How can we identify men "full of the Spirit and wisdom" in our church? Setting the Scene “Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.” (Acts 6:3) Key Qualities the Apostles Looked For • Full of the Spirit • Full of wisdom • Trustworthy reputation (“confirmed”) • Willing to serve a practical need in the body What “Full of the Spirit” Means Scripture never treats the Spirit’s filling as a vague feeling. It shows up in observable ways: • Consistent evidence of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). • A life submitted to Scripture (Colossians 3:16 linked with Ephesians 5:18-19). • Readiness to speak Christ-centered words (Acts 4:8, 31). • Power for humble service, not self-promotion (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Growing victory over the flesh (Romans 8:5-6, 13). Everyday Signs a Man Is Spirit-Filled • People around him experience love, joy, peace—especially in tense moments. • He treats his home as his first ministry (Ephesians 5:25-6:4). • Gratitude and worship spill out of his speech (Ephesians 5:19-20). • He willingly takes the lowest job without complaint (John 13:14-15). • When conflict rises, he aims for reconciliation, not winning (Matthew 5:9). Marks of God-Given Wisdom James 3:17 describes wisdom that is “pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, sincere.” Look for men who: • Filter decisions through God’s Word rather than personal preference (Psalm 119:105). • Seek counsel and welcome correction (Proverbs 9:9; 27:17). • Think long term, valuing eternal reward over immediate approval (Matthew 6:19-20). • Weigh words carefully; no rash promises or gossip (Proverbs 10:19). • Demonstrate discernment in gray areas—able to explain the “why,” not just the “what” (Hebrews 5:14). Practical Tests for Discernment • Observe faithfulness over time—especially in small, unseen tasks (Luke 16:10). • Check his track record at home (1 Timothy 3:4-5). A man who shepherds his family well can shepherd God’s flock. • Listen to how he speaks under pressure. Spirit and wisdom show when the heat is on (Luke 6:45). • Watch his spending and giving patterns; they reveal priorities (Matthew 6:21). • Ask those he has served—do they feel blessed, guided, protected? Steps the Church Can Take 1. Pray together for God to spotlight the men He has already prepared (Acts 13:2). 2. Invite the congregation to recommend names, but only after teaching the biblical standard. 3. Interview nominees with elders/deacons, using passages like 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 as a checklist. 4. Look for unanimous confirmation from the Spirit-filled leadership team (Acts 15:22, 28). 5. Publicly affirm and commission them so the whole body sees God’s order (Acts 6:6). The Blessing That Follows When a church recognizes men full of the Spirit and wisdom, Acts 6:7 becomes reality: “So the word of God continued to spread.” Needs are met, unity deepens, and the gospel advances with power. |
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