Stephen and the Seven

Pray

Pray together for the group meeting, and any pressing needs within the group.

Review

Each week you’ll spend some time reviewing the previous week’s lesson. Did anything happen last week that brought the lesson to mind, and what did you learn from it?

Watch

Watch the following discussion-starter video. It’ll set the topic of discussion for the group.

Read: Acts 6:1-10. 

1. One person will first read the scripture selection in the King James Version.
2. Next, another person will read the same passages in a modern language or amplified version for more clarity such as the New Living Translation (NLT), Message Bible (MSG), New English Translation (NET), Amplified Bible (AMP), etc. We recommend using the YouVersion Bible app.

Retell

1. One person will begin retelling the scripture passage in their own words (a new person to start each week is great!) Then…
2. As a group, work together to fill in gaps and build the story. This will help us internalize and own it. Be sure everyone participates.

Discuss

Together, share around the group how the topic and scripture setting applies to your life personally. Here are some thoughts to consider for discussion… don’t let the discussion stop here, though… what questions can you ask that will help uncover God’s message?

📚Knowledge, 💡Understanding and ⚡️Wisdom

In Jerusalem.

1. 📚What was the contention between the Grecians and the Hebrews?
2. 📚What were the Apostles trying to do?
3. 💡Was it practical for the Apostles to do everything? Why would they try?
4. 💡Why would people be expecting the Apostles to serve them?

A Godly Plan.

1. 📚What was the solution that the Apostles proposed?
2. 📚Do you think the plan was inspired by God? Why or why not?
3. 📚What was the role of the people in the plan?
4. 💡Did the plan work? How do we know? Did God bless the plan?
5. ⚡️Have you ever tried to take on too much? Do you find it easy to delegate?

The Wisdom of Delegation.

1. 📚Why would God bless the delegation of ministry by the Apostles?
2. 💡If the Apostles had not delegated what may have happened?
3. 💡What do you think would have happened with Stephen if he was not given a ministry?
4. ⚡️How is delegation wise for the person delegating?
5. ⚡️How is delegating wise for the person receiving a task?
6. ⚡️Was there anything to differentiate Stephen from the others before they were called?

Seven.

1. 📚What was the criteria for the seven?
2. 💡What do we need to do to be available to minister?
3. 💡Why is it important to develop a ministry?
4. 💡Why is it important to let everyone develop a ministry?
5. ⚡️What are the signs that someone is faithful, wise and full of the Holy Ghost?
6. ⚡️Can we tell who will excel in power and wisdom before they try? Why, or why not?
7. ⚡️What can we do to order our lives to be available to minister?

Next Week…

Demon that spoke the truth – Scripture Acts 16:13-18