Serve Others in Their Suffering

June 14, 2026

Matt Nickoson

In this message from Acts 6:1–7, Pastor Matt explores how the early Church responded to a growing need by identifying and empowering Spirit-filled leaders to care for neglected widows. Rather than trying to do everything themselves, the apostles remained faithful to their specific calling while equipping others to serve where God had gifted them. The result was a stronger, healthier Church that met practical needs and continued to grow. This sermon challenges believers to discover their God-given purpose, use their gifts to serve others, and respond faithfully to the suffering and needs God has placed right in front of them.

Sermon Notes

Acts 6:1 NIV

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

Acts 6:2 NIV

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.”

Do you know why God put you here?

Mark 10:42-43 NIV

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,”

Mark 10:44-45 NIV

“And whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

James 1:27 NIV

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Proverbs 19:17 NIV

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.

Acts 6:3 NIV

“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”

Good Church Leadership continues to hand over ministry to the body of Christ.

Ephesians 4:11-12 NIV

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.

Good Church Leadership knows what it must do.

Acts 6:4 NIV

“and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

Acts 6:5 NIV

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.

Acts 6:6 NIV

They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

Good Church Leadership commissions good men and women to do good work in this world.

Acts 6:7 NIV

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.

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