8 May 2025
The early church didn’t just need volunteers to distribute food—they needed servants whose hearts were filled with the Spirit. As Mark Penrith noted in his sermon, “They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” These seven men weren’t selected for their organizational skills alone. Their service flowed from spiritual vitality. “These 7 men bear the characteristics of deacons… their walk, their witness and their wisdom.”
Mark emphasized this crucial distinction: “The waiters are deacons, servants, ministers, of the word. Practical servants.” Their practical service was sacred because it stemmed from spiritual fullness. “The apostles and the seven weren’t competing for importance, they were collaborating for impact.” This reveals God’s design—every act of service, whether preaching or distributing food, matters when done in the Spirit’s power.
This challenges our modern approach to service. We often prioritize competence over character, efficiency over empowerment. But as Mark explained, “Just as the seven were chosen for being full of the Spirit and wisdom, our constitution must require deacons to be recognised as filled with the Holy Spirit. This ensures that practical service flows from spiritual vitality, not mere competence.”
Application: Today, approach every task—whether leading a meeting or washing dishes—as an act of Spirit-filled service. Pray Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.” Let menial tasks become worship when done with God’s strength.
Family Twist: Share stories around the dinner table of someone who served you selflessly. Discuss: How did their service reflect Christ’s love? What made their actions so meaningful?
Question for Discussion: How can we cultivate a “servant’s heart” in a culture that values status and self-promotion?
Prayer: Father, fill us with Your Spirit as we serve. Make our work an overflow of love for You. Amen.
This week’s series of blog posts have been created from Mark’s notes. Read them for additional insight into the passage.
Watch the sermon here.
This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.