Discussion Questions:

1. Conflict and Community
In Acts 6, the early church faced internal conflict over fairness and favoritism. The sermon calls murmuring “cancerous” and points to Jesus’ call for direct reconciliation (Matthew 18).

• How do we see murmuring or quiet resentment play out in churches or relationships today?
• What might it look like to practice “telling the truth in love” in our own community?

2. Leadership and Humility
The apostles resisted the temptation to “do it all themselves” and instead empowered others “full of the Spirit and wisdom.” When have you been tempted to “move ahead” in your own strength rather than wait on God’s power?

• Why do you think it was important for the apostles to delegate this ministry rather than handle it personally?
• How can our church or small group follow that model of shared ministry and empowerment?

3. Mercy and Witness
The sermon connects acts of mercy with the growth of the gospel — that caring for physical and social needs creates fertile ground for spiritual renewal.

• How have you seen practical acts of service open hearts to the gospel?

4. Restoration and Reconciliation
The sermon described four ways sin alienates us — from God, ourselves, others, and creation — and how the church’s ministry of mercy addresses all four.

• Which of those areas of alienation (spiritual, psychological, social, physical) is most obvious to you right now?
• How might the church’s “contrast community” bring healing in that area?