Service Ministries

Let’s begin by revisiting the texts which were quoted earlier.

Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and the ministry of the word. Acts 6: 2 - 4.

The NIV version brings it to us like this. It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God, in order to wait on tables. 

We name again, the two ministries which are clearly identified in the Bible passage. There is the Ministry of Serving, or Waiting on Tables and the Ministry of the Word. We now study the Attitude, Belief and Commitment to them.

Unwavering Attitude

The attitude to these two ministries is healthy, in that both are important and are needed for life. Nevertheless, Peter is clear on which one he and the other eleven apostles will not be leaving or neglecting. He has set out before us, the Ministry of the Word and the Ministry of Waiting on Tables. The attitude of the apostles is one of pure belief.

Unchanging Belief

Their stubborn belief is that they are not to change ministries. They are to stick with that which they were doing all along. They believe that it is God’s guiding wisdom that has led them to this decisive action. Understand fully! They are not seeking the sharing of ministries, for that is not their belief. They are not advocating or suggesting people who will assist them. No! As plausible as it may sound and look, the apostles’ belief is that these ought to be two separate and distinct ministries, run by two separate bodies. They have committed themselves to the Spiritual building up of the family of believers.  

Unyielding Commitment

We only have to listen to Peter and we observe their unyielding commitment to their Master’s given commission. They made a pledge and are committed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Note how, with keen interest, when Peter names both Ministries, without anyone asking a question, he speaks their commitment. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and the ministry of the word. Acts 6: 4. There is no question about it, no yielding, and no thinking about it either. They are not just sticking to the Ministry of the Word, but they are committed to do so continually. Nonetheless, they are also committed to see that the ministry of Waiting on Tables is carried out with the same unswerving commitment.

Our attention is now turned to the above quoted words of Peter, concerning their ministry. Earlier, we took note of the fact that Peter spoke of their, ministry of the word of God. Then, a little way down, he speaks of their ministry as, prayer and the ministry of the word. Does this not beg a bit of clarification? We note that Peter is speaking of one ministry, yet he has mentioned two things. He speaks of, the Word of God and he also speaks of, prayer and the ministry of the Word. Is there anything in this to convict, challenge and change many of us? Does anything in it relate to us, in who we are and what we do for our Lord?

Tomorrow, in concluding, we will receive as our faith allows.