Growth can Cause Problems
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | March 10 2025 | Acts 6:1-7
KEY VERSE: 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 6:1 (NIV)
MESSAGE: Growth is a sign of life, but it often comes with challenges. The number of disciples increased rapidly as many believed in Jesus as the Messiah! Some new believers had travelled to Jerusalem from foreign lands (Acts 2:5-11), so some spoke foreign languages. The needs of the Greek-speaking widows were not being met despite the believers' efforts to help all among them with needs. As the early church grew, they faced persecution, leadership struggles, and logistical challenges.
However, challenges that come with growth are not meant to break us but to shape us for greater effectiveness. God allows these difficulties to refine our character, increase our dependence on Him, and prepare us for the next level of His assignment. Instead of fearing the problems that come with growth, we should embrace them as opportunities for God to reveal His power and wisdom in our lives. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, personal growth, ministry expansion, or career advancement can bring difficulties that test our faith.
Growth without loving concern creates problems that the evil one can exploit. We must listen and respond with grace and patience to address potentially divisive problems lovingly, quickly, fairly, and wisely! The early disciples did just that; their solution to the problem is an excellent example for us today.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Have you ever encountered challenges as a result of growth in your life or ministry? Seek God's grace to equip you with wisdom and strength so that the challenges in your growth journey become opportunities for spiritual maturity.
PRAYER:
Lord, I thank You for the growth You bring into my life. Help me to see the challenges that come with it as opportunities to trust You more. May the Church be known as a family of people who love each other. Please do not let racial, cultural, socio-economic status, political, or ethnic differences divide us and allow Satan a foothold to destroy your Church and the spread of the Good News of Jesus. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 69: Numbers 1-2 — The Census and Arrangement of the Camp
DAILY word study: INCREASING The Greek word translated as "increasing" in Acts 6:1 is πληθύνομαι (plēthýnomai), meaning to multiply, abound, or grow in numbers. It is derived from "plēthos", which signifies a multitude or abundance.
In the early Church, plēthýnomai describes rapid numerical and spiritual growth. However, growth brings complexity. More people meant more needs, greater diversity, and potential conflicts. Yet, in Acts 6, we see that spiritual maturity is about handling growth with wisdom and fairness—not avoiding it. This word also appears in Acts 12:24 and Acts 19:20, where it describes how the Word of God continued to increase despite opposition.
Reflection:
Growth—whether in faith, ministry, or life—tests our ability to adapt and respond wisely. Have you ever prayed for increase but struggled when challenges arose? God allows growth not just for expansion but also for refining us. Are you embracing growth with faith and grace?
Comments