Scripture to Read: Acts 6:3
God used the twelve apostles to help lead the rest of the believers to understand their role within the church and to fulfill that role. The apostles told the congregation in Acts 6:3, “Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.” The apostles clearly stated what kind of men were needed to lead the ministry to the widows so that they were fed and cared for. God led the apostles to ask for seven men. God does not tell us why He led the apostles to ask for seven men, but a possibility is that with seven men, a different man could be in charge just one day a week. God led the apostles to ask for men of good reputations. God tells us in 1 Timothy 3:7, “that the overseer (pastor) “must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” Note that without a good reputation even with those outside the church, a man can be discredited and fall into the devil’s trap. We all must make sure our reputations honor our Lord. God ensured the men they chose were “full of the Spirit and of wisdom.” If they were not full of the Spirit and God’s wisdom (James 3:17), then the alternative was that they would be full of their flesh (Galatians 5:17–18). All of these attributes must be present in us so we serve Him well.
Challenge & Application
• Why is it important to choose men in leadership who live out the attributes in Acts 6:3?
• How are you fulfilling the attributes in Acts 6:3?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!