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#1263. How do we nurture revival? (2/5/25)

  • Writer: Matt Beaney
    Matt Beaney
  • May 2
  • 5 min read

Updated: May 3

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). Today we begin our new series, Ready and Willing, where we’ll reflect on the life of Philip.


Today, In Acts 6 we reflect on why Philip’s readiness and willingness to serve the church leads to great increase in people becoming Christians. 


You can watch this devotional below:


‘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. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.’ (Acts 6:1-7) 

Why were the number of disciples increasing?

Our text begins with the wonderful news that ‘In those days when the number of disciples was increasing.’ This was a period of revival. Firstly, I want us to reflect on why they were seeing such success?  This was a season of remarkable spiritual growth. Why was this happening?It wasn’t because everything was perfect or easy — in fact, the church was under pressure and facing challenges. But growth came because:

  • The apostles were faithfully prioritising prayer and the word of God.

  • People were coming to faith as the good news of Jesus was clearly preached.

  • The church was a place of love, generosity, and practical care for one another.

  • The Holy Spirit was powerfully at work, moving in hearts, changing lives, and multiplying disciples.

In every generation, the spread of the word and the increase of disciples happens when God’s people are faithful to the simple, powerful priorities of prayer, the Word, the Spirit and fellowship. 


ii. There was a threat to ongoing growth

Even in the midst of great spiritual breakthrough, there was a real threat to the blessing continuing. Division was beginning to stir — complaints and tensions were rising within the church family.

It’s not uncommon for times of revival to be shipwrecked on the rocks of division, neglect, and spiritual carelessness. What starts in joy and unity can quickly be undermined if we’re not watchful.

Every church, no matter how fruitful, will face seasons of challenge and spiritual opposition. The enemy loves to sow discord, distract leaders, and disrupt the work of God. That’s why spiritual warfare is so essential — we must be people of prayer, discerning and alert to the schemes of the enemy.

But notice this too: alongside prayer, practical wisdom and Spirit-led action are needed. The apostles didn’t just pray about the issue — they put a clear, godly plan in place. This reminds us that the spiritual and the practical are not in competition; they work together in God’s kingdom.

Healthy, growing churches need both fervent prayer and wise, thoughtful organisation. God often works through our Spirit-filled, faith-filled plans to protect unity and release further growth.


iii. The readiness and willingness of people to serve allow growth to continue

It would be easy to assume that nothing we do can either hinder or help a move of God — but Acts 6 reminds us that the faithfulness of God’s people matters.

Look again at verse 7:

‘So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.’

Why did growth continue? Because the apostles remained focused on prayer and the word, and because Philip and six others were ready and willing to serve.They stepped up to meet a practical need, protecting the unity of the church and freeing the apostles to stay faithful to their calling.

Their quiet, practical faithfulness wasn’t a side issue — it was part of the reason the gospel continued to spread.

When we are ready and willing to play our part — whatever that may be — the church thrives.

  • It stops division before it starts.

  • It frees others to flourish in their ministries.

  • It keeps the church healthy and open to growth.


Today, Let’s Ask Ourselves:

  • Do I esteem both planning and praying? Or do I neglect one of these? 

  • Am I willing to serve in practical ways to protect the unity and health of the church?

  • Am I alert and praying for the things that could divide or distract us from our mission?


Let’s Pray Together:

“Lord Jesus, thank You that Your Word is powerful and continues to spread today. Help me to be ready and willing to serve wherever You place me. Use my faithfulness to protect the unity of the church, support others in their calling, and see Your kingdom grow. Amen.”

Community Group Notes


1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 


2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 


3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.


4. Study and pray together


Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.


On Sunday, we began our series, 'Ready and Willing?' on the character of Philip from the New Testament. In Acts chapter six, where we first hear of Philip, we see that he was qualified to serve God’s church as one full of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, and faith.


Discussion: 

Please read Acts 6:1-7 and discuss:

  1. From Acts 6, we reflected on how Readiness + Willingness + Opportunity = Fruitfulness. Why are all of these elements essential?

  2. Why was this time of revival, beginning in Acts 2, under threat?

  3. What plan did they put into practice to keep the church healthy?

  4. How did the service of this group of leaders, including Philip, enable others to do their ministry?

  5. What are the characteristics that made Philip a good choice?

  6. How can you and I grow in these characteristics?



SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

  • Mission inspiration from the text - Is there anything from Luke 6-1-7, which teaches and inspires us in our mission and our approach to it? 

  • Share Stories – Have you had any recent experiences of Serving, Investing, or Inviting someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us. 

  • Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Discuss and pray for those you regularly engage with, including any ‘people of peace’ (* See note) in your life—those open to you and the gospel.


Let’s pray together: 

  • Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.



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