault lines. 00:31:12.599 --> 00:31:13.240 Of Hellenist. 00:31:13.299 --> 00:31:13.859 And Hebrews. 00:31:13.859 --> 00:31:15.119 But it fails completely. 00:31:15.679 --> 00:31:16.759 And he seeks to try. 00:31:16.839 --> 00:31:17.619 To do harm. 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:18.419 To the church. 00:31:18.699 --> 00:31:19.639 But he ends up. 00:31:19.799 --> 00:31:20.659 Making the church's witness. 00:31:20.899 --> 00:31:21.319 More effective. 00:31:22.959 --> 00:31:24.179 And all the more effective. 00:31:24.179 --> 00:31:25.299 Because the preaching. 00:31:25.399 --> 00:31:25.899 Of God's word. 00:31:25.959 --> 00:31:26.479 Is reinforced. 00:31:26.599 --> 00:31:27.299 As being central. 00:31:30.719 --> 00:31:31.779 And it is supported. 00:31:32.000 --> 00:31:32.699 By the competent. 00:31:32.959 --> 00:31:33.299 Fair. 00:31:33.479 --> 00:31:33.859 Ministry. 00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:34.679 Of compassion. 00:31:36.500 --> 00:31:37.819 And so that's what we should expect. 00:31:37.819 --> 00:31:39.079 To see in our churches today. 00:31:39.079 --> 00:31:39.759 That the elders. 00:31:39.759 --> 00:31:41.039 Are freed up. 00:31:41.839 --> 00:31:43.339 And they make decisions. 00:31:43.339 --> 00:31:44.980 To free themselves up. 00:31:45.319 --> 00:31:45.679 To prayer. 00:31:45.759 --> 00:31:46.659 And the ministry of the word. 00:31:48.019 --> 00:31:49.119 And the word spreads. 00:31:49.220 --> 00:31:49.939 And the church is strengthened. 00:31:51.179 --> 00:31:52.139 And the deacons. 00:31:52.299 --> 00:31:53.899 Take care of that practical. 00:31:54.519 --> 00:31:55.519 Compassionate ministry. 00:31:55.740 --> 00:31:56.480 Within a congregation. 00:31:58.419 --> 00:31:59.319 And Luke says. 00:31:59.419 --> 00:32:00.139 A number of disciples. 00:32:00.359 --> 00:32:01.339 Increased rapidly. 00:32:01.480 --> 00:32:02.839 Including a large number of priests. 00:32:02.879 --> 00:32:03.839 Which is unexpected. 00:32:04.480 --> 00:32:05.519 And very surprising. 00:32:05.519 --> 00:32:08.220 Because at this time. 00:32:08.299 --> 00:32:09.299 There's so much persecution. 00:32:09.299 --> 00:32:10.220 Coming from the Jews. 00:32:10.400 --> 00:32:11.019 To the Christians. 00:32:12.099 --> 00:32:13.160 And here's a large number. 00:32:13.160 --> 00:32:14.039 Of Jewish leaders. 00:32:14.379 --> 00:32:15.180 Who become obedient. 00:32:15.180 --> 00:32:15.819 To the faith. 00:32:17.279 --> 00:32:18.259 And this is the first. 00:32:18.319 --> 00:32:19.500 Of six summaries. 00:32:20.500 --> 00:32:21.180 Of growth. 00:32:21.299 --> 00:32:21.940 In the book of Acts. 00:32:21.940 --> 00:32:22.799 Here in verse seven. 00:32:22.920 --> 00:32:23.559 And each one. 00:32:23.619 --> 00:32:24.759 Comes at a crucial point. 00:32:25.559 --> 00:32:26.619 In the story of the church. 00:32:28.400 --> 00:32:29.079 And so in Acts six. 00:32:29.139 --> 00:32:30.019 They reach a crossroads. 00:32:31.139 --> 00:32:32.240 And there's a problem. 00:32:32.240 --> 00:32:33.059 And the problem. 00:32:33.220 --> 00:32:34.620 Potentially could split the church. 00:32:35.380 --> 00:32:36.579 And they are grumbling. 00:32:36.579 --> 00:32:37.559 Against their leaders. 00:32:37.680 --> 00:32:38.319 And it looks like. 00:32:38.420 --> 00:32:39.740 Everything will fall apart. 00:32:39.960 --> 00:32:40.779 But the leaders. 00:32:41.039 --> 00:32:41.880 Recommit themselves. 00:32:41.980 --> 00:32:42.859 To God's priorities. 00:32:42.859 --> 00:32:44.120 And the result is growth. 00:32:45.339 --> 00:32:46.660 And blessing for the church. 00:32:48.200 --> 00:32:49.519 And unity and harmony. 00:32:49.519 --> 00:32:50.279 Amongst their members. 00:32:51.799 --> 00:32:53.079 And we need to pray earnestly. 00:32:53.240 --> 00:32:54.620 We must never take it for granted. 00:32:54.620 --> 00:32:55.319 As a congregation. 00:32:58.000 --> 00:32:58.920 Let's pray earnestly. 00:32:59.059 --> 00:33:00.519 That as we try to model. 00:33:00.740 --> 00:33:01.319 Our congregation. 00:33:01.319 --> 00:33:02.599 Along the lines. 00:33:03.000 --> 00:33:03.759 Described here. 00:33:03.859 --> 00:33:04.700 In the church of Jerusalem. 00:33:06.259 --> 00:33:07.059 What do we pray for? 00:33:07.099 --> 00:33:07.899 Wouldn't it be a wonderful thing. 00:33:07.939 --> 00:33:09.059 If we experience. 00:33:09.220 --> 00:33:10.319 The same harvest. 00:33:12.099 --> 00:33:13.740 And the word of God spread. 00:33:15.059 --> 00:33:16.659 And the number of disciples. 00:33:16.899 --> 00:33:17.899 Increased rapidly. 00:33:19.539 --> 00:33:21.039 As we seek to minister. 00:33:21.220 --> 00:33:22.579 To the full range. 00:33:22.799 --> 00:33:24.220 Of the needs of God's people. 00:33:25.919 --> 00:33:27.240 That God entrusts to us. 00:33:27.899 --> 00:33:28.559 Body and soul. 00:33:28.639 --> 00:33:29.059 Let's pray. 00:33:31.759 --> 00:33:31.899 Let's pray. 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:31.899