Lead by Example

Notes: Valor - Lead by Example
November 11, 2014
Harvest OC - Valor Mens Study
Jonathan Laurie
Acts 6

Jonathan says that he thinks satans favorite attack is probably division.

Acts 6:1-2 NKJV
[1] Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. [2] 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.

The Hellenists were the Jews that lived in Greece and spoke Greece.

The Israel Jews were always suspect of the Hellenists. We have all seen things split groups apart. It was small things that split these groups apart.

1. The men needed to have a good reputation.

In essentials unity, in all nonessentials integrity, all things charity.

2. The men needed to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:17-18 NKJV
[17] For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit produces fruit. That fruit takes months or years of walking in the faith.

Proverbs 2:6 NKJV
[6] For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

Proverbs 9:10 NKJV
[10] "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Jonathan believes a sign of the Spirit in someone's life is their growth and change.

He was talking about how seeing old friends doing the same things and how they haven't changed and are stuck in their sins.

You don't need to be a pastor or a volunteer to do ministry. If a friend or family member needs prayer, then pray for them.

Stephen had risen to a role where he was called to do more.

Acts 6:8-15 NKJV
[8] And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. [9] Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. [10] And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. [11] Then they secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God." [12] And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. [13] They also set up false witnesses who said, "This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; [14] for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us." [15] And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.

Stephen was faithful in the little things and was called to do more. These people had to lie about him.

2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT
[4] Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

He says the most blind to the Gospel can be the most religious people. It isn't usually the sinner or the drug addict that is blind.

Miracles, logics and wisdom is not enough to convert the sinner.

We do know that through Stephens death that Paul got saved and the Gospel was spread.

Our job is to fulfill the Great Commission and to let God tally the results.